A VISION FOR US ALL by Terry Benson

“If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19, 20 (NLT)

What did Jesus mean when He promised that the Father would do anything that we ask when we agree together? Not long ago I came across something Pastor Tom Schroer shared with the leaders of North Hills at a retreat over 10 years ago. In it he articulates the dream God put on his heart as the leader. I was struck in reading it how much of what Tom shared in this document has happened or is happening. To me it’s a fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to grant our “agreed-on” requests. See what you think.

“I have a dream of an Adventist congregation that wants to expand beyond traditional SDA culture and get involved with the people in their community.  It’s a dream of North Hills Church becoming a place where the hurting, the depressed, the frustrated, and the confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness, guidance, and encouragement. Where growth comes by people accepting Christ, not just membership transfers from other SDA churches.  A church that takes to heart Jesus’ command to ‘seek and save the lost.’

“I have a dream of challenging North Hills Church to a level of spiritual maturity where everyone is a part of a small group so dynamic, meaningful, and close, that each person will eagerly anticipate attending Sabbath Worship.

“I have a dream of seeing every believer equipped for significant ministry by helping them to discover the gifts and talents God has given them.

“I have a dream of seeing multiple worship services each weekend where the glory of God is experienced in the power of Pentecost.

“I have a dream of seeing both young and old working together unselfishly, without barriers, seeking and saving the lost as a team.

“I have a dream of seeing North Hills Church fully embrace what Jesus Himself gave us:  the Great Commandment to love God and others, and the Great Commission to share the gospel. 

“I have a dream of seeing the North Hills Church becoming like the church in the book of Acts – a caring group of people who are closer to each other than to their natural families—committed to God and to each other as the first priority in their lives.”

Written by Pastor Tom Schroer

What a glimpse into God’s leading at North Hills over the past 12 years – and why calling this series, “ANEW” was so appropriate! What God began doing through Tom’s vision and ministry continues to this day because so many of us agree together in the name of Jesus that these “dreams” are our requests. Praise God! He is answering our prayers, and He is making North Hills into a power for good in our world and a testimony to His glory and grace through Jesus Christ.

T.B.

Think about it:  Will I agree with and keep asking God to fulfill this dream?