As we begin our new series Visioneering, Pastor Jason Parrish opened by grounding our vision for 2026 in Hebrews 12:1–13. This week’s message, Run True, reminded us that vision is not something we create, but something we align with as we faithfully run the race Christ has already set before us.
Hebrews 12:1–3
“Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…”
The Future Is Already Secured in Christ
The writer of Hebrews gives us an important framework for understanding vision.
- The future envisioned here is not speculative
- It is already secured in Christ
- It is patiently being formed in us
- The future is not something we create, but something we receive as we follow Jesus
The Call Is Not to Dream Bigger, but to Run Truer
Rather than inviting the Church to imagine something new, Hebrews calls us to faithfulness.
- The writer of Hebrews does not invite the church to dream bigger
- The call is to run faithfully
- The road forward has already been cut by Jesus
- The Church moves forward through obedience, not novelty
Christ Did Not Merely Show the Way. He Became the Way
Jesus is not only our example, He is our path.
“Christ did not merely show the way, but Himself became the way, that by following Him we might not wander.”
— Chrysostom
- Jesus is the pioneer of our faith
- He has already cleared the path
- When we walk that path faithfully, it leads to something far greater than we could imagine
(Ephesians 3:20–21)
Vision Requires Motion
Vision in Scripture is never passive.
- “Let us run…” assumes movement
- Clarity emerges as we move forward in obedience
- The course is already determined
- Visioneering is not about waiting for direction, but walking faithfully in the one we’ve been given
Visioneering Is About Discernment, Not Direction
Visioneering is not about inventing something new.
- Visioneering is not about creating direction
- It is about discerning what must be set aside
- Alignment matters more than innovation
- We run better when hindrances are removed
Distraction Can Keep Us from Running Well
One of the greatest obstacles to faithfulness is distraction.
- Far too many people are distracted by the details of design
- We often avoid dealing with what actually holds us back
- God’s design is discovered through obedience, not overthinking
Endurance Is Essential to Vision
Hebrews calls us not just to run, but to run well over time.
“He did not say ‘run,’ but ‘run with endurance.’ For the whole of virtue is a long course.”
— Chrysostom
- Vision without endurance becomes hype
- Hype never builds anything lasting
- Endurance forms maturity and sustains faithfulness
Hebrews 12:2
“Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…”
The Vision Does Not Change, We Do
As we follow Jesus, the destination remains the same, but we are continually being shaped.
- The vision does not change
- We are invited into change:
- Maturity
- Capacity
- A greater willingness to run true
“You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage… He is building a palace.”
— C.S. Lewis
1. This Year Will Be a Year of Strengthening and Pruning
Hebrews 12:11–13
Strengthening
Strength is necessary if we are going to walk straight paths together.
- From January 2025 to January 2026, The Well grew by over 2,000 people
- Many of these are new followers of Jesus
- Because of this, 2026 will prioritize:
- Spiritual growth
- Biblical literacy
- Teaching depth
Teaching Focus for 2026
Beginning in February, our church will begin a long, intentional journey.
- 44–48 weeks in the book of Ephesians
- Guided by five pillars
- Knowing what the Church is biblically
- Understanding what God is building in each of us
- Forming practices that strengthen faith
- Understanding work, singleness, marriage, family, and money biblically
- Understanding what it means to belong to God’s people
This will be a challenging and formative season designed to strengthen us as a church.
Pruning
Growth always requires discipline.
- Discipline is not punishment
- Anything God intends to grow, He first submits to discipline
- Growth without pruning eventually collapses
- In 2026, we will intentionally strengthen spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, worship, and service
2. This Year Will Be a Year of Continued Financial Growth and Strengthening
Matthew 6:19–21
- Financial faithfulness is deeply theological
- Next week’s message will include the Board
- We will celebrate what God has done and look ahead with clarity and faith
3. This Will Be a Year of Deep Devotion to Following Jesus
Hebrews 12:1–2
- Fixing our eyes on Jesus means giving Him our:
- Mind
- Attention
- Affection
- There is no halfway devotion
- Jesus finishes what He starts
- He invites us to follow Him fully and faithfully
Reflection Questions
- What might be hindering you from running the race Christ has set before you?
- Where do you need endurance more than excitement right now?
- How might God be strengthening or pruning you in this season?
- What would full devotion to Jesus look like in your life today?
Prayer Prompt
Ask God to help you run with endurance and faithfulness.
Pray for clarity to discern what needs to be set aside and trust the work He is doing in you.
Commit to fixing your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of your faith.
