Holy Prayer
As Nehemiah's story makes clear, however, mere discontent is not enough. Mourning must make way for prayer. As we spend focused time in prayer, we move from pouring out our hearts to discerning the heart of God. What was once merely cause for concern is transformed into a calling. We at Village have felt such a calling. After a season of prayer, followed by much study and thoughtful discussion, we formulated a vision statement, a description of the church we believe God is calling us to become. No longer content with the status quo, we have committed ourselves wholeheartedly to be a church of radical connections. In short, we envision a church where failure connects with grace, cultures connect in unity, emptiness connects with fullness, Christ connects with the world, and gifts connect with opportunity.
In our current facilities and through our current ministries we are already doing much to fulfill this vision, but it has become obvious that changes, costly changes, are necessary if we are to realize our vision in its fullness.
While a 450-seat sanctuary may seem more "intimate" than a 1,500-seat sanctuary, the number of services we are forced to hold each weekend means we are in reality largely disconnected with one another. Combine that with our extremely small lobby and no real place to fellowship before or after services, and it's a wonder we know each other at all!
We need space for people to connect, to experience relationships built on grace and mercy.
We also need space that says "welcome" to those coming through our doors for the first time. Research shows that among those new to a church, mid-Sunday morning is the time they are most likely to attend. Research also shows that most people perceive a church service to be full when seating is at only 80 percent of capacity.
Right now our 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday is full to the brim. What message does that send to someone looking for a place to connect?
Looking further into the future, we need more classrooms for our children, expanded office space, and room for a coffee shop and library that will invite deeper conversations and connections. Looking even further, we envision an athletic center and regional ministry center where new ministry, perhaps even ministries we have yet to imagine, can take place.
And so we are called to prayer again. Holy Prayer that asks, "Lord, how would you have us fulfill this vision?"
