Vision: The Church

We are entering week two of our Vision and Mission series, where we are exploring the realities of our future, today. This week, we are looking at the identity and function of the Church. As we examine the story of Gideon in Judges 6-8, we find a small remnant of 300 people who form an army that defeats their enemies, numbering 135,000, in a decisive yet unorthodox victory. This is the picture of the Church: we are at war against the principalities and rulers of this world, not with human weapons but with those that dismantle strongholds. When we get together, a small group can see a massive multiplication effect in our cities because there is little that can stop the Church. It’s only the absence of godly men and women that allows evil to triumph. The Church is a force to be reckoned with when we come to a full understanding of our true identity, built on revelation and formed to heal, prosper, and build cities. Don’t forget that God’s chosen instrument of revival is the Church; every move of God in history has been in and through the Church. Let’s gather! 

Scripture References from the Sermon

Leviticus 26:7-9   |   Matthew 16:17-18   |   Matthew 18:15-20   |   Ephesians 4:13   |   Jeremiah 29:7 

Discussion Questions

• As the Church is described through the story of Gideon and the 300, describe in your own words how you see the Church operating like this today.
• Read Leviticus 26:7-9. Why is it important to gather in a small group, as a family? 
• Jesus’ first mention of the Church is in Matthew 16:17-18. How have you been built through revelation?
• In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus mentions some of the functions of the Church. How have you been healed from hurt, prayed together to see answers to prayers, come together in unity, or just felt God’s Presence?
• Read Ephesians 4:13. How have you come to know more about God as you gather as the Church? 
• If the Church is to know God and then make Him known, how do you do this in your city? Jeremiah 29:7

Event Highlight   |   Groups Foundations Class   |   Group Leader Seminar 

• The Group Foundations Class is a “101” level class that discusses calling, requirements and qualifications for being a leader, role description, group leader processes, and our philosophy behind Sermon-Based groups. The next classes are 25 January and 1 February.

• Register for the Group Leader Seminar 26 January 2026 from 6-8pm. This is a lecture-style and break out experience designed to help encourage, equip, and empower leaders in disciple-making and facilitating; as well as an opportunity for group leaders to network and share victories with one another.

Vision: The Church
Imagine a group of people in an authentic community, loving each other honestly, covering each other’s sins with forgiveness, prayer, confession, and encouragement, and serving and supporting each other genuinely. When we dream of a small group of people dwelling together in unity, we begin to see the supernatural work of God within our relationships. Our prayer as your pastors is that you would experience God’s grace by building a life-giving culture.

• The Church coming together in unity commands God’s Blessings. Psalm 133.

• The Church is the immeasurable greatness and power of Christ. Ephesians 1:15-23

• The Church is the manifold wisdom of God on display to the rulers and authorities in heaven. Ephesians 3:10

• The Church has authority over darkness. Luke 10:19; Colossians 2:15

• The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church. Matthew 16:18

• The Church carries Truth, not opinion, into culture. 1 Timothy 3:15

• The Church is commissioned, not contained. Matthew 28:18-20

• The enemy is being crushed under the Church’s feet. Romans 16:20

• The Church is sent not stagnant. John 17:18

• The Church preserves, heals, and brings flavor to a tasteless world. Matthew 5:13-16

• The Church is a battleship, not a cruise liner. Soldiers of Christ, man their stations.              2 Timothy 2:3-4; Ephesians 6:10-28

• The Church is violently advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.  Matthew 11:12