Renewing the Redeemer Vision

Recently I asked Redeemer’s membership coordinator, Lori Dante, what percentage of Redeemer’s active membership has joined the church since the move into our downtown facility. I knew that the answer was going to be substantial, but I had not anticipated how significant. Lori’s research revealed that roughly 65% of Redeemer’s current membership has joined the church since the spring of 2014. We have not had a sermon series on the Redeemer vision since 2012, so on Sunday, we will launch “Renewing the Redeemer Vision,” our sermon series for the fall. 

For a large portion of our congregation, this will be new material. But even if you have been around since the founding of Redeemer, I believe this series will be a source of encouragement to you. In preparation for the series, I’ve been going back to some foundational documents that were created in 2001. In one of those documents I invited individuals and families considering joining the church plant to dream a little bit about what Redeemer might become. We imagined a church where:

• God’s glory is our chief end and delight. As the church father St. Augustine said, “our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.”

• God’s forgiveness and restoration through Christ give us the freedom to live all of life. Therefore, this “grace of God” is the energizing power behind all we plan, teach and practice.

• God’s call goes out to the spiritually hungry, starved for Biblical instruction, and they come to maturity and service to Christ.

• The burnt out, the wounded, the legalists and prodigals are beckoned to renewal and revival through the love and forgiveness of Christ.

• Seekers, skeptics and spiritual wanderers find new life in Christ and purpose for the future.

• Relationships take priority over programs. Therefore, members and visitors are engrafted into community groups where God’s word is taught and Christ’s love is practiced.

• Marriage and family ties strengthen as we pour forth the love Christ has showered on us. Children are challenged with the truths of the Gospel and are equipped to serve in every sphere of life.

• Brokenness, weakness, addiction and misdeeds are not denied, hidden or seen as things for people “out there.” They are honestly acknowledged and boldly confronted with compassion and love.

• Money, gifts and abilities are unleashed rather than being either feared or hoarded.

• The people and culture of San Antonio are lovingly embraced and supported, not alienated nor condemned. The needs and problems of San Antonio are impacted through service and sacrifice, not abandoned or overlooked. San Antonio’s business, university, professional and art communities are creatively and positively engaged by our vision and ministry.

• We build bridges to the Hispanic people and culture so that we may learn and reach out with the Gospel’s transforming message.

• We initiate a vibrant church planting movement starting churches in metro San Antonio and all of South Texas for people of every tongue, tribe and nation.

• The PCA college ministry of Reformed University Fellowship is an integral component of our outreach at Trinity University and the University of Texas-San Antonio.

Looking back on seventeen years, it’s impossible not to see how we fall short. The Gospel community that we long for most is still a work in progress. At the same time, many of these dreams have become reality. Neither our shortcomings nor our successes mean that we have exhausted God’s mission for Redeemer in the city of San Antonio.

One of the things that I am most excited about entering this fall is the awareness that the more Redeemer’s membership is reached and equipped with our vision, the greater the impact we will have for the Gospel on the city of San Antonio. So, whether you’re a long-time member or a newcomer, let me urge you to make Sundays a priority as we all seek to renew our vision.