July 9, 2025
A Note from the Pastor
Focus, Re-Focus, Focus Again
You can never over-communicate Vision. It’s simply impossible to say too much about it. Not only does it take us human beings multiple times hearing, reading, and pondering an idea for it to truly click in our minds (at least this human being), but there are always new people coming into our orbit and earshot, and Vision by nature leaks. Our focus is constantly being competed for and drawn to one side or the other, and must be reoriented. So, I want to once again remind us of the importance of God’s Vision for Christ Harbor, how it guides everything we do every day, and why it matters. I am going to take every opportunity to connect God’s Word and promises to us back to this guiding light. Today, I thought it might be helpful to share again the process of how the Vision “To be a center of Kingdom impact and influence by helping individuals, families, and communities thrive from knowing and living the unique purpose for which they were created in Christ Jesus.”
In August of 2023, a group of a dozen people, including Rev. Dr. John Kearns, myself, Christ Harbor’s Lay Elders and Ministry Staff, along with a handful of others from different constituencies within the congregation, embarked on a year-long journey of discernment and prayer, utilizing a process based on the life’s work of pastor, theologian, and seminary professor, the late Rev. Dr. Aubrey Malphurs. Drawing from the knowledge of those who have been a part of Christ Harbor for decades, as well as more recent members of the community, the process sought to understand and articulate answers to the following questions: Who has God uniquely created Christ Harbor to be? What has God uniquely called Christ Harbor to do under the broad commission to His church to make disciples? And what is the unique context in which God has intentionally placed Christ Harbor? Where these three overlap, one can discern the unique expression of the Kingdom of God that Christ Harbor is called to incarnate.
This “sweet spot” of identity, calling, and context formed the foundation from which the Vision Team began to pray for clarity to carry us forward into the future. Framed by our unique expression of the church’s mission to make disciples by Igniting Faith that brings Eternal Purpose to Everyday Life, our Core Values, Marks of Discipleship, and Discipleship Map, we were able to discern between wonderful godly dreams that better fit someone else, and what felt like uniquely Christ Harbor.
A key moment was when four different team members all described imagery they have long had in their minds of what they believed God wanted Christ Harbor to be. These were; an ant hill that even when kicked over simply spread and thrived as each did their part; a lighthouse who’s light spread with intensity, pushing back darkness; a wagon wheel, characterized by the hub and spoke structure that reached out; and a harbor, which is a natural formation of land and sea, that transformed into a port, bustling with activity of ships coming and going, receiving repairs and cargo to carry to distant lands. Every member of the team identified with one or more of these images, and it was clear that when different people joined in a prayerful exercise, seeking God’s guidance and voice, and articulated such similar visions, something greater than coincidence was involved.
A Note from the Pastor
Focus, Re-Focus, Focus Again
You can never over-communicate Vision. It’s simply impossible to say too much about it. Not only does it take us human beings multiple times hearing, reading, and pondering an idea for it to truly click in our minds (at least this human being), but there are always new people coming into our orbit and earshot, and Vision by nature leaks. Our focus is constantly being competed for and drawn to one side or the other, and must be reoriented. So, I want to once again remind us of the importance of God’s Vision for Christ Harbor, how it guides everything we do every day, and why it matters. I am going to take every opportunity to connect God’s Word and promises to us back to this guiding light. Today, I thought it might be helpful to share again the process of how the Vision “To be a center of Kingdom impact and influence by helping individuals, families, and communities thrive from knowing and living the unique purpose for which they were created in Christ Jesus.”
In August of 2023, a group of a dozen people, including Rev. Dr. John Kearns, myself, Christ Harbor’s Lay Elders and Ministry Staff, along with a handful of others from different constituencies within the congregation, embarked on a year-long journey of discernment and prayer, utilizing a process based on the life’s work of pastor, theologian, and seminary professor, the late Rev. Dr. Aubrey Malphurs. Drawing from the knowledge of those who have been a part of Christ Harbor for decades, as well as more recent members of the community, the process sought to understand and articulate answers to the following questions: Who has God uniquely created Christ Harbor to be? What has God uniquely called Christ Harbor to do under the broad commission to His church to make disciples? And what is the unique context in which God has intentionally placed Christ Harbor? Where these three overlap, one can discern the unique expression of the Kingdom of God that Christ Harbor is called to incarnate.
