Hope has an identity and I have a dream of covenant community. I dream not of perfection but rather of redemption. Can you see it? An association of churches committed to unveiling the Kingdom of God to every community in the Northwest, working hard at collaboration and encouragement. A group of churches that actually believe that redemptive windows exist, opportunities for God’s people to transform their communities through the manifest love of Christ.
If I look hard enough I can actually see the next generation of CB churches. They are strong and vibrant having come from hearty stock, mother churches that were willing to give of their very best, ensuring that the scarlet thread of redemption will continue. The dream is strong, filled with vivid images of faithful existing churches and hopeful church plants…can you see it?
Part dream and part reality, I see our CB pastors faithfully preaching the Word and shepherding their flocks with great care. Each one is on the alert for the next man of God, the individual who aspires to his position, one into whom he can pour his life, giving him the necessary consideration and counsel. I dream of a “convergence” of educational experiences providing what is needed for the launch of strong and relevant leadership. These aspiring pastors are the ones who will guide the next generation of churches, churches bound in covenant community.
Some would say the time of “associations” or “denominations” has come and gone, and yet in my dream I see our vast network of 270 churches in four states connected in significant ways.
We know our journey together will include suffering, yet our strong ties to sound doctrine and an inspiring vision will allow us to form new and accountable relationships. Larger, stronger congregations will be ready and willing to reach out to the smaller and weaker, and each will contribute to the unveiling of the kingdom in significant ways.
I know it is just a dream but I remind you that hope has an identity—His name is Jesus. He has promised that He will build His church. I look forward with great anticipation, with dreams of a strong covenant community known as CB Northwest.
