I believe I hear God commending the church in Taunton. Biblically we read of the church at Ephesus, the church at Corinth etc., but rarely can we use that phrase anywhere today in a meaningful manner, - but it seems you can here. Where a church is really alive it so often sees itself as God’s answer; yet here, you are not doing that. Your commitment to being together and working together is so commendable. Being always comes ahead of doing!
I believe God likes to be with you, and you should expect an increase of His presence. You should expect something tangible – you should know God’s presence.
I believe God commends the leaders here, for you have not sought to increase your own position, but in mutual submission and accountability, you have made room for God to have His way.
I believe even now, God is giving you a strategy for building His church. There is the potential for powerful prophetic insight to come as you gather; you will hear God’s voice when leaders gather and when church gathers, particularly as you ask Him to speak. This will not be easy, but don’t hold back. As you move forward into change, it will feel fragile, it will feel out of control. Indeed, some will long for the security of familiarity, but press through with Jesus and allow His shaping to emerge.
You have something for your wider area – it is as though a new well is opened and an old well is unstopped. So you come into the good of prayers prayed a century ago. You come into the good of prayers prayed two centuries ago, but there is also a new thing that comes out of the prayers of this time, this age, this leadership. Leaders, don’t be afraid to lead.
The prophetic is important to this phase. Those with God-given insight are to be heard, but do not make the mistake of thinking that those who have heard automatically lead the way. The apostolic, the pastoral and the evangelistic gifts must be brought to bear and the teaching gift will earth it all in scripture – saying, “This is that ….”
There is coming an evangelistic dimension. It is actually to be carried by the evident presence of God. It is not according to any established pattern or protocol, it is not out of the big event or organised effort, but the very evident presence, love and power of God will draw others to Himself.
Leaders will learn as they go. It is as though they run together, but the baton is being passed. Not that one runs then passes on – they all run together. I see almost like a spearhead formation – I believe some birds do it when flying great distances. The lead bird keeps changing and the others tuck in and fly together. It will be natural, not organized. Gifts will flow together and defer naturally. You have the potential to discover a new model here, so listen well and respond.