What is your vision of “Church?” What do you believe the fellowship of believers is actually supposed to look like? At a time when foundations are being shaken and viable spiritual leadership is in question, it seems our collective vision is unsure. And yet, I believe God’s idea for His “Ekklesia,” has never changed. His heart and purpose for His people has always been the same.
For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18-22 ESV)
I recently found two dreams I had in January of 2023 that illustrate this reality…
In the first dream I was taken back to a ”run of the mill” traditional church. The service had already started, but there were only a few folding chairs set up in the middle of the sanctuary and a few folks standing around the sides. Though I heard a faint sound of someone preaching up front, several people were whispering in conversation and a number of others just moving about. I was wondering if this was the actual church service, and someone confirmed that it was. Apparently, it was set up this way to provide for more social interaction. This way people could come and go as they liked and get to know each other more freely. It was evident that the Word and worship were secondary priorities for this makeshift gathering of onlookers that called themselves a “church.” But there was nothing to indicate anything lifegiving or worthwhile, and it was practically empty.
In the next dream I was taken to another church. In this gathering I saw the pastor, his assistant, and a mix of other leaders and younger folks in worship. A group of them had gathered up front to get some kind of direction. I could see the pastor standing on the outer circle taking everything in. The group huddled together was so focused and unified, they appeared “as one” – almost like a wall that towered over everyone else – including the pastor. But, as a watchman, he was excited about what was happening.
Then, a cue was given by some unseen leader that signaled for everyone to respond to an invitation that was given. All at once, people all over the room responded to the invitation. And though it was spontaneous, it seemed almost synchronized as they were all in the same attitude of worship and prayer. I could see and hear each one responding to the call and releasing their faith through various expressions of worship and prayer. I saw one man’s head seeming to spin with great fervency, but though it was unusual, I could tell it was something intimate and even holy.
As all of this was happening, I heard a “swoosh” and felt a wind pass through. I physically felt the atmosphere change. Something had shifted in the spirit and I fell to my knees as a result. It was so powerful I had no choice but to respond. I then realized I was feeling the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. It seemed to be triggered by this people of one heart and mind, fully surrendered to the direction of Holy Spirit. And it changed everything.
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:1-2 NKJV)
Upon waking from these dreams, several revelations immediately flooded my mind. First, I remembered something the Lord had told me the year before: “Watch and pay attention for the changes to come! The dramatic shifts to take place are soon to redefine our very identity as the Church. Because of the upgrades to come, there will no longer be a Charismatic or Pentecostal arm of the church to lay claim to the work of Holy Spirit. Rather, churches across the nations will be known to be either DEAD or ALIVE!”
This was the comparison I saw between these two churches due to the posture of their hearts. The Church was never meant to be a reception area or social club, but a House of God’s Presence. The fellowship of believers will only have meaning and purpose when unifying around God’s Word and the presence of His Spirit. It is a people who seek Him with their whole heart that will touch something beyond themselves. Anything less may feel comfortable and safe, but will have nothing of substance to offer and will eventually die.
The other lesson here is that God’s true shepherds are not pulpit performers, but servant leaders. It is those pastors who faithfully keep watch over their flock and surrender any need for reputation and recognition that will see God’s people come alive in purpose and power. It is those pastors who are willing to take a back seat in order for others to reach their full potential that will leave a legacy that lasts. The kinds of leaders God has always chosen for His House are those who gladly disciple believers, build teams, and equip the next generation for harvest.
I believe this has always been God’s vision for His House. Servants leaders empowering a people fully surrendered to the Spirit, working together with one heart and mind in order to know Him, and to make Him known. May we contend for that kind of House and vision.
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