Vision 2028 is the strategic framework of The Church of Pentecost for the period 2023–2028. It builds upon the foundation of Vision 2023 with a renewed focus on equipping and commissioning believers to transform their societies with Kingdom values and principles.
The overarching theme of Vision 2028 is: “Possessing the Nations: Unleashing the Whole Church for the Transformation of Their World with the Values and Principles of the Kingdom of God.” This is a call for Christians to make a tangible impact in their spheres of influence by applying the teachings they receive in their daily lives.
Understanding Practical Christian Living
Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs to profess but a life to be lived. It is a way of life centred on Jesus Christ, who embodies what every Christian ought to be. To be a Christian, therefore, is to follow the ways and life of Jesus Christ.
In James 1:22, believers are urged to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving themselves.” This scripture admonishes us to move beyond theoretical faith and actively live out what we hear and preach.
Practical Christian living involves actively engaging with and applying the teachings and life of Jesus Christ in our daily interactions, decisions, and actions. Our faith should not be confined to church settings but must permeate every aspect of life, bringing transformation to individuals and communities. Before we can lead others to Christ, we must first become like Him.
Faith is not meant to be abstract; it must be visible in our interactions with others through deeds that demonstrate Christ’s love, grace, and truth. Ephesians 4:1 urges believers to “walk worthy of the calling” they have received. As Christians, we have been called by God through faith in Christ, drawn from various families, races, and cultural backgrounds to become His children. The purpose of this calling is not only personal salvation but also transformation—God equips and sends us into the world to be agents of change. This is the core message of Vision 2028.
The Christian calling is not limited to spiritual matters; it extends to every aspect of life—work, marriage, family, community, and personal conduct. True Christian living must be holistic, with no separation between the sacred and the secular. Our private lives should reflect our public testimony. The common phrase, “Listen to what I preach, not what I do,” is deceptive and must be condemned. Jesus’ life and teachings are real and transformative, and His followers must exemplify same.
Elements of Practical Christian Living
Practical Christian living involves key elements that affirm and express our faith in the public sphere. The transformation we seek in our communities becomes possible when these elements are demonstrated:
1. Demonstration of Love
God is love, and anyone who professes faith in Him must exhibit this character. In John 13:35, Jesus states, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Practical Christian living must be rooted in genuine love—for God, for fellow believers, and for society at large. True love rejects evil and reveals the character of Christ to the world, leading to transformation. In our marriages, families, workplaces, and communities, love should be evident in our words and actions.
2. Living a Life of Integrity
C. S. Lewis once said, “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” A person of integrity remains truthful, fair, and reliable always, even when it is inconvenient or disadvantageous.
Our society desperately needs men and women of integrity. Corruption, bribery, favouritism, and nepotism are enemies of integrity, and it takes principled individuals to eradicate these vices. True transformation begins when people uphold honesty and righteousness in all aspects of life.
3. Living a Life of Holiness
Holiness is God’s expectation for every believer. 1 Peter 1:16 states, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Holiness involves moral excellence and purity in thought, speech, and action.
As Christians, we are called to be set apart for God, rejecting sin in every form. A sinful lifestyle contradicts the call to transform the world. If we are to make a lasting impact, we must strive for holiness in both our private and public lives.
4. Stewardship of Resources
God is the owner of all things, including our resources and talents. As stewards, Christians must recognise that everything we have has been entrusted to us for God’s glory and the benefit of others.
This responsibility calls us to be faithful in managing time, finances, skills, and material possessions. We must avoid waste, mismanagement, and greed, using our resources wisely to advance God’s Kingdom and contribute to societal transformation.
Conclusion
Vision 2028 is a call for every Christian to take their faith beyond church walls and live it out daily. It challenges us to be practical Christians who embody the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, transforming the world around us.
This vision is not merely theoretical—it is achievable, practicable, and sustainable. Let us all embrace it wholeheartedly, striving to live like Christ in a world that desperately needs His light.
Written by Pastor Eric Owusu (Senya Beraku District, Winneba Area)
