We feel God has given Maplecrest the vision of being a family. This vision was born out the challenges our church faced after one of our founding pastors, Cliff Derksen, passed away from cancer in 2022. We feel God is revealing more of what this vision for family means for our church. Here are some of the core tenets God has revealed so far.
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.'” – Romans 8:15 (NKJV)
The essence of family, as revealed in the Bible, transcends mere bloodlines. Church family embodies the divine principle of adoption. We fervently believe in opening our hearts and our doors, welcoming all who seek refuge, love, and community. Our vision is for every individual, irrespective of their past or lineage to be met with the same love that God offers us. Our vision is that through open-hearted acceptance, we would break down barriers and establish an environment where every member feels a profound sense of belonging, recognizing that we are all children of the same heavenly Father.
In the embrace of our church family, safety is paramount. Rooted in the enduring love and unwavering support that God envisions for His children, we provide a haven where members find connection, security, and care. Just as a friend’s love remains constant through all seasons and a sibling stands firm in adversity, our church has a vision to become a sanctuary in life’s storms. We want Maplecrest to be a place where healing permeates the air, as wounds, both seen and unseen, mend through the compassionate touch of community and the transformative power of God’s love.
“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” – Psalm 127:4 (NKJV)
We have a vision for our family to not just be a place of refuge; but also a launching pad. As arrows are meticulously crafted for a defined purpose, so too would our members be shaped, molded, and prepared for their divine destinies. Our church is to serve as a training ground, equipping each individual with the necessary tools, guidance, and direction. We believe that just as when arrows are launched and find their mark, our members, fortified by the teachings and experiences within God’s family, will make impactful marks in the world, fulfilling their God-given purposes.
To help understand the calling to be a family, I thought I would share some of my journey that helped us realize this vision for our church.
Early in 2022, I was met with one of the most heart-wrenching experiences of my life – the passing of my beloved father, Cliff, due to cancer. The news was devastating, but in the midst of my grief, a surprising thing occurred. I was compelled to embark on a fast, abstaining from sugar and dairy. As if by divine design, this fast came to me effortlessly, without cravings or withdrawals. As the days passed, a profound softening of my emotions took place. A deep desire to connect, to gather people around, to cultivate ‘family’, welled up within me.
The effects of this transformation were palpable an our church began to witness a change. It wasn’t just about the numbers; the church started to grow in its warmth, connection, and depth of fellowship. My newfound yearning wasn’t only for our church to feel like a family but for it to be part of a larger family. This longing guided us towards the Vineyard, seeking a more expansive familial connection.
God, in His infinite wisdom, has been orchestrating this journey from the outset. A poignant reminder of this came from a dream one of our church members had years prior. In the dream, it was vividly clear that my father, Cliff, would bestow a tremendous blessing upon our church. I never fathomed that his death might be the catalyst for such a blessing, but God works in mysterious ways. This very dream also foretold our affiliation with the Vineyard.
Today, as I reflect upon this journey, I see a tapestry woven with threads of divine intervention, personal transformations, and the all-encompassing theme of ‘family’. It is a testament to the ways in which God uses even our most painful experiences to steer us towards a more profound understanding of His love and purpose. Through trials, revelations, and dreams, He has solidified the vision for our church: A community connected as a spiritual family, deeply rooted in His love.
