Clarifying the Vision

Sam Hamstra | Apr 7, 2008

Karen Williams Singing

Last night I met with 50 people in the Van Namen Recital Hall on the campus of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights to talk, sing, pray, and dream about a vision for a new kind of church in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. We had a great night. During our time together, which included Pastor Karen Williams (photo) leading us in worship, Pastor Pagel Williams leading us in prayer, Darryl Petty and the band providing some inspiring music, fellowship over food and drink, a bunch of children running around, and a beautiful array of people, representing several tribes and nations.

The gathering was the first of twenty or so that will take place on Sunday nights over the next six months, culminating, Lord willing, in the birth of Living Hope Church on October 13, 2008. During these meetings we will discover and embrace God's vision for this new congregation.

At this point, as I shared last night, we believe God is calling us to plant a multi-ethnic congregation in the Calvinist or Reformed tradition that shares and enjoys living hope. We also envision a congregation characterized by passionate worship, relevant teaching, and authentic community, but one that also readily disburses as salt and light into the world. That's a bold vision, nearly unimaginable, and one that can only become a reality through the "power of God at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20-21).

That vision, however, is little more than a bunch of words. In order to help that vision become a reality, it's beneficial to clarify it. Then people can grab on to it and work with God to make it a reality. So, I wonder, what do those words mean to you? What does a multi-ethnic congregation look like? What about passionate worship or relevant teaching? What is your idea of authentic church fellowship? What happens when a congregation reaches out to the world as salt and light? It is my hope that those involved with Living Hope Church will use this blog as a tool to clarify and articulate the vision and values of this emerging congregation. So, I invite you to, not only keep this ministry in your prayers, but to join the conversation.


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