At Grace Baptist Church, we believe in dreaming big because God calls us to boldness in faith and action. This Sunday, we explored a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG)—a term coined by Jerry Falwell to describe a bold vision that stretches beyond human limitations and relies on God’s power. Our purpose as a church, “Grace exists so that all people can know and grow in Christ,” calls us to embrace God’s vision with faith, trust, and action.
But is a BHAG biblical? Is embracing change part of God’s plan? Scripture resoundingly says yes.
God’s Call to Bold Vision
In Isaiah 43:18-19, God declares, “Do not call to mind the former things or consider things of the past. Behold, I am going to do something new; now it will spring up; will you not be aware of it?” This prophecy points to the New Covenant, but it also reveals God’s heart: He calls His people to trust Him and embrace His plans, even when they require change.
Abraham is a powerful example of this trust. In Genesis 12:1-4, God called Abraham to leave his home and follow a promise—a bold vision that he would become the father of many nations. Despite uncertainty, Abraham obeyed. He trusted God’s plan and became a vital part of God’s redemptive work in the world.
Today, we face the same call: to trust God and move forward in faith. God is doing a “new thing” at Grace Baptist Church. He invites us to be part of His work of restoration, transformation, and impact in our community and beyond.
Living Out Our Purpose
How can Grace Baptist Church live out our purpose so that “all people can know and grow in Christ”? It requires intentional action in areas like discipleship, family ministry, community service, and relationship-building. We must be willing to leave behind familiar comforts and embrace God’s vision for something greater.
Imagine Grace becoming a church where every person, regardless of background, finds the opportunity to encounter Jesus, deepen their faith, and become a committed follower of Christ. This vision requires boldness and trust, as outlined in Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
Bold Steps of Faith
God’s vision for us demands bold steps of action, trust, and obedience. Consider the story of Ananias in Acts 9:10-16. God called him to reach out to Saul—a known persecutor of Christians. Despite fear, Ananias obeyed, and his faith led to Saul’s transformation into the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest evangelists in history.
At Grace, bold steps might mean launching new ministries, rethinking how we serve, and deepening our commitment to discipleship. These actions require an absolute dependence on God. Transformation—personal, communal, and global—happens when we trust in His power to accomplish what seems impossible.
What bold step will you take to support the purpose and vision of Grace? Perhaps God is calling you to pray more fervently, serve in a new capacity, give generously, or build relationships with people who need to meet Jesus.
A Vision Beyond Our Imagination
The audacious vision God has for Grace is not something we can achieve on our own. It is only possible through the power of Jesus working in and through us. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that our limitations are not God’s limitations. He can do far more than we could ever imagine.
As we embrace this Big Bold Vision for Grace, let us imagine what God will do, reflect on how He is calling us, and commit to His plans for our lives and our church. Together, we can be a community that truly fulfills its purpose: to help all people know and grow in Christ.
Are you ready to dream big and step boldly into God’s vision for Grace? Let’s move forward together in faith.