Vision 09' Update - Part VI

So why this shift in vision?

Why this intensity about being On Mission and this focus on being more Outward driven instead of Inward oriented?

Maybe a little picture will help . . .

At Oso Creek we speak in terms of being on the 'journey.' We even give people a 'ticket' when they show up and ask them to come to the 'dock' where we encourage them to come aboard.

Maybe we just need to be clear about what kind of ship we're on. . . . It makes all the difference.

Sadly, much of the church (talking Big C church here) has become like a Cruise Ship . . . A cruise is a journey, it just really doesn't go anywhere. It's about our pleasure and comfort - and anything that interferes with that isn't welcome.

When our church is like a Cruise Ship we find ourselves thinking about stuff like:

'Are my needs really being met here?'
'Do I like the music today?'
'Why all this talk about groups? Sounds inconvenient.'

'Is the 'service' good?'

That's way too much about us . . . .and it characterizes way too much of the church.

Being On Mission is more like being on an Amphibious Assault Ship! My Navy friends tell me that their made for people (about 1,500 at a time), not comfort. And that they're used primarily for humanitarian purposes.

They're going somewhere! They have a purpose!

And when you're on an Amphibious Assault Ship you're thoughts are more like:

'Is the mission clear?'

'Who are we helping?'

'Am I prepared for my role and equipped to succeed?'

That's why the shift. We don't want to be a cruise ship. We want to be on mission for the Kingdom of God.