Twenty-twenty Vision

Ideas for writing a blog are around us.  We need only to be aware of them.  For instance, after a recent church service, there was an Annual General Meeting, an AGM.  It began with a delicious, light luncheon, and then the meeting.  People were relaxed and happy.  It was certainly a good plan.  An agenda and ballots sat by each plate.

Several Sundays previously, a similar luncheon was held.  Business was discussed but not voted upon.  This was called a Town Hall Meeting.  Intervening weeks permitted everyone to think about the decisions to be made.  One needed only to vote at the AGM.  No arguments ensued.  It was the most pleasant meeting a person could imagine.  Afterwards, people visited with one another before going home.

We’ve heard of church general meetings where people argued, complained and accused others of not doing what was expected of them.  Descriptions of the reactions to it were that their stomachs churned, and that meetings at work were more pleasant.  Here, compliments were given to volunteers in various committees and they were assured of being appreciated.  Their devotion to future work was certain.

The secret of success that makes some churches thrive, while others fail, is in the love that binds one another as it does in a loving family.  Words from Jesus make all the difference.  He said, “Love one another as I have loved you, ” “This do in remembrance of Me,” and, “In as much as you have done this for the least of my brethren, you have done it unto Me.”  His words remind us of His sacrificial love; “love beyond human understanding.”  When we remember His love for us and let it dominate a church’s business meeting, the result is wonderful.

Opportunities in a church present themselves for people to use their unique gifts to serve others.  Many useful ministries abound in a church.  They include distributing food to the needy, teaching Sunday School, managing the nursery, teaching English as a second language, supervising floor hockey, conducting a choir, leading the congregation in praise and worship, teaching a vacation Bible School, maintaining the building and its premises or making special meals on occasion.  The purposes of the church will be sustained in the community for years to come when these passionate people and those who follow them, continue to serve the Lord with the abilities He has given them.

Founding members of this church had considerable foresight.  Theirs can be compared to the excellence of having 20/20 vision, which enables a person to see the distant horizon clearly.  They designed a building to accommodate hundreds and with such fine acoustics that it has been the choice of choirs and orchestras.  They built adequate offices and many classrooms.  The recreation hall was built first and today it has countless uses; so many, that it is difficult to find a convenient time for renovations.  Its use as a fellowship hall has been extended to include community activities such as exercise classes and dinners for seniors.  Daily vacation Bible school accommodates a hundred children during the summer.  Children from the neighbourhood benefit from the expert teaching of caring people.  Young people enjoy indoor-supervised sports in this big hall that was for the church’s first few years, its sanctuary.

One would have to use his or her imagination to think of the many activities in this church and the number of devoted individuals who enable them.  Now, with the year 2020 only 9 years away, today’s committees must also have superb vision to maintain the work begun by the founders and continued.  

Those who head mid-week Bible Studies in their homes provide a ministry that is “the heart-beat of the church.”  Study of Scripture provides strength to the group, while love for one another and caring develops.  Genuine friendships are secure, knowing that Christ loves everyone implicitly.

In all, church provides a convenient place for Sunday worship, while its activities extend throughout the week, to include people who don’t ordinarily go to church.  Friendships develop with those who visit.  Frequently, there are new people who join worship services on Sunday.

God has afforded success in the work of this church, and it is attributable to the foresight comparable to 20/20 vision, of our originating members.  Their sight was so exceptional that they could see into the future, which is now ours, to bring the church’s work to the year 2020 and then beyond.  Not only is the facility outstanding, but the management has been too.  Everyone has been using his or her natural abilities to do the church’s work for the sake of others.  They still are, with their work being done as though it were for God and not for man.

At the helm, gifted pastors have been delivering God’s message from the Scripture, keeping their congregations aware that a church is based on God’s love.  They have been personable leaders, loved by their congregations and have realized that people often see things differently.  With foresight, our pastors have eliminated altercations at meetings by having differences discussed in their pastoral office.  The love of God that permeates the church is wonderfully recognized in those quiet sessions and before worship services, in which prayer is an integral part.  Our church leaders have the necessary 20/20 vision that will carry us well into the year 2020 and then beyond.