Here’s the dream I penned for Antioch during the Summer of 2006.
Fun to read it again after six and a half years, amazing to see much of the below happening, and exciting to work another six years to see growth in other areas of this community and ministry.
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OUR DREAM :: THE VISION THAT DRIVES US
It is the dream of a vital spiritual community where God lives, moves, speaks and changes lives
It is the dream of church as a movement rather than an institution
It is the dream of services where the hurting, lost, tired, needy, frustrated, skeptical, old, and young can find inspiration, motivation, meaning, acceptance, healing and joy
It is the dream of a church where Christian living is not stale or duty bound, but a place of authentic experience, vibrant joy, creative adventure and meaningful devotion
It is the dream of a growing and healthy community that continually attracts and welcomes people of all backgrounds, colors, and experiences into meaningful fellowship
It is the dream of making a dent in Central Oregon – of changing lives and helping real people with real needs from Madras to La Pine, Prineville to Sisters and everywhere in between
It is the dream of a global focus where injustice, persecution, poverty and the plight of orphans stirs us to go beyond ourselves and make sacrifices that exceed our wildest expectations
It is the dream of passionate artists infusing the church with a sense of beauty, awe, wonder, and inspiration
It is the dream of a church that enthusiastically and practically comes alongside parents to support and help them as they raise their children to love and obey God
It is the dream of relevant education – fulfilling every man and woman’s desire for a place to learn, interact, question and grow in an engaging and comfortable environment
It is the dream of a church with a high ceiling of vision that attracts leaders, dreamers and others who are looking for a cause worth giving their life to
We dream so that we are stretched beyond our abilities and utterly forced to trust God to move mountains, change hearts and build his church
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus…” Ephesians 3:20-21
