How's your Vision

Last night at 727 we did eye exams at our vision night. Some of us will be wearing coke bottle glasses for a while due to excessive TV watching, especially those who TiVo Desperate Housewives and Greys Anatomy. Well not exactly, but we did talk about vision. So how's yours?

You know in the church we often become near-sighted, losing focus from our mission, and become concerned only in US and WE. So last night we stepped back and asked ourselves 3 questions.

Who are we? That is who is 727? What we are clarifying is our IDENTITY. And here is what I suggested. 727 is a place for 20somethings to experience the TRUTH of Christ the MEANING of life and the BEAUTY of community. We are targeting a specific group of people, yet we are open, always welcoming more into our midst.

Why do we exist? That is what are we about? Here we are clarifying our MISSION. This isn't rocket science, it is quite simple. Our mission is to be Christ’s witnesses to young adults in word & deed. This really is the misson of the church (Acts 1:8), yet we focus on doing this among young adults in west Columbus. It is important that 727 is not just a break from the real world or a youth group for 20-somethings. We does exist for us, we actually exist for those not yet in our group. 727 is not about who we need to keep it is about who we need to reach.

How do we do that? We are really trying to figure out what we should do and what should we not do? This helps to clarify our STRATEGY. And here is where I have pointed us to be about creating irresistible environments and strategic steps. We will create two environments: a gathered worship event and home-based small groups. We will utilize two steps to get people into these steps: the Taste of 727 (sunday lunch) and Area Fellowships (social events). Our strategy will always be in flux depending on the degree of success in relation to our mission.

It all looks great on paper but really it boils down to people investing in people. It is about people investing in others and inviting them to receive good news. It is about people getting on board leading worship, leading small groups, running outward friendly social events and then getting their friends involved. It is about missional living...being on mission. Don't sit by and watch, let's get started.