This “sweet spot” of identity, calling, and context formed the foundation from which the Vision Team began to pray for clarity to carry us forward into the future. Framed by our unique expression of the church’s mission to make disciples by Igniting Faith that brings Eternal Purpose to Everyday Life, our Core Values, Marks of Discipleship, and Discipleship Map, we were able to discern between wonderful godly dreams that better fit someone else, and what felt like uniquely Christ Harbor.
A key moment was when four different team members all described imagery they have long had in their minds of what they believed God wanted Christ Harbor to be. These were; an ant hill that even when kicked over simply spread and thrived as each did their part; a lighthouse who’s light spread with intensity, pushing back darkness; a wagon wheel, characterized by the hub and spoke structure that reached out; and a harbor, which is a natural formation of land and sea, that transformed into a port, bustling with activity of ships coming and going, receiving repairs and cargo to carry to distant lands. Every member of the team identified with one or more of these images, and it was clear that when different people joined in a prayerful exercise, seeking God’s guidance and voice, and articulated such similar visions, something greater than coincidence was involved.
God’s Vision for Christ Harbor guides our ministry approach of Discerning, Equipping, and Empowering. We aren’t seeking to have the most activities, but to have the greatest impact. The aim is not so much to feed people spiritually as to enable people to feed themselves. This vision is consistent with the ancient church’s purpose to radically impact the world by spreading into every aspect and dimension of life. If the church is to fulfill Christ’s purpose, we must recover this vision in a radical departure from “church as usual.” To be sure, this is a challenge to every member of the body to know and take up, with the utmost commitment, the assignment given them in their Baptism.
Your fellow servant in our common Lord,
Jonathan Lawson
Lead Pastor, Christ Harbor Church
Jonathan Lawson
Lead Pastor, Christ Harbor Church
Absolute Basics of Christian Faith
Join Pastor Jonathan Lawson for an eight-week exploration of the core beliefs of Christianity. This engaging study features dynamic videos designed to bring catechesis to life—accessible and enriching for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and stages in their spiritual journey. No additional resources are needed.
Join Pastor Jonathan Lawson for an eight-week exploration of the core beliefs of Christianity. This engaging study features dynamic videos designed to bring catechesis to life—accessible and enriching for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and stages in their spiritual journey. No additional resources are needed.
Middle School Retreat
Middle School Retreat @ Shocco Springs, August 1-3!
Will you be in 6th–8th grade this fall? Join us for an unforgettable weekend at Shocco Springs in Talladega, AL! We’ll dive into God’s Word, make new friends, and have a blast with rec games, worship, and late-night fun. Whether you’re brand new to youth group or you’ve been coming for years, this retreat is for YOU.
Register now!
Middle School Retreat @ Shocco Springs, August 1-3!
Will you be in 6th–8th grade this fall? Join us for an unforgettable weekend at Shocco Springs in Talladega, AL! We’ll dive into God’s Word, make new friends, and have a blast with rec games, worship, and late-night fun. Whether you’re brand new to youth group or you’ve been coming for years, this retreat is for YOU.
Register now!
Fayette Water Park
July 27, 5:30 - 7:30
Everyone is invited to Fayette Water Park (218 23rd St NE, Fayette, AL 35555) on July 27 from 5:30 - 7:30pm. Christ Harbor has reserved the park so entry is free. However, concessions are not available so feel free to bring your own dinner or snacks. Hope to see you there.
Youth Group Service Projects – We Want to Help!
This summer, our students will have the opportunity to serve our community in meaningful ways! We’ll be partnering with One Mission Tuscaloosa and with FCA to serve at a 7v7 football camp—providing food, water, encouragement, and Bibles to athletes from across the area. These projects are a great way for our students to live out their faith, build friendships, and make a difference in Jesus’ name!
July 27, 5:30 - 7:30
Everyone is invited to Fayette Water Park (218 23rd St NE, Fayette, AL 35555) on July 27 from 5:30 - 7:30pm. Christ Harbor has reserved the park so entry is free. However, concessions are not available so feel free to bring your own dinner or snacks. Hope to see you there.
Youth Group Service Projects – We Want to Help!
This summer, our students will have the opportunity to serve our community in meaningful ways! We’ll be partnering with One Mission Tuscaloosa and with FCA to serve at a 7v7 football camp—providing food, water, encouragement, and Bibles to athletes from across the area. These projects are a great way for our students to live out their faith, build friendships, and make a difference in Jesus’ name!
Song List