The Caroline Church of the Nazarene

A V.I.T.A.L. Church

transforming our community!

 

V is for Vision: What is the vision God has implanted in this congregation? Why has God raised up a church in the community of Caroline? Why has this small congregation survived the years and struggles, and why is it growing now? I believe that God has put our church in this community for only one reason… to transform our community. I believe that God desires to put families back together again, that He desires to see unity within the community again, that He desires to see young people discipled and trained to be leaders, that He desires to see children loved and taught His truth, and that He desires that all man be called unto Him. I also believe that the instrument He intends to use is this local church. Standing on these two assertions, the focus of our local church must be transformation. Everything we do must be aimed at the goal of transformation. All our activity, funds, resources, energy, time and prayer must be directed at the goal of seeing God’s transforming grace impact the lives of those around us!

 

I is for Intentional Love: One of the most powerful agents of transformation is God’s love. We must be intentional about reaching out to those around us in love. We are to be conduits through which God pours His love out into this community.

 

T is for Teaching Great Truth: Another tool God has given us for transformation is His Word. We are to be saturated in His Word. We are to be immersed in it. It is to be imbedded in our hearts, fixed in our thoughts, and dripping from our tongues. We are to model its principles, exemplify its attitudes, and teach its truths. God has sent us out to make disciples. Disciples are students and by the leading of the Holy Spirit, we will endeavor to teach them about Christ.

 

A is for Ambassadors: We are to be God’s representatives in this foreign land. We are to represent His interests in this “alien” culture and we are to maintain the favor of those around us in the hopes of presenting His message with credibility and integrity.  The most effective method of communicating His message of transformation is through relationships. He has designed us for community. He has designed His community to transform the lives of those around it.  We must represent Him well.

 

L is for Leaders that lead: Our community is in need of true leaders, leaders that lead with character, compassion, and integrity. Gone is the time for leaders with an agenda, using manipulation as their method, and personal gain or power as their ultimate goal. We are in desperate need of God fearing, Spirit lead leaders in our community. As they are placed at the helm of this community, we will see the transformation not only of individuals but of community groups and social organizations as they are lead to God’s agenda not man’s.