The vision of New Image Community Baptist church is fourfold: (1) to seek and save that which is lost; (2) to make disciples of all men; (3) to perfect the life of the believer into the expressed image of Christ; and (4) to build a unified body of believers.
This vision is given because Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no vision the people perish.”
(1) Seek and Save that Which is Lost (Luke 19:10)
We envision preaching and teaching the Gospel in such a way that men would turn their hearts to God. The message of salvation and hope will be presented in such a way that men are convicted and drawn to Christ.
Jesus said, “Go out into the Hedges and Highways and compel them to come in” (Luke 14:23). God has charged this church to seek the lost which means we are to go looking and searching for those that are dying and on their way to hell. We are not to seek church membership, but our goal is to bring man out of a life of sin through the process of regeneration.
We will take the Gospel into the streets of this community. Our goal is to envangelize this entire community in such a way that men are brought off the corners, out of darkness and into His marvelous light. We will reach out to the drug addict, prostitute, destitute, homeless, drunkard, and abused.
We will partner with our local community organizations, schools, nursing facilities, and property development owners as a means of reaching the community. We will develop and organize various programs designed to reach the community such as, Community Day, Family and Friends Day, SHARE (Self Help and Resource Exchange), ADAM (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Ministry), crusades, and educating the unsaved programs. We will train believers for the re-establishment of God’s Kingdom in the earth. This church will be a visible organism to the community in which we serve.
(2) Make Disciples of All Men (Matthew 28:19)
The vision is not just to seek and save, but also to educate the hearts and minds of new converts in an effort to produce true followers and continued learners of Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 8:31, “If you continue in my Word you are My disciples indeed.” Our New Life Ministry Class will be structured to instill the need for new believers to hunger and thirst after the righteousness of God. We will provide the training, love and support needed to produce true disciples for Jesus Christ.
True discipleship will produce a leadership and a membership hat is excited about the Word of God. This will lead to dynamic worship before the Father. Therefore, we envision taking our Praise and Worship to another level. We see our children, youth and young adults excited about serving God. We see the young and old bowing in His presence.
(3) Perfect the Believer into the Image of Jesus Christ for the Work of the Ministry (Genesis 1:26, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 4:12)
In the beginning, God made man in His image and after His likeness. When man sinned, he lost God’s nature and took on the character of the devil. According to the scriptures, we are to instruct man on how to transform his life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our vision is to perfect the believer concerning the character of Christ, so he will be the expressed image of Jesus Christ here on this earth.
We will perfect the believer so he will understand God’s purpose for his life and to prepare him to release the gifts given to him for the glory of God. We will instruct believers on the true structure, doctrines, principles, and ordinances of the Church.
Perfecting will be done in all areas of the church as such, Sunday Morning Church School (all classes); Sunday Morning Worship Services; Children’s Church Services; Tuesday Night Bible Study for all Ages; Men’s Fellowship Class; Women’s Fellowship Class; Children’s Fellowship Class; Youth and Young Adults Fellowship Class; Minister’s Training Class; Outreach Training Class; Bible Study and Prayer Service at the Walker House; Worship Services at the Walker House; and New Life Ministry Class.
We envision the construction of classrooms and offices with the necessary accommodations to hold training classes and to carry out ministry functions.
(4) Build a Unified Body of Believers (I Corinthians 12:12-13, Ephesians 4:1-6, 13)
Unity is the key to any successful organization and especially the Church of Jesus Christ. For too long, the body of Christ has been weakened by division. Jesus said in Luke 11:17, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Our purpose is to break down the barriers that have hindered the unification of believers. This will be done as we teach believers to know, serve, encourage, challenge, and walk in love toward all men. We will welcome all people regardless of race, sex, or history into our family, just as God has welcomed believers into His family by grace. We must demonstrate the same love toward one another that Jesus has for us.
We will teach believers to appreciate the creativeness that God used to form each one of us distinct and different. Yet, He joined and knitted the entire body together in such a way that every joint supplies. Meaning, every born again believer has a purpose and is special in the sight of God.
Our fellowship with each other and other members of the body of Christ will help knit us together to form a unified body. That’s why God gave the slogan, “A CHURCH WHERE EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY!”
Finally, we will see this Vision unfold as we dedicate and commit ourselves corporately to true worship of the Father. We will see those that left come back. We will see the pews filled.