Visiting Oasis Vineyard...

This past weekend Rich and I spent with Oasis Vineyard in Hermiston, Oregon. We were invited to spend time first with the Leadership Team (LT). Friday evening we worked on clarifying Oasis’s vision and mission. We started with “Why does Oasis Vineyard exist?” The LT worked on understanding the story of their church, what God has done, is doing in the present, and what the Spirit might be inviting them toward in the future. After hours of listening to one another they were able to name in their words why they exist and what they are to be about. We fleshed out the “why” and the “what.” We know the “who” it is the current members of Oasis Vineyard, those in Hermiston and beyond who have yet to encounter the transforming love of God. Oasis is a church that exists for the sake of others.

The next morning we gathered with the LT, had a time of intercessory prayer and then the Ministry Leaders joined us. We continued to share, discuss and added their thoughts to the work that had been in progress. They now have a north star that can guide them in prioritizing resources of time, talent and money. Their vision and mission can be easily remembered and can inform ministries of the church. And also how the Spirit might be leading them to join in collaborative partnerships with others in Hermiston who are doing good work. Sometimes there is no need to reinvent the wheel, rather joining in to serve and partner with others that are doing good work makes the kingdom of God grow and thrive.
 
Their working document (a work in progress and still needs work):
 
Vision: In an ever-changing world, Oasis Vineyard welcomes you to join with God in the renewal of all things.
 
We invite you to:

• BELONG: We aspire to be a refuge where all are welcome.
• BELIEVE: Experience the transforming love of God that compels us to live in the way of Jesus.
• BECOME: Grow into the person God created you to be in order to make Jesus known and share God’s goodness in the place you live, work and play.

We spent the rest of the day with the LT and Ministry Leaders as they had an honest look at all the church is about. We spent time on 5 questions:

• What is right? Celebrate it
• What is wrong? Stop it
• What is confused? Clarify it
• What is missing? Add it
• What is important now?

 
This was eye opening and a helpful tool to discern the health and resources of the church. Oasis is doing many things right!
 
Worshipping with Oasis on Sunday was a great joy. To see them developing young worship leaders who have passion and gifts was truly inspiring. I preached on Lenten practices, shared my story of God’s work in my own life through a health crisis and recovery. Many people came for prayer during ministry time. God was very present in so many ways. I could not be more grateful for the churches in our region. Pastors, leaders, and all the folks who serve day to day throughout the region for the sake of the gospel.

​Joining God in the renewal of all things,
Rose Swetman