Family, let me share something the Lord has laid on my heart for Issachar Church. There's this story about a man stranded on a deserted island. When rescuers arrive, they notice he's built three huts. When asked about them, he explains, "The first is my home, the second is my church, and the third is the church I used to go to because they’re all hypocrites."
Funny, isn’t it? But it speaks a powerful truth: no church is perfect—not even Issachar Church. And you know what? God isn’t calling us to perfection. He’s calling us to faithfulness. Like the men of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32, He’s calling us to understand the times and know what to do.
As we stand at the threshold of 2025, we must embrace this truth: Issachar Church isn’t about being flawless; it’s about being faithful, on fire for Jesus, and a beacon of hope in the darkness. That’s the heart of Vision 2025—a mission grounded in three key goals that align with God’s purposes and set the stage for His mighty movement among us.
1. Build on the Gospel
The foundation of everything we do is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” We must stay laser-focused on the Gospel—no distractions, no compromises.
Here’s the goal: by 2025, we’re believing for 15 new salvations. How do we make this a reality? By training ourselves in evangelism, reaching into our community with the love of Christ, and praying fervently like never before. Just as the men of Issachar understood their time and took action, we must understand that now is the time to share the Good News.
2. Bringing People into God’s Word
The Word of God is more than just a book—it’s the lifeline of our faith and the compass for our lives. As 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” To grow into the people God has called us to be, we need to engage deeply with His Word.
At Issachar Church, we’re committed to bringing our family into a stronger relationship with Scripture. This isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about letting God’s Word shape our hearts, guide our decisions, and transform our lives.
Here’s the challenge: by the end of 2025, we’re believing that 80% of our church family will be regularly reading the Bible at least four days a week. To help us achieve this, we’re rolling out practical steps:
We want to be a church that doesn’t just read the Bible but lives the Bible. By diving into God’s Word, we’ll become like the men of Issachar—equipped with wisdom to understand the times and the boldness to know what to do.
Let’s dig into Scripture like never before, letting it be our daily bread, our guide, and our source of strength for the journey ahead.
3. Build Servant Leaders
Jesus came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28), and we’re called to follow His example. As Ephesians 4:11-12 teaches, Christ gave gifts to equip us for works of service so that the body of Christ might be built up. At Issachar Church, we’re going to activate every gift, every talent, and every calling in our family.
By 2025, we want everyone in our church engaged in ministry, with at least 50% actively using their spiritual gifts. This will mean hosting workshops, creating opportunities for service, and holding each other accountable as we grow in servanthood. We’re here to be a church of servant leaders, not spectators.
A Call to Action
Vision 2025 isn’t just my vision; it’s our vision. This is the call God has placed on Issachar Church. Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up. And let’s not forget Ephesians 3:20-21, which reminds us that God can do infinitely more than we could ever ask or imagine.
So I’m asking you, will you join me? Will you commit to this vision? Let’s step into 2025 with faith, action, and the wisdom of Issachar. Together, let’s be the church God has called us to be.
The harvest is ready—let’s go get it.
#Jesus_NtheKnow
#ICSheridan
Funny, isn’t it? But it speaks a powerful truth: no church is perfect—not even Issachar Church. And you know what? God isn’t calling us to perfection. He’s calling us to faithfulness. Like the men of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32, He’s calling us to understand the times and know what to do.
As we stand at the threshold of 2025, we must embrace this truth: Issachar Church isn’t about being flawless; it’s about being faithful, on fire for Jesus, and a beacon of hope in the darkness. That’s the heart of Vision 2025—a mission grounded in three key goals that align with God’s purposes and set the stage for His mighty movement among us.
1. Build on the Gospel
The foundation of everything we do is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” We must stay laser-focused on the Gospel—no distractions, no compromises.
Here’s the goal: by 2025, we’re believing for 15 new salvations. How do we make this a reality? By training ourselves in evangelism, reaching into our community with the love of Christ, and praying fervently like never before. Just as the men of Issachar understood their time and took action, we must understand that now is the time to share the Good News.
2. Bringing People into God’s Word
The Word of God is more than just a book—it’s the lifeline of our faith and the compass for our lives. As 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” To grow into the people God has called us to be, we need to engage deeply with His Word.
At Issachar Church, we’re committed to bringing our family into a stronger relationship with Scripture. This isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about letting God’s Word shape our hearts, guide our decisions, and transform our lives.
Here’s the challenge: by the end of 2025, we’re believing that 80% of our church family will be regularly reading the Bible at least four days a week. To help us achieve this, we’re rolling out practical steps:
- A Churchwide Bible Reading Plan: Simple, accessible, and designed to encourage daily connection with God’s Word.
- Accountability Check-ins: Regular opportunities to share insights, encourage one another, and celebrate progress as a family.
- Life-Transforming Preaching: Every sermon will illuminate how Scripture applies to real life, making the Word come alive in new and powerful ways.
We want to be a church that doesn’t just read the Bible but lives the Bible. By diving into God’s Word, we’ll become like the men of Issachar—equipped with wisdom to understand the times and the boldness to know what to do.
Let’s dig into Scripture like never before, letting it be our daily bread, our guide, and our source of strength for the journey ahead.
3. Build Servant Leaders
Jesus came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28), and we’re called to follow His example. As Ephesians 4:11-12 teaches, Christ gave gifts to equip us for works of service so that the body of Christ might be built up. At Issachar Church, we’re going to activate every gift, every talent, and every calling in our family.
By 2025, we want everyone in our church engaged in ministry, with at least 50% actively using their spiritual gifts. This will mean hosting workshops, creating opportunities for service, and holding each other accountable as we grow in servanthood. We’re here to be a church of servant leaders, not spectators.
A Call to Action
Vision 2025 isn’t just my vision; it’s our vision. This is the call God has placed on Issachar Church. Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up. And let’s not forget Ephesians 3:20-21, which reminds us that God can do infinitely more than we could ever ask or imagine.
So I’m asking you, will you join me? Will you commit to this vision? Let’s step into 2025 with faith, action, and the wisdom of Issachar. Together, let’s be the church God has called us to be.
The harvest is ready—let’s go get it.
#Jesus_NtheKnow
#ICSheridan