Proverbs 29:18a KJV

Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Vision – A hope-filled picture of the future.

Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV

Then the Lord answered me and said, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”

Habakkuk 2:3 ESV

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

“If you can see it, you can have it.” Patricia King

Vision: Branching out together for the kingdom

Mission: Tend my garden by preparing and stewarding my people

Psalm 1:1-2 NKJV

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:3

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

John 15:5

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Commitment statement:

“We submit Joy Church, our lives, and our families to you. We surrender control to the Lordship and reign of Jesus. We repent of any desires to contain and we commit to let this move go anywhere the Spirit leads. We will steward with the Spirit, no matter how uncomfortable it gets for us personally.”

Proverbs 15:31-32 NLT

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

Proverbs 15:30

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.

“Don’t dread feedback. Crave it. Feedback helps us grow. Feedback can’t be something we endure. Feedback is something we have to embrace.” Craig Groeschel

“Separate the ‘do’ from the ‘who.’ One reason we don’t like feedback that tells us how to improve is that we feel it’s a critique of who we are.” Craig Groeschel

Ephesians 4:15

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

“What’s one thing you see me doing – or failing to do – where I am getting in my own way?” Sheila Heen

We want to grow

“We want to grow, but … we need to be accepted and respected the way we are now.” Sheila Heen

Commitment statement:

“We commit to walking out healthy biblical community as a church body.  We will love one another, forgive one another, and have difficult conversations, in love, when needed.”

Questions for discussion/reflection:

1. Does the idea of others growing beyond you make you uncomfortable? Why?

2. Does the idea of investing your life in helping others grow closer to Christ make you nervous or excited?  Why?

3. Do you feel comfortable sharing feedback with others, in love, make you uncomfortable? Why?

4. How well do you receive feedback? 

5. How can you improve in receiving feedback?

6. Who is God calling me to help grow?