ABOUT VISION LOS ANGELES
OUR MISSION
The MISSION for VISION LA is to be a multi-cultural revolutionary platform distinctively crafted to BE a BOLD space for ALL People to unite in an expression of FREEDOM and LOVE to achieve their personal and corporate destiny. We do this by empowering people spiritually, emotionally, educationally, socially, economically, and politically. As a Christ-centered ministry, we are inclusive of all people, fully embracing in our lives and ministry people of every race, gender, culture, affectional orientation, family configuration, physical or mental condition, and all other distinctions, which are the rich tapestry of God’s creation.
OUR VISION
The VISION LA is committed to a vision that transforms people to transform their world! We believe that the transformation of the community and the world begins with the transformation of Individuals, our families and children. The VISION LA is the on BOLD space where dreams are made possible and where people are motivated to turn those dreams into a reality.
WORSHIP EXPERIENCE
The VISION LA – The creative energy is to resemble not only the founding church, but the expression of a new trendy stylistic and contemporary ministry infusing empowerment, motivation, and life tools to foster success. It’s to create a Jesus culture for ALL people to embrace first the power of Love and secondly the Freedom TO BE - for ALL people to discover the Jesus internally beyond religion and traditional methodