SAM BRASWELL

I Have . . .

a dream! I dream of being the pastor (or staff member) of a church that is more concerned with those not in church than those in the church.

I dream of a church where marriage means something, parents parent, and family matters. I dream of a church that is not afraid to risk failure to impact lives with the gospel of Christ. I long to be a part of a church where children beg their parents to take them to church. I dream of a church where men actually lead. I dream of a church where people matter more than “that’s the way we’ve always do it” or any out-dated tradition.

I dream of a church where everyone is welcome . . . no matter how they’re dressed, what they believe, what have done, what they are doing, or what they intend to do . . . I want to be a part of a church that really welcomes people who are seeking God.

I am dreaming of a church that will do whatever it takes to reach their generation for God.

I have a dream of a church that practices what it preaches. I dream of a church willing to change the way it does church to reach people who don’t do church.

I dream of a church where Jesus really is Lord . . . a place where people celebrate Him and He shows up; a place where sinners find salvation; marriages are saved; dads become dads, moms become moms, and kids love Jesus. I dream of a church where hurting people find hope; forgiveness is more than a word; and relationships are deeper than a shallow creek bed.

I dream of a church where people really love God and people . . . a place where people sing with meaning, shout with excitement, clap with enthusiasm, give money with joy, serve with gladness, and commit with purpose.

I dream of a church that is tired of doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results. I dream of a church that gets out of the building and into the streets. I dream of a church that gets rid of anything that is not helping people become mature followers of Christ.

I dream of a church that brings a HUGE smile to God’s face. That is the kind of church I want to be a part of . . . dear God this is my prayer!