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I gave up. And I'm not proud of it. But I know why I did... 
 
Several years ago I decided to climb the Golden Ears mountains with a group of friends. The peak can be reached in a day and boasts excellent views in every direction. After identifying an upcoming day with promising weather and with some careful planning we set off early one Saturday morning. After hours of initial trails that got us up the shoulders of the mountain, we began a steeper incline up the elevation. My legs began to burn and my back complained, but I pushed onward; I was motivated to see the view from the top. A few hours later, however, as we neared the final incline to the summit we entered into a cloud and the temperature dropped. We made the mistake of pausing for lunch. This only drew my attention to just how exhausted and sore I truly was. Then, other hikers who had recently summited passed us on their way down. 
 
"How much further do we have to the summit?" I asked. 
 
"About 30 minutes"
 
"How's the view?"
 
"You can't see a thing ... the cloud won't' lift."
 
My heart sunk. And all my motivation died with the news. 
 
I gave up. I was within 30 minutes of at least being able to say I had reached the peak. 
 
And
I 
Gave 
Up. 
 
After lunch, we began our descent. 

Why? Because vision matters. 
 
Proverbs 29.18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (KJV). In the absence of a clear, compelling, and God-given vision, people can lose motivation, courage, and their will to press on. 
 
When vision isn't clear, people start giving up. 
 
One of our five prayer priorities this year is for God's Vision for CPC.
 
A lot of work has gone into our process over the past year and a half. I have deeply enjoyed listening and learning from you about your sense of God's guidance and call for our church in a variety of strategic environments: 

  1. Fall 2022 Town Hall Discussion
  2. Feb 2021 AGM Discussion
  3. 2021 Prayer Priority 
  4. Life Group Leaders Summit
  5. Missions Committee
  6. Care & Benevolence Team
  7. Staff - Church Analysis 
  8. Leadership Council - Church Analysis 
  9. Elders - Generation Night
  10. Boomers - Generation Night
  11. X - Generation Night
  12. Millennials - Generation Night
  13. Z (Teens) - Generation Night
  14. Z (Kids) Generation Night
  15. 2017 Congregational Survey Results
  16. 2019 Congregational Survey Results 
  17. 2021 Congregational Survey Results 
  18. Fall 2021 Town Hall Discussion
  19. Feb 2022 AGM Discussion 
  20. 2022 Prayer Priority
  21. Coaching from a Consultant
  22. Resource: Saturate (Staff & Council Book Study & Discussions)
  23. Leadership Council Retreat 

We have been pouring through notes from these settings and working at identifying common themes and thoughts that rise to the forefront. Instead of clouds that limit vision, things are becoming clearer! We only have a few steps to go and are on track to be able to share refreshed vision this Fall that reflects God's direction for CPC through prayer and your input.
 
God is leading us to a place where we will have a clear view! And with a clear vision, we can anticipate God's supply of fresh courage and motivation for our journey ahead. 
 
For His glory! 

Pastor Mike