The document discusses characterizing and redefining aspects of the church to be more welcoming, inclusive, and guided by the Holy Spirit. It argues the church should be non-judgmental, transparent, current with the times, and foster quick friendships. The movement of the Holy Spirit is described as the vitality marker, with examples from Acts and John's Gospel of being guided and imparted the Spirit. Breathing, not heart beat, was seen as the mark of a living soul in ancient times. The cross and empty tomb were not the end; Jesus imparts the divine Spirit. Vitality is shown through holy character, witness, and peaceful, passionate presence. The Spirit is invited through confession, prayer, faith,

1. Vital Signs:
Movement, the Key to
Vitality

3. The Church…
The church has been characterized as
judgmental but our church will be
non-judgmental.
The church has been characterized as
hypocritical but our church will be
“What you see is what you get.”

4. The Church…
The church has been looked upon as
behind the times but our church will be
seen as a place where everything is
current, fresh, and up to date. (We have
our work cut out for us on this one!)
The church has been characterized as
unfriendly but our church will be a place
where friendships are developed rapidly
and easily.

5. The Church…
The church has been a place that is seen
as exclusivist. God’s grace, however, is
poured out on everyone.

6. The Movement of the Holy
Spirit, the vitality marker
Acts 8:4-ff
Philip is guided by the Spirit, preaches
and teaches about the Spirit, and is
whisked away by the Spirit!
John 14:15-18

7. What is the mark of a living
soul?

8. In the ancient world, it’s all
about breathing; not about
heart beat.

9. In the Bible, the word that
describes this essential
reality is “Spirit.”
Πνευμα
Πνευμα
This is where we get the terms,
pneumatic, pneumonia, etc.

10. The cross and empty tomb
are not the end of the story.
Jesus comes to impart
something more in the
hearts of believers: a part of
the divine nature, God’s
own Spirit!

11. The Mark of Vitality…
Holy Character
Holy Witness
Holy presence, peace, and passion

12. How do we invite the Spirit
into our lives?
Confession
Prayer of invitation
Faith and Assurance
Transformation
Repeat.