A number of years ago Nancy and I
moved onto a ranch property that had been in the Robinson family for over 80 years.We set up housekeeping in the only livable structure that remained
on the land. As a result, there was no place for our family or friends to stay when they
came for a visit.
On one such occasion, my dad pointed out an old dilapidated
shed that had been used for storage through the years. He suggested that I remodel it into
a guest quarters.
It took real imagination and vision to conceive the idea
that this off-plumb, dirt-floored, rat-infested structure could ever become inhabitable.
Dad drew out a plan and gave me his ideas for the project.
I got started right away. I used whatever materials I could procure and invested hours of
labor and sweat. Nancy added her homemaking touches, which dressed up the place and in
some cases covered up my basic construction.
It actually turned out to be very comfortable and even
charming in its own way. We called it the "Eagles' Nest," and through the years
it housed not only our families but people from all over the world.
Every now and then people ask us here at the Vineyard if we
have a vision statement. They ask if we are building the church with a plan and, if so,
what that plan looks like.
Throughout the years we have written many vision statements
with the purpose of defining what we are endeavoring to do. But in a very simple way, I
would liken Vineyard Boise to the "Eagles' Nest." We are just trying to build a
church that the Father has designed, a place where He would feel welcome and comfortable.
The Vineyard has been built like that old storage shed - we
tried to work from the Father's plan and use whatever materials He provided for us. The
plan came from the Bible, and the resources were people who helped out with a vast variety
of talents and gifts. We have simply tried to fit all these talents together in a
meaningful and functional way.
God's plan hasn't been to build an ornate cathedral, but
rather a comfortable house where the broken, the hurting and those in need would be healed
and cared for. It would be a house of love and compassion, a place of discipleship and
spiritual growth.
Like the "Eagles' Nest," it would be a place of
hospitality and warmth, a gathering place for generations to develop and grow in
relationship together. And, also like the "Eagles' Nest," it would be an
international and multicultural gathering place - a place for people from all over the
world.
Jesus said in Mark 11:17 that "his house would be
called a house of prayer for all nations." The Bible also tells us that "unless
the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain" (Psalm 127:1).
Vineyard Boise is a church where its builders have never
wanted to labor in vain. We have tried in every way to build this church with God's plan -
and to open our doors wide to anyone who would come and labor together with us.
Maybe you have attended the Vineyard for many years. Maybe
this is your very first time. Whoever you are and wherever you are in life, we hope you
feel right at home. After all, this is your Father's house.
