Green Mountain Christian Center AG Church in Bennington Vermont

Vision is vital!

"WHERE THERE IS NO VISION THE PEOPLE PERISH." Proverbs 29:18 (KJV).

The New American Standard. puts it this way, "Where there is no vision the people are unrestrained." The point is - where there is no direction there is spiritual death, chaos and confusion. Someone has well said, "If you aim at nothing, you're sure to hit it." We will not make that mistake.

Expressing and agreeing on "vision" helps us to know what we are trying to achieve. We can then pray and work together to bring it to pass. Robert Dale, author of Keeping the Dream Alive, talks about the need for a shared vision:

Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God. It was His vision, His dream, His passion. What did (and does) the kingdom of God provide for Christ's followers? A positive image of ministry. Motivational pull. Mobilizing energy. A force to launch action. A collage of possibilities. A mission and a purpose. A map for the future. A rallying point. A set of ministry priorities. A congregational vision does the same things for a local church.

Where do we get our vision?

God gives the pastor of a local church a vision and guides him in developing it. This God-given vision in the pastor's heart must be accepted and "owned" by the congregation. There are many good ideas and many good ministries. But each church must pursue the God-given vision placed in their pastor's heart.

That each individual at the Christian Center trust in Jesus Christ and love Him with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. Ephesians 2:8-9

That this faith and love generate true holiness and purity in us.
That Jesus' blood, righteousness and holy name are understood to be the only basis of salvation for all.
That this faith relationship with God be imparted to our children until Jesus comes.

That ministry flow out of our relationship with God. Isaiah 40:28-31

That through prayer we would be inspired and equipped.
That individual, small group, and combined prayer meetings be our lifeline and delight. That we would be known as a House of Prayer.
That through our continuing surrender to the Holy Spirit we would find Him working mightily in us and through us. Acts 1:8,14
That this ministry would include the supernatural manifestations of miracles, healings, and deliverance from demonic power.

That Green Mt. Christian Center be unashamedly, lovingly, and powerfully evangelistic. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-8

That every believer know how to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus so that we might bring multitudes to know Him.
That we would bring the gospel to all in this area through active outreach, not only in our church services and various meetings, but also through creative methods using printed material, electronic media, tent and street meetings, drama, film, music events, etc.
That we would be instrumental in starting, mothering, or strengthening gospel preaching churches in the surrounding communities.
That we have the heart and vision to be a great "missions" church.

That we would be a worshipping people, showing forth the praises of our great God and savior, ministering as priests before the Lord. 1 Peter 2:9-10

That we would be pleasing to Him by worshipping in a soundly scriptural manner rather than according to manmade traditions.
That people will be attracted to the Lord as we exalt and adore Him.
That all believers experience the joy and power that is to be found in liberated praise and worship.

That all attending the Christian Center be strengthened by an anointed teaching and preaching ministry second to none. Ephesians 4:11-16

That we reflect Jesus' character so that we will be above reproach and an advertisement for the Christian faith. Colossians 1:28,29
That we emphasize the decision to accept Christ must be completed through discipleship. The cycle of evangelism is to reach, teach, win, mature, and train individuals so that they can evangelize others.
That each Christian discover his spiritual gift and exercise it in expressing God's love. 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12; Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Peter 4:10
That God's principles in practical areas such as child rearing and financial management are applied in each family so that God can bless, provide specific direction and illustrate his supernatural power. Malachi 3; Luke 16:11,12.

That relationships and attitudes in this body would be glorifying to God by being pure and loving. Colossians 1:3-4, 1 Peter 1:22-23

That our love for the Lord and our loyalty to each other be expressed by giving only a good report of each other unless we follow Matthew 18:15-17 in the spirit of restoring rather that exposing. Galatians. 6:1
That this body provide such an environment of forgiveness, healing and restoration that we are always eager to bring others in and that because of this caring environment people will be drawn to Jesus and to fellowship with us.
That friendliness be a hallmark of Green Mt. Christian Center.

That the marriages of those at the Christian Center would become, in increasing measure, reflections of the love between the Lord (the heavenly Bridegroom and the church (His bride) so that the Christian faith cannot be spoken against by those who know us. Titus 2:4-5

That every man know how to delight in his wife and meet her needs.
That every wife know how to help and respect her husband.

That we assist families to be filled with love and peace, helping each family member be a successful Christian. Deuteronomy 6:1-7

That the heart of each father turn toward his sons and daughters to teach them scriptural principles on how to be successful persons, partners, and parents. Malachi 4:6
That the heart of each son and daughter turn toward their parents to love and honor them. Malachi 4:6
That Green Mt. Christian Center offer support ministries to the family by ministering effectively to the needs of every age group.

That Green Mt. Christian Center provide a "center" ministry of prayer, teaching, encouragement, and evangelistic support to other churches. 1 Thessalonians 1:8

That through "event" ministries, ministry teams and a loving attitude we will be vessels to bless, strengthen, and revive the body of Christ.

That Green Mt. Christian Center demonstrate a heart of compassion for the needy through an active benevolent ministry. Ephesians 2:10

That expressions of love like the food shelf, clothing ministry, and alms fund, would exalt the Lord Jesus who cares for all.

That Green Mt. Christian Center would continually grow in strength spiritually and numerically until Jesus returns.

That our model of ministry continue to be Ephesians 4:11-16.
That we would desire growth, pray for it, plan for it, and work for it.
That the beautiful properties God has given us would be known as places where the Spirit of the Lord reigns.
That our facilities would accommodate ministry and growth in the body of Christ.

Green Mountain Christian Center, Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved.