Feb 232012
DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE OF [Insert Your Church Name]
“Your old men will dream dreams and your young men will see visions.”
Joel 2:28
Dreams. They sometimes disturb our sleep, perplex us, frequently fill us with wonder and often play a pivotal role in our waking hours. It was in a dream that Paul McCartney received the song “Yesterday.” Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was based on what one can only imagine was a frightening dream. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke eloquently of his dream. Dr. Linda McCoy was inspired to start The Garden from a dream.
During my first six months as Senior Pastor, I had the wonderful opportunity of hearing the dreams our staff, lay leadership and members have for our church. They have been inspiring, like a beautiful song and the dreams of a better world, and I am happy to report that none have given me bad dreams! Important words and experiences have shaped our yesterdays and can be used to shape our dreams and visions for our tomorrows: What will it mean for our church to stay vibrant and relevant? What will it mean for us to be innovative? How do we remain effective? What is the unseen future God has for us? What are the possibilities? What are the tangible ways God would have us share God’s love, making an impact in people’s lives near and far? What are God’s dreams for us, as individuals and as a community? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see God’s dream life?!
When we ask, “Where would God have me/us go?” What do you see? What is your dream? Tomorrow’s reality will come from that!
Prayer: Loving God, we ask that you shape and give life to our dreams and visions. May we see through your eyes in our desire to serve and grow in your ways. May all we say and do and dream be rooted in you and your vision, transforming us and the world. Amen.
Rev. Fuquay, Sr. Pastor St. Luke’s UMC