Why Does A Vision Statement Matter?

There's an old saying, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." For the church, we know where we are going; or at least we should.  However, we don't necessarily know which road to take in order to get there.  A vision statement for a church can provide that road.  Our mission, "The Great Commission", is the "WHAT".  Our vision statement becomes the "HOW".

For Canaan Baptist Church, we have had no lack of vision for the past year.  What we have lacked is a vision statement to huddle around and say "Okay, team, let's all go in this direction together."  Recently, the pastors met and labored over the topic of vision statement.  We knew it was needed but we knew it had to be something direct and to-the-point; something memorable that would be easy to communicate to one another.  After some time of talking and occassionally just sitting there staring at each other like we weren't sure if we could find this all important statement, God gave it to us.  The one statement that will drive everything we do going into the future at Canaan will be this:  "Canaan Baptist Church exists to multiply communities of Christ-followers."  After we had it, we felt pretty good; but you may be saying, "But what does it mean?" 

Stated very simply, we want to make a Christ-follower who makes a Christ-follower who makes a Christ-follower, etc.  We want to create a small group that creates a small group that creates a small group, etc.  We want to start a new congregation that starts a new congregation that starts a new congregation, etc.

No one is saved and left alone.  We want to develop saved people into true followers of Jesus Christ.  We expect them to go on to do the same for others.  Why?  Because Jesus expects that of us.  We don't just start a small group and then leave that group to just enjoy one another.  The small group is to reproduce itself as soon as possible.  Why?  Because Jesus expects us to keep reaching more people for more groups.  We don't just start a congregation and just leave it there to either grow or die.  The new congregation is expected to develp a strategy for starting other new congregations.  Why?  Because Jesus expects it of us. 

We feel that God has definitely given Canaan this vision statement.  We believe it will drive everything we do in the future.  We believe God will grow His Kingdom as we obey Him in this way.  We believe we will be called "FAITHFUL" by our Heavenly Father.  May God be glorified as He uses us to multiply communities of Christ-followers throughout the world. 

You - In Community

Dietrich Boenheoffer, in his book Life Together, writes "Sin demands to have a man by himself.  It withdraws him from the community.  The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him."  The truth that we need to understand from Boenheoffer and from the New Testament is Believers are strengthened and spiritual maturity continues when we remain in community together.

The word community can be broken down into two words: "common unity".  Therefore, a community is group of people united around a common belief system, set of values, and mission.  Followers of Jesus Christ are to be in common unity with one another.  This is very evident throughout the scriptures.  Jesus and his disciples had a common unity.  When the church was established in Acts, the believers continued to meet house to house and "had all things in common".

It is not natural for a believer to try and do life alone.  This is not God's plan for us.  We are brought together by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and we are meant to continue doing life together until He returns. Scriptures are full of "one anothers":

• Love one another (John 13:34) 
• Accept one another (Romans (15:7)
• Instruct one another (Romans 15:14
• Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
• Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)

You may have seen pictures of the giant Sequoia trees in Northern California; or maybe you have been fortunate enough to see them up close.  I would love to have the opportunity one day.  Did you know that the roots of a Sequoia tree do not go very deep at all; only about 4 feet?  Knowing that, you might wonder how such large trees can continue to stand tall and not be toppled by storms.  The key is what the Sequoia is doing underground.  The Sequoias will essentially hold hands and strengthen one another.  Of course I know that trees don't have hands, but don't tell the Sequoia.  They intertwine their roots and strengthen one another so that they can stand strong together.  You will never find a Sequoia growing alone.  That is the secret to their strength; community. 

We need one another just like the Sequoia trees.  If we will have a common unity with other followers of Jesus Christ, we will be strengthened.  But if we try to live life alone, we are likely to go the way of the large oak tree in my neighborhood.  It was a beautiful tree, but there was a problem.  The oak didn't have the support like the Sequoias.  When the storm came, the oak was toppled.  With the tree lying on it's side, you could see the problem; the roots were not strong enough to hold it in the ground when the strong winds blew.  No other trees were there to help.  Believers must stay in community with one another or we will go the way of the large oak tree.  We may look good on the outside, but underneath we are susceptible to the attack of the enemy who wants to topple us. 

The vision statement of Canaan Baptist Church is Canaan Baptist Church exists to multiply communities of Christ-followers.  We are united by our common belief system and values and our mission is to fulfill the Great Commission given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ.  If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, please make sure you are in relationship with other Christ-followers and let's do life together.  We will be stronger for it.