This past Sunday, our congregation took a bold and faithful step forward by voting to adopt the Strategic Plan assembled by our Strategic Planning Team. The plan passed with an overwhelming majority of 199-10, reflecting our shared commitment to the future God is calling us to as a church.
This Strategic Plan is more than just a roadmap – it’s a vision for how we will live out our mission in the years to come:
- Staying true to our core values while reframing our vision around “Gather, Grow, and Go” – gathering for worship, growing through small groups and discipleship, and going into our neighborhoods, our city, and the world to share the love of Christ.
- A renewed focus on local ministry in Houston, ensuring we are stewarding our resources wisely.
- A commitment to financial stability, allowing us to continue serving Houston and beyond for generations to come.
One of the most challenging aspects of this plan was the amendment to sunset services at our West Campus and unify our worship at the Downtown Campus beginning March 9th. This was adopted by a margin of 189 to 13. We know this was not an easy decision for many in our church family, and we are deeply grateful for the personal sacrifices made by those who hold the West Campus dear.
Your willingness to invest first in the long-term future of our church above any personal desires is a testament to your faith and love for this community. Our heart is with all who are grieving as a result of this decision, and we are here to support every member of our church family in the days ahead.
In times of transition and change, it is important to know what to expect in the days ahead:
- First, West Campus will operate on its regular Sunday schedule through March 2nd. All Sunday School and Worship will gather Downtown beginning March 9th.
- Second, Pastor Lance will be on West Campus all morning this Sunday, February 2nd, and will be available in the Worship Center during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday School hour for an informal debrief with individuals and Sunday School classes, as well as after The Source and Altar-Umoja in 3663 for anyone who would like to connect.
- Third, there will be a place provided on the Downtown Campus for all our West Campus Sunday School classes, and a process will be communicated this Sunday for bringing leadership together to plan our new Sunday School experience as a unified church meeting on one campus.
- Fourth, we are working on a transportation plan for those needing a ride downtown and will be sharing more details on Sunday. Our hope is that everyone who is a part of our church family on our West Campus will make the move with us Downtown to be a part of what God is doing among us. There is a place for everyone Downtown to continue thriving as a part of our church family.
In Lance’s sermon on Sunday, we were reminded that God often calls us to step out in faith, trusting that He is leading us toward greater things. This vote was a powerful moment of unity, and we are so proud of how our church came together to discern God’s will for our future.
As we move forward, let us do so with hope, gratitude, and a shared commitment to the vision God has placed before us. Together, we will continue to be a light in Houston, transforming lives through the love of Christ.
Thank you to everyone who prayed, participated, and sacrificed during this process. Your faithfulness is inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what God will do through us as one unified body, connected in love and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Based on the passion and dedication witnessed on Sunday, there is no question that God is already at work in this new movement.