It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11‑13

Realizing the Vision

We are in an exciting time as a church. God has placed us strategically, blessed us with tremendous resources, faithfully raised up generations of people committed to serving Him and is bringing many who want to know Him and grow in His grace. The needs are overwhelming with the brokenness and hurt around us physically, relationally and spiritually. So great are the challenges in people’s lives that nothing short of “undiluted Christ” will do. So great is God’s calling on our lives that nothing short of “undiluted us” will do. How do we respond in practical, life giving ways that bring transformation-- “accepting all where they are; loving them to where Christ would have them”? Accordingly, the church needs to be a hospital where we all as sin sick people can grow in wholeness in a place of grace and liberty. This is the basis for the changes that we are making: recognizing how God has led this church, aware of the present needs and responding to His Spirit in uniquely manifesting His grace to all of us who so desperately need it.

We are all necessary in this process of being and becoming the people of God. Unless others can see and experience this, we have missed the purpose of our calling. And we have the opportunity to be the church that we want to be--together.

— Bill Osgood