I Have A Dream

In 2006 Paul Beasley-Murray spent a sabbatical in New Zealand. On his return he shared this dream with the church.

1. I have a dream of a worshipping church
   Where God is at the centre of our life together
   Where Sunday is a day not to be missed
   Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
   

2. I have a dream of a multi-congregational church
   Where God is praised in a variety of forms
   Where everybody belongs to one congregation
   Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
   

3. I have a dream of a multi-cultural church
   Where people from many nations come to worship God
   Where internationals find special welcome
   Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
   

4. I have a dream of a non-sexist church
   Where women play their full part
   Where men can truly be men
   Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
   

5. I have a dream of a community church
   Where family life is strengthened,
   but also Where singles are valued and find friendship
   Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
   

6. I have a dream of a praying church
   Where the needs of our town and of the world are remembered
   Where the church and its leaders are prayed for too
   Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
   

7. I have a dream of a multi-age church
   Where there is a place for young and old
   Where people of all ages feel at home
   Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
   

8. I have a dream of a church full of children
   Where every month there is a children's special
   Where children come to know the Saviour
   Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
   

9. I have a dream of a church reaching out to young adults
   Where the evening service is contemporary in style
   Where the needs of students & the new city-dwellers are met
   Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.

10. I have a dream of a church growing with seniors
    Where a growing number of seniors find the Saviour
    Where seniors grow in grace & in understanding of their Lord
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.

11. I have a dream of an empowering church
    Where the focus is on the world, and notjust the church
    Where those in mid-life are resourced for their life in the world of work
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.

12. I have a dream of a stress-free church
    Where diaries are freed up from unnecessary meetings
    Where people have time to make friends with their neighbours
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.

13. I have a dream of a ministry-led church
    Where the ministry teams get on with their tasks
    Where the leaders are free to lead
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.

14. I have a dream of a vibrant town-centre church
    Where the strong and powerful are challenged
    Where the needs of the weak and vulnerable are met
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
    

15. I have a dream of a welcoming church
    Where the welcome is such that newcomers want to return
    Where a smile is accompanied with the offer of a meal
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.

16. I have a dream of an evangelising church
    Where people want to bring their friends
    Where baptisms are a frequent event
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
    

17. I have a dream of a growing church
    Where the crowds necessitate yet another congregation
    Where growth dictates yet further building
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
    

18. I have a dream of a church made up of small groups
    Where everybody feels they belong
    Where everybody feels free to share and not to feel ashamed
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
    

19. I have a dream of a church served by an ever-expanding staff
    Where young & old volunteer to be interns
    Where part-time as well as full-time staff serve their Lord
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
    

20. I have a dream of a generous church
    Where people are eager to give to vision
    Where finance is a servant of the church's mission
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.
    

21. I have a dream of a visionary church
    Where faith dreams
    Where faith dares
    Where people go Christ's way and make disciples.