(Adapted from Brian Houston - 1993)
In 1993 Brian Houston wrote down a vision of the Church that inspired, and is still inspiring, the story of Hillsong Church. When I look at what God has done in and through Hillsong, and how much of what Brian saw back then has come to pass, it builds my faith. So, in May 2018, I sat down to write my own version of "the Church I see". I hope it stirs you as much as it does me...
I see a church bursting with life, so much so that buildings cannot contain it, and nations cannot ignore it. I see a church that the unchurched love to attend. A church who never stops searching for lost people because God never stopped searching for us. I see a church at the forefront, and in the trenches of, the fight against poverty and injustice. A church that straddles the affluent and the poor, and builds bridges between the two. I see a church where all people can come as they are, and find a place to belong. I see a church that celebrates and champions diversity. I see a church that is hungry for more and visionary in nature. A church that refuses to be content with the triumphs of the past, but is constantly looking towards the future. I see a church where relationship trumps religion, every time. I see a church full of people who are discovering the mystery of their union with God, each other, and their divine purpose here on this earth. I see a church so committed to raising, training and empowering a new generation of leaders - leaders that are naturally gifted, spiritually potent, and genuinely humble. I see a church so Kingdom-minded that we will count whatever the cost and pay whatever the price to see that Kingdom come. I see a church big enough to dream on a global scale, but personal enough for everyone to feel known, cared for, and included. I see a church so compassionate that people are drawn from impossible situations into a loving and friendly circle of hope, where answers are found and acceptance is given. I see a church doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly. I see a church that agitates and combats the oppressive structures of our world by accounting for the Hope that is within us, and by erecting, in the teeth of those structures, signs of God's New Kingdom. I see a church that creates space for life - for God to do what only He can do. I see a church that is not just "grace" in name, but grace in nature. I see a church joining God's mission to heal the world. I see a church that loves people, loves God, and is making a difference. I see a Church whose head is Jesus, whose help is the Holy Spirit and whose focus is the Great Commission.
