Vision Presentation 2025 (2)

Vision Presentation 2025

Recognize: Wade Howell- Chairman of The Move Committee and served as lead on this project.

We GATHER for God’s glory, to GROW in Christlikeness, and GO in the Holy Spirit proclaiming the gospel.

Our motivation= God's Glory

Our Goal= Christlikeness

Our Result= Proclaiming the Gospel

Notice the Trinity.

Ephesians 4:11–16 ESV

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

1. Gather

Gather with the called and spiritually gifted.

We gather to be equipped.

2. Grow

4 Parts of Growth

A. Grow in Unity

Unity within the body of Christ is a mark of maturity.

B. Grow in Knowledge

Grow Groups

C. Grow in Expectation

measure to Christ.

ILL-- measuring on the wall. -

Claybrook's

D. Grow in Wisdom (14)

Ephesians 5:14 ESV

14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

apply the knowledge so you know sound doctrine and recognize false doctrine.

3. Go

What is the result of being like Christ? Obedience.

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

So, where is this taking us?

Vision Narrative

We long for a day when the families and individuals that make up First Baptist McAlester are so deeply transformed by the gospel that every part of our lives together glorifies God in visible and powerful ways.

We envision Sunday Worship Gatherings that are grounded in God’s Word. Our prayers echo the truths of God’s Word. The voices of all generations rise together in song, not out of habit, but out of hearts that truly know and love Jesus. The preaching brings clarity to God’s Word and transforms both sinners and saints.

We hope for a community where discipleship is cross-generational. Mature followers of  Jesus are mentoring new believers. Families are working together to encourage one another to follow after Jesus. Parents are serving as the primary disciple-makers of their children1. As a result, we hope to see the congregation formed in Christlikeness, trained in God’s Word, and sent out to fulfill the Great Commission.

We strive to be a church recognized and identified by its people more than its buildings. We want to be people who go into neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces to be of service and a blessing, by meeting needs with authentic compassion. We pray to be a people who care for widows and help orphans find families. In all this, we strongly desire to make Jesus known by boldly proclaiming the gospel, here, near, and far. 

We imagine a body of believers where serving is second nature. Servants are being equipped and encouraged to use their gifts joyfully, not out of obligation.  All ministries are working together in an efficient and effective way to fulfill the church’s vision.

We dream of facilities that are tools for ministry – where spaces are used well, cared for faithfully, and accessible to the community.

This is the church we’re becoming. A gospel-transformed people who GATHER for God’s glory, to GROW in Christlikeness, and GO in the Holy Spirit proclaiming the gospel.

What must we value to accomplish this vision?

1. Authority of Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2. Unity in Christ

Galatians 3:28 ESV

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

3. Intentional Relationships

Ephesians 4:2–6 ESV

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

4. Transformational Discipleship

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

5. Strategic Evangelism

Mark 16:15 ESV

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

6. Sacrificial Giving

1 Peter 4:10 ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

7. Authentic Worship

Hebrews 13:15 ESV

15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

First Steps (Strategic Initiatives)

How do we start?

1. Develop and implement a discipleship plan emphasizing transformation through obedience to God’s Word with an understanding of the primary role of Grow Groups.

2. Develop and implement a missions and outreach strategy using here, near, and far.

3. Commission the Move Committee to develop and implement a master plan for the use and expansion of our facilities, consistent with the church vision, with a plan on how we relocate all ministries to the new property over the next seven years.

4. Appoint and empower a team to develop a ministry structure that better enables the church to fulfill its mission effectively and efficiently. The ministry structure will also provide accountability and alignment of ministerial staff with the leadership structure of the church.

What does this mean for me?

Have you been changed by the Gospel?

Are you committed to First Baptist McAlester?

What can you do to help us accomplish this vision?