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Is anything helped when people are walking in an untruth? Is the Kingdom of God advanced when there is a veneer in place? It is that kind of thing that many find distasteful in churches, how people are one way during the week and then when they get to church everything is "fine" and "wonderful." I have said from the beginning that I wanted West Shore to be a place where people can be real.

So let's be real... As we continue to work on transitioning a church that was on a slow downward spiral for a number of years, we have lost people who liked the way things were...or at least do not like where things are headed. What is absolutely clear to everyone who was able to grasp the big picture is that things could not have continued as they were. If things were to have continued unchanged, the church would have been one of the tragic statistics that show that 3,500-4,000 churches a year are closed forever. (download the message called Desperate for God's Household for more details) I have seen this happen before.

So in an effort to turn things around and bring change, we have lost people...and things are tight. But we have seen some firstfruits of what is to come.

We just had a baptism service for a young professional in the area who was for the most part unchurched and had never given his life to the Lord (was not a rededication) before. What has happened in this man's life is a picture of what is to come IF...IF we do not give up. IF we continue according to God's blueprint for His Kingdom. IF we continue in the Jesus way. The church's mission statement talks about building a relevant church that exists for Jesus, and for others. But what will that look like? I have shared a specific 5 year vision that I have, but I want to break that down to some personal essentials. I don't want to speak to demographics or attendance levels, but rather to the heart. Let's dream together...

Imagine a church where the people are very consistent in their spirituality. Their life of faith and walk with Jesus is organic to who they are, and the church service is just one aspect of their Christian experience.

Imagine a church that is passionate about Jesus and their worship of Him all throughout the week. The church service is just one focused time of corporate celebration of who God is and all that He has done.

Imagine a people that flow in the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit in a naturally supernatural way.

Imagine a people that are thoroughly equipped for every good work of service and defense of the faith.

Imagine a people deeply rooted in Christ through a life of prayer both corporately and individually.

Imagine a church whose vision is so dramatic that it will take life-change on the part of every person as well as connection with the God who makes the impossible possible.

Imagine a church that is so culturally and ethnically diverse that it is a true representation of the creative heart of God.

Imagine a church that is creating modern day disciples that walk in humility and relevance towards the people Jesus came to reach.

Imagine the church of God's dreams to impact the West Shore region, Cleveland, and the nations...