Vision Weekend

Three years ago, December, we moved into our new campus.  Just before the move the global recession hit which was about the time alot of money was due to come in for the 'building fund'. But alot of people  ended up losing about 40% of their wealth or lost their jobs and as a result we ended up moving into the new campus with alot more debt than was expected. Which led to cutbacks and later layoffs. WoodsEdge has had a tough 3 years, alot of financial pressure and staff transitions. We have had some hard lessons but have come out stronger on the other side.

1. Need more cushion in the bank account, and we now have it.
2. Get out of debt, we are working towards that.
3. In the midst of all of this, God has stirred our hearts to give 50% of our income outside the four walls of our church.
4. God has called us to holiness like never before.

With all of this there is a sense that it is a 'new day' and we are in a new season for WoodsEdge. Read Isaiah 43: 18-19. The Vision of WoodsEdge is Love Jesus (we do this first and foremost) Journey Together (no one walks alone) and Bring Hope to the World (look beyond four walls of the world) There are a few of areas that we need to grow in as a church and there are also a few areas that we have grown in as a church.

Growth Areas:

1. Children's Ministry: We have a gap between where we are now and where we want to be.
2. Student Minstry: There is so much good, but there has been alot of transition. The key thing for students is relationships and relationships require people, people like you to volunteer!
3. Small Groups: We have tremendous groups overall and alot of people are in a group. But there are also alot of people who are not in a group and walking alone. If you are not in a group you are going against your 'wiring', God made you to live in community.
4. Debt: We spend much less than we take in and are aggressively paying down the debt. We have gone for $15M to $11M. Over the next 2 years we are asking for special giving, over and above 10% if you are able or feel God's calling.
5. Reaching Lost: All of us should be praying, loving, serving, and inviting people to service. There are lots of people that have been reached but there are so many more than are still unreached. We need to Bring Hope.
6. Find Calling: For your sake, start serving.You don't want to miss out on what God has for you.

Areas to be Excited About:

1.  Heart for God: There are so many passionate worshipers at WoodsEdge, people going all out for Jesus. Servant hearts all over the church and people that are authentic!
2. Diversity: We have alot of diversity at WoodsEdge; from racial, ethnic, linguistic, economic, and political. We are a very diverse church and we hope to continue to have more of that.
3. Local Missions: Last few years we have gone from a "C" grade to an "A". There are alot of different things going on outside the four walls of this church and we are excited about it. Bring Hope.
4. International Ministries: So much good going on in IM, it has really grown over the past couple of years. We have Church Planting Movments (CPM) going on in Malawi and Ecuador and are hoping to start in other countries. There are plenty of other things going on all around the world that we are involved with as well as many local things right here. It continues to grow. Bring Hope.
5. Staff Team: We have very Godly elders and have really grown a great staff team over the years.
6. Prayer Service: We have had the best three months ever at prayer service. Prayer is the epicenter of our culture, need to be at the Prayer Service.

Many times we are asked what is the Vision for WoodsEdge? What kind of accomplishments do you want to have? Or ministries? Our vision is first and foremost to have people that are in love with Jesus. People that are intoxicated with Jesus. People that are chasing hard after him. What if we loved Jesus like no other church ever loved him! What if we saw a mighty work of God , here, in our day? Why not? Why not here? Why not with us?