Vision Statement from Pastor Lee Webb

"Without a vision, the people perish." Prov. 29:18 or as Rick Warren states, "Where there is no vision, the people find another parish."

"Vision is a clear mental picture of what could be fueled by the conviction of what should be." Andy Stanley in Visioneering

It is my dream that SBF become…

A church that is healthy – The early church was a healthy church because of its balanced focus on worshipping God with all of their hearts, their attention to the teaching of God’s Word, their authentic relationships with one another that were characterized by a godly love, and their compassion for those who were outside the family of God. Rather than programs and paradigms, first-century believers were marked by unity and generosity. Their love of Christ and one another was contagious. The church grew because it was a place characterized by grace. I envision SBF being a church that is growing because of its health, not simply through programs and events. A church that is not only concerned for those on the inside, but concerned about those who are outside the family of God.

A church where every member is a minister – I envision SBF being an equipping station where people are mentored and encouraged to multiply themselves in others. Where biblical teaching leads to application rather than simply knowledge. Where people understand their spiritual gifts and serve in their giftedness. Where all of the members of the church see themselves as ministers, having been equipped by other believers and the staff. Ephesians 4:12 says, that pastors and teachers were given, "to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

Jesus’ primary strategy while on earth was to invest in the lives of 11 men who would each invest their lives in others. Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 , And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

A church that values creativity and innovation – I have a passion that SBF become a place where Spirit-driven creativity take precedence over tradition, convenience and comfort. Where believers are willing to make concessions in schedule format, expectation and personal convenience in order to reach people for Christ and disciple them into obedience to Him. Jesus said it this way in Luke 5:38 "new wine must be poured into new wineskins". This simply means that we must be creative and innovative in our attempts to instill biblical values in people’s lives. We must constantly evaluate our programs to make sure they are accomplishing our purpose. Bill Hull cautions, "Twenty-five years ago, it took twenty years for a church methodology to move from inception to relevancy. Ten years ago, it was fifteen. Today, the cycle has collapsed to seven years. Because culture is speeding down the road at a frightening pace, leaders today must be willing to live with constant change. Because programs have worked effectively in the past, we sometimes hang onto them even when their effectiveness has been passed up."

Some of the toughest problems we face are those created by the successes of the past. This means that after several years of effective ministry we tend to rely on comfortable and often previously effective programs, methods and philosophies of ministry. When this happens, stagnation takes place, because the church has ceased to be responsively aware of it’s culture and has been unwilling to change. Without realizing or intending it, the church moves from working toward vision to institutional maintenance. 1 Chronicles 12 describes a time in Israel when King Saul was on his way out and King David was on his way in. But the transition was a painful one because they were at war with the neighboring nation of Philistia. Inwardly, they were also experiencing a civil war over divided loyalties to David and Saul. The text lists those who deserted Saul and joined David to effect the dynastic change. Included in this group was the men of Issachar, "who understood the times and knew what Israel should do."(12:32) There were only two hundred of them out of a population of millions, but at least they were attempting to understand what was happening and make a difference. Today we need some modern men of Issachar who are trying to understand what is happening in order to decide what should be done. They are the ones who look at both the past and the present to determine action for the future. Culture is changing at a breakneck speed. We simply cannot isolate ourselves from the world in which we live and are supposed to reach. As Paul modeled in 1 Corinthians. 9:19-23 , if we are to be effective, we must understand our target audience and be willing to adjust our methodology to reach all people.

I dream of our church being a place that is committed to communicating the unchanging truths of the gospel and God’s Word but is willing to evaluate and make necessary changes in our methodology in order to effectively build Christ’s church into the 21 st century.

A church that is a caring community – I have a dream of SBF becoming a caring community where as far as humanly possible, no need capable of being met goes unmet because no one know, cared , or was too overly burdened with ministry to do something about it. I envision SBF being a hospital for the hurting – people cutting lawns for another with a broken ankle, meals being provided for the family facing crisis due to a mother’s hospitalization, providing support for a family where the primary breadwinner has lost their job. I envision a place where help is given instead of criticism when we see a family struggling with problem children – parents praying or crying together, counsel being shared with a couple in a troubled marriage. I have a dream of this occurring not primarily from the paid staff, but from individual believers who God has brought through these storms in life. That we will encourage and equip believers to experience the deliverance that God offers through the Holy Spirit’s transformation in our lives.

A church of effective small groups In our high tech, low touch, busy world, the need for belonging and authentic relationships has increased. We all long for relationships where we can be known and loved. God created us with this longing because we are created in His image. Attending a worship service once a week is not enough to equip and nourish a healthy believer. Consider the alcoholic who believes that simply attending an AA meeting once a week will solve his problem. We all have an addiction, and that addiction is sin in various forms. Daily we face temptations that would seek to lead us astray. We need the accountability of other believers who are devoted to each other and who encourage one another.

My vision for SBF is that everyone belong to a small group, prayer group, or ministry group. If this vision is to become reality, it will require a different view of the structure of "church". It will see the church, not only gathered for worship, but scattered for ministry. It will require small groups to train leaders who will then divide and begin another small group. As we grow larger, it is imperative that we grow smaller.

A church with quality ministries to families Most of the major revivals that God has brought in the last few centuries have begun with and sustained by youth.

I have a dream of a quality children’s ministry that engages children with the truth that the eternal God of the universe loves them and has a plan for their lives. I envision a church that reaches not only children, but recognizes the importance of reaching, involving, and equipping parents in the process of disciplemaking.

I have a dream of SBF providing a ministry to teenagers that will equip them for the temptations that our culture throws at them. A place where they will be equipped not only to grow and mature on their own, but reach their peers with the gospel. To provide a place of love and acceptance, where they will be valued and encouraged to use their gifts in the service of our church.

A church with dynamic college ministries. God has uniquely placed us near Salisbury University, where thousands of students come to our doorstep to receive an education. We have an opportunity to minister to them in a very critical time in their lives. Throughout our history, our church has had a unique connection to the University, and a heart for reaching students. I dream of our church having various ministries to college aged young adults, not only to disciple and strengthen believers there, but also to equip and assist them in reaching their peers with the gospel.