Prophetic picture given May 2008 by John Montesi
I see sails, strong sails. And very heavy rigging.
For Friends First is not meant to be a rowboat with it's crew all lined up on benches pulling on oars in unison. Friends First is a vessel powered by the wind.
But even though it's power does not come from the arms of men there is still work to be done..... Sails need hoisting, decks need cleaning, maintenance needs to be made.
Even though there are different tasks involved on this vessel, a love, an honour and a respect is required for each and every member of her crew. The person in the crows nest who can see what lies ahead is no more important than the one preparing the food in the galley... Not one member is of more value than another.
For the crew of the vessel is more of a community built on relationship than conscripts with rank. The guys on the bridge (the leaders) don't follow charts and plans devised by man. For the captain of this boat is Jesus. And He longs for you to feel His breath on your face. He longs to hear His whispers in your heart. For what you learn will be through your relationship with him.
For the church of the future is one that knows when the time is right to hoist the sails... What direction to point the boat in.
The church of the future is one that knows how to tack into a stiff breeze.
The church of the future is one that knows by the Spirit whether to go through the storm, around the storm or speak to the storm.
For the church of the future is one that knows how to discover treasure, plunder the enemy's camp. And return home with true riches - the hearts and souls of men!