Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV) * God has cleared a path for YOU!

God’s Plan for Your Life * Psalms 139:16b (Page 467) * All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV) * Psalm 139:1-4 would indicate that God pre-knows our every word and action. * Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (NIV)

God’s Plan for Your Life * You have a future. * Ephesians 1:4-5 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- (NIV) * Predestination does not necessarily equate to predetermination.

God’s Plan for Your Life * As I understand Scripture, you have a choice (2 Samuel 24:12; Proverbs 1:29; 16:16; Isaiah 7:15; 56:4; Acts 6:3; 15:25; 1 Peter 4:3). * Joshua 24:15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (NIV)

Where Am I Going? * I. Individually: (as a person) * A. It will conform to His general will for all people. * B. It will match who you are and how you have been molded by Him. * II. Corporately: (as a church group) * A. Our Mission. * B. Our Vision.

Where Am I Going? * How do I determine where it is that God desires that I serve? * A. It will conform to His general will for all people (i.e. treat others as being created in God’s image . . . that you seek to share the Good News of Jesus Christ). * B. It will match who you are and how you have been molded by Him.

Finding Direction S. H. A. P. E. Why Am I Here? Where Am I Going? Who Am I? S. H. A. P. E. * In God’s Image. * In Need of a Savior * God’s Special Will for YOU. * Follow God’s General Will for All.

Looking at the Grid: S. H. A. P. E. * S = Spiritual Gifts – How has God gifted you. (Take a spiritual gifts test). * H = Heart – What interests you? What bothers you? * A = Abilities – What are you good at? * P = Personality – Are you outgoing or quiet? Do you enjoy people? * E = Experience – Your background.

Feel like you still need help? * 1. Seek the counsel of others. * Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV) * BUT then, be willing to listen! * 2. Start serving (Mark 10:43-45). * As Christ came to serve, we are to serve. * When serving, we discover our purpose.

One of the Best SHAPES: * God is looking for F.A.T. people. * F = faithful. * A = available. * T = teachable. * Make yourself available and then be faithful. * Most importantly, be teachable. * Listen to others? If you are serving where called, others will notice & comment.

Do you know your purpose? * My life mission statement: * To magnify Christ, to minister to my family, to multiply His church, and to mold a generation to follow Jesus one person at a time. * Be a person on mission. * Fulfill God’s calling on your life. * May you hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant . . . enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21, 23 - NKJV).

Where Am I Going? * We have asked it of us as individuals. * We now turn our attention to this church. * Why do we exist? What is our purpose? * In general, we exist to follow God’s calling and to serve Jesus Christ who is the Head of the Church. * Our purpose grows out of God’s purpose for every church (i.e. six pillars).

Our Mission: * Our key verse: 2 Corinthians 8:9 (Page 862). * For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (NIV) * Our mission statement: Connecting the Riches of Christ with the Realities of Life.

Our Vision for the Future * Vision grows out of our biblical purposes (the pillars) and the mission statement. * It is a look into the future to see what God can do through His church when it operates in accordance with God’s will. * The desire is to dream big dreams for God, to have Him stretch our imaginations as to what can be accomplished for His praise (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Our Vision for the Future 1. To reach the . . . * un-churched * de-churched, & * fed-up-with churched with the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our Vision for the Future 2. To create captivating worship that draws people to Jesus and challenges them to mature in Him. * Authenticity: * Balance: * Creativity:

Our Vision for the Future 3. To model the message of Christ through caring community. * Reach Out --- by creating a community presence. * Reach In--- by providing a place for healing and hope. * Reach Over --- by welcoming people from all walks of life.

Our Vision for the Future 4. To give as it has been given to us. * Giving will be modeled by the church. * We give as others give. 10% breakdown: 4% to Conf. of Churches 2.5 % to Mission USA 1.25 % to C.E.F. 1.25% to R.T.C. 1 % to Local Needs

Our Vision for the Future 5. To generate a church multiplication movement through the birthing of new churches. * Church planting (birthing) will be a part of the DNA of the original church. * The goal is to plant another church.

Our Vision for the Future 6. To energize and equip a generation in service of the Savior one person at a time. * To disciple new believers and old in their relationship with Christ. * Small groups will be fostered. * One-on-one ministries will change lives for Jesus. * Training events to promote the faith.

Our Vision for the Future 7. To train dynamic leaders for the 21st century. * Training sessions will be provided * Internships will be encouraged. Being able to train leaders will keep the church on the cutting edge of ministry.

Our Vision for the Future 8. To involve all members in service for the Savior. * Ask for one hour a week to God’s work above regular service time on Sunday. * Connect gifts, burdens (passions) and talents to match needs within and without the church.

Our Vision for the Future 9. To leave a lasting legacy of faith. * Not just one generation but multiple generations will be impacted for the gospel. * The legacy is not in buildings but in the rebuilding of lives for Jesus.

We want to give our all for Jesus . . . * Colossians 3:23-24 * 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (NKJV)

Join with us as we seek to fulfill God’s Mission for us! * As you fulfill your mission for Christ, you enable us as a church to fulfill our mission for Him! * May we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter or our faith (Hebrews 12:2-3)! * Video: Footsteps.