Vision is not about reality or what is. Vision is all about our dreams and aspiration or what could be. The writer of Proverbs wrote, “Where there is no vision the people perish” (20:18). At New Jerusalem, it is our desire that you catch the vision God has given us that you begin to visualize the invisible. It is our desire that you clearly see the future of the ministry – what it can be and what it must be. But most importantly, we want you to capture the concept of our vision so that it will capture you and provide a foundation for your personal ministry with us at New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

 

      In part, the vision of New Jerusalem Baptist Church is to become a biblically functioning community. 

 

We are Committed to Dynamic Worship

 

     Because our vision is to extend the transforming grace of Jesus Christ, we believe that the most fundamental relationship people can have is an active, living relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son (John 10:10; Romans 6:23). Our worship services reflect this by promoting creative, inspiriting and authentic worship which demonstrates that God is living and active in this generation; therefore, the most contemporary medium is used to express our worship.

 

We are Committed to Reach the Unchurched

 

     Our vision includes the intentional pursuit of reaching those who have stopped attending, or have never attended a church. Those who have not experienced God’s transforming grace.

 

       At New Jerusalem Baptist Church, we envision our sharing the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection with thousands of unchurched friends and people in the Axtell and the surrounding Waco metropolitan, many of whom accept him as Savior.

 

     We envision developing all our people – new believers as well as established believers – into fully functioning flowers of Christ through people-friendly worship services, Sunday school, special events, and most important, small groups.

 

     Our comprehensive purpose is to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ by carrying out his command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Specifically, we believe God has called us to focus on reaching those in Axtell and the Waco metropolitan, who do not regularly attend any church.

 

     To accomplish this, New Jerusalem Baptist Church will be an equipping center where every Christian can be developed to their full potential for ministry. This development will come through:

 

• Creative, inspiring worship;

• Teaching that is biblical and relevant to life;

• Vital, supportive fellowship; and

• Opportunities for outreach into the community in service and evangelism.

 

     As a result, the Axtell and the greater Waco metropolitan will be different in ten to fifteen years, with the Christian influence being increasing felt in homes, businesses, education, and politics.

 

WE SEE . . .

 

. . . the light of truth cutting through the darkness!

 

     At New Jerusalem, we will seek to lead irreligious people from the darkness of separation from God to a relationship with Him by proclaiming clearly and often the truth of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Corporately, we will provide a Sunday morning service that is exciting, interesting, and friendly. We will also have outreach events such as concerts, block parties, sports, and festivals. Individually, the mature, trained followers of Christ will reach out to friends, family, and neighbors.

 

WE SENSE . . .

 

. . . the aroma of freedom for a selfish lifestyle!

 

     At New Jerusalem, believers are encouraged to shed the shackles of harmful and selfish behavior and enjoy the freedom of following Christ. They understand the characteristics of a fully-functioning follower and are challenged to become one. In formal teaching times and small groups, believers find the means of learning how to study the Word, pray to God, share their faith, and practice hospitality.

 

WE HEAR . . .

 

. . . the sound of laughter breaking down the walls of silence!

 

     At New Jerusalem, we will be a family that calls people from the loneliness of isolation to the joy of relationship. We will seek to know, serve, encourage, challenge, and love one another. We will welcome all people regardless of race, sex, or history into our family, just as God has welcome believers into His family by His grace. We will not be afraid to laugh or have fun.

 

WE FEEL . . .

 

. . . the strength of a loving hand training us to serve!

 

     At New Jerusalem, men and women will receive further training to become leaders who make disciples. As a result of our worship, evangelism, assimilation, and leadership training, we will become a church of ministers that carries out the Great Commission, meets the needs of one another, builds safer communities, and glorifies the name of Jesus Christ in the city of Axtell, Texas and surrounding communities.

 

     Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke of having a dream. He stated; “I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal.’ … I have a dream today” We too at New Jerusalem Baptist Church have a dream.

 

     It is the dream of a place where the hurting, the depressed, the frustrated, and the confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness, guidance, and encouragement.  

 

     It is the dream of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the hundrens of residents in Axtell and the Waco metropolitan.

 

     It is the dream of welcoming 250 active members into the fellowship of our church family – loving, learning, laughing, and living in harmony together.

 

     It is the dream of developing people to spiritual maturity through Bible studies, small groups, seminars, and retreats.

 

     It is the dream of equipping every believer for a significant ministry by helping them discover the gifts and talents God gave them.

 

     Finally, placing a vision in print is somewhat like attempting to hold water in your hand. It is nearly impossible!  A vision is something that is caught rather that taught. It has been described as a mental picture of the future, which finds it realization in the hands of the one who owns the vision. It is our desire that the New Jerusalem vision becomes your vision; something that you can see, but something you must be.

 

Pastor K. W. Stephens

B.Th., M.Div., MSW