Translate

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Was It The Pepperoni Pizza?



Almost six months ago, after a late night Sunday get-together with church friends at a local Brazilian pizzeria, I came home, crawled into my hammock, and began to dream… I saw the Villa Baptist church auditorium full of folks; there was no more standing room. The excitement of the congregation, as they sang, was overwhelming. During this enthusiastic “dreamed service,” I woke with a smile on my face and deeply felt that this could really happen! My excitement was strong, I could not go back to sleep and kept right on thinking about this dream.

For months, my mind returns to that dream. Each time, I find myself smiling. At the same time, I have a strong desire to stick with this ministry. Though Villa Baptist Church would probably be okay on her own under Pastor Valdir’s leadership, we are convinced the church has moved into a new level of numerical growth. This new phase needs a better-defined organizational structure with the countless new people opportunities and a future move to larger facilities. Vicki and I want to be an active part of this new direction.

During the past year, we have often discussed whether or not our church is crossing a new threshold and what that might look like. Our conclusion is that several factors and changes in our congregation have triggered a new momentum that will bring unprecedented numerical growth. We want that. Some Christians wince when strong emphasis is placed on numerical assessment of churches. I get that. Sometimes their concerns are valid.

The Bible shows us that God created numbers, numbers are OK. Numbers can help us see what is good. From Genesis through Revelation, the meaning and importance of numbers is overwhelming. A local church’s spiritual outreach is greatly influenced by its numerical growth. The Gospel is for people, all people, and a church that cares for people damaged by sin will grow in numbers.

Not only do numbers have uncalculatedable importance in Scripture, but also God-induced dreams fall within His plan. Their interpretations and meanings provide great guidance, hidden information, and authority in both the Old and New Testaments.

As to my intense dream almost six months ago, I think it may have been the late night pepperoni pizza. I’m not sure, but I am sure of this - the new excitement and drive now in my heart is not coming from a pizza!

Tim Reiner

PS: If you have not yet visited Vicki’s coaching site: www.focusedonpurpose.com


      For her Portuguese coaching site go to: www.foconoseuproposito.com
If  interested in supporting Tim & Vicki Reiner, please contact


Baptist Mid-Missions
P.O. Box 308011
Cleveland, OH 44130-8011 USA
(440)826-3930

Baptist Mid-Missions of Canada
110 Garnet St. North
Posted by No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)