>>Six Months Later...

I have a vision! I have a dream! Not the kind of vision some might think where you hear voices, levitate, walk through space, move through time surrounded by fog or smoke. In fact, I have never had one of those and when I do, call me crazy, but I will have lost it totally! The kind of vision and dream I have is seeing beyond the horizon to the heart of God. Through prayer, study, seeking the will of God, worship, and spiritual intuitiveness
I have envisioned what God wants to happen in and through NorthStar. This vision began developing a few years ago and began to grow stronger and clearer just over a year ago. I see God's hand in my life over the past several years preparing me for the vision He was giving me. He used people , His Word, my studies, and life experiences to shape this vision. Okay, Okay already! What is your vision?My vision is for there to be a church that functions much like the church in the New Testament. The N.T. church had a passion to come together to worship in a way that was relevant to their culture. I doubt seriously they had a pipe organ or an electric guitar. They just came with a strong sense of urgency to worship the creator of the universe. Some say as they came to church there would be over twenty thousand worshipers in the 10:30 (not sure what time) morning service at the temple courts (worship center). They would then break up into small groups, go to individual homes, eat, fellowship, study, serve, worship, and reach out to others together. Incredible! This is what we are doing at NorthStar!My vision goes beyond the warehouse that we are using as a church building.
I envision that in the years to come, God is going to provide us with property where we can take root and grow to an even greater level doing even greater things for the Lord.
I envision while we are still in our current building, expanding to additional services to accommodate the numbers of people that will be coming. As I teach in Discovering NorthStar 101, we can not let the shoe tell the foot how big it can get.
I envision the people of NSC inviting their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to be a part of what God is doing here.I envision multitudes of people plugging into small groups that will meet literally around the region. Small groups are where people can grow deeper with God while growing closer with one another. There is no way for everyone to know everybody, especially in a church the size of NorthStar. Therefore, it is important to get into a small group to experience the kind of fellowship God created us to enjoy.
I envision people driving on to our campus and actually sensing the presence of God through the smiles of the parking lot team, greeters, and leadership.
I envision people meeting Christ and connecting in the body of Christ. I envision people following Christ in obedience and connecting with His plan for their lives.
I envision NSC being a world mission strategy center with people going out at different times of the year to do home and foreign missions.
I envision NSC being a ministry focused church and actually being the hands and feet of Christ in our community, city, and county.
I envision NSC being a church planting resource center, and I envision NSC planting her first church by the end of our third year.
I envision students growing and reaching their friends for Christ.
I envision college and career ministry reaching people on campus and in the work place.I envision a children’s ministry that is cutting edge and life-changing, causing parents to say "I want my child a part of this ministry."
I envision worship that uses creativity and relevance to reach not only this generation but the ones to come. These things are not just wishful thinking or dreams that are beyond reality. In fact, we are already seeing these things come to pass in all of these areas. With the commitment to excellence, we are already seeing lives changed and people added to the kingdom. Often people ask me, "Would you have dreamed a year ago there would be so many people coming to NSC, etc?" Some are surprised by my answer. I did dream this! I believe the next six months are going to be even greater than the first. I am so glad you are a part of this vision, and I am thankful for the way God is using you to grow the kingdom for His glory.