In 1998 when Grace & I came to what was then Nelson Church of Christ, a vision was shared with us of a new tree growing up alongside an old tree.
This quickly settled in my heart as God’s vision and strategy. I set about growing a new tree, a new church alongside the old. The church we have now, and have had for the last few years is that new tree. Looking back I realise there was no doubt in my heart that we would reach the place we are today. This church was in me when I began my ministry here. For the last six months I have been asking God to put a new vision in my heart, not just a dream of what could be, but a belief of what will be.
With the launching of our new life group structure this year, a significant shift has occurred between the young tree and the old tree, with members of both congregations involved in the same home groups we see there is now only one tree.
We have concluded a vision, it’s time for new vision for the next season of church life: What picture does God have for the next 5 – 10 years?
Malcolm shared more recently the following vision.
Wellsford, 2nd January 1993
Last night I had a very clear dream, I woke up right at its end – usually my dreams are confused and I cannot remember most of them, which is one reason this one is so memorable.
I was in a house, quite a large house with other people looking out a large window. I saw a bush covered mountain to the left, and lower bush covered hills to the right. Between the house and the valley formed by the hills was a desolate flat open plain. In the valley was a small township somebody told me it was a growing town, and I could see new houses being built.
Suddenly, I noticed that the house was moving closer to the township, moving very gently and smoothly. I realised the house was being moved by house movers with a system involving hydraulics and trucks – although it seemed to be pushed rather than pulled.
Eventually the house reached the township and moved into the place prepared for it – all very smoothly, although some tears had appeared in the ceilings and walls.
The place selected for the house was right against the bush covered mountain, with native bush coming right to the back and down part of one side. The other side was facing the plain and the front the township. Between the back of the house and the mountain was a small swift running creek, which the house veranda was overhanging.
Suddenly the whole house was filled with people working, it seemed like hundreds, and the place was tremendously enlarged, it became huge, quite messy because of all the changes taking place.
I went outside towards the back and saw an old shed joined to the house right against the river, and realised it was the young people’s house. As I watched a new piece bigger and brand new hydraulically slid forward and joined up perfectly with the old shed. (the old became new)
I watched the young people working on it for a bit then went back inside the house. There I saw some woman doing what I thought were men’s jobs. They had drills and presses, and were drilling holes in floors, so tables could be bolted to the floor.
I realised I was going to have to get used to woman doing what I thought was men’s work. I noticed that some of the women were young and others were older.
In all, this I just seemed to be wandering around observing. I picked up some shackles to help tidy the place, but I couldn’t work out where to put them.
I woke up pretty soon after this, and I asked the Lord what it meant. The answer came back straight away and very clearly – Rutherford St.
There is symbolism in this dream, surely the river is the Holy Spirit, running so close, the mountain is the protection of the Lord.
God is going to move that church slowly towards where he wants it, where the Holy Spirit can supply and the Lord protect. There will be some stress and strains during the shift, some tears, but this doesn’t matter so much because the whole place is going to be remodelled and greatly enlarged – but it is going to be very messy and a place of great activity.
There is going to be a substantial youth-work here but that will not be the main work of the church that’s for people in their 20’s – 50’s.
I believe it will be a family church. Thankyou Lord, praise you Lord.
I believe we have only begun to see the fullfillment of this vision. Drawing from this vision I want to share a vision for our church for the next 5 – 10 years.
But first, some thoughts that helped me focus:
Craig Groeschel, has authored a book called, IT: How Churches and Leaders Can get It and Keep it. In one chapter he talks about having a clear concise specific vision that people can run with. Some comments and questions to consider to help discern this vision:
Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets. Apostles Paul’s “one thing I do”. Jesus said I only do what i see my Father in heaven doing.
Too many ministries are doing too little by doing too much
If you could do only one thing in ministry, what would you do?
What are we doing that doesn’t directly contribute to our vision in a high-impact way.Look carefully at the people God has out around you, the resources you have available to you, and the people who are within reach of your ministry and answer this question: What can we be the best in the world/Nelson at?
The clearer your vision becomes the easier it is to guard what God calls you to do.
If you chase two rabbits both will escape.
To be great at a few things, you’ll have to say no to many things
what breaks our heart at wakes us up at night?
When focus increases, options decrease.
From seeking God over the past six months, and processing some of these questions on Tuesday 19th June I had the thought, we are family church that ministers to families, and helps families. We want to grow a great family culture, what we are doing well, we plan to do better; so that from there we can help many families.
Vision: A Family Transforming Families
An extended family growing in quality and quantity helping families be great.
We want to be among the best example and source of help and life to families in Nelson.
A family Church, with a youth mission.
The main house of Malcom’s vision is the generational family church, the annex is our youth ministry. Our mission to the youth and children of Nelson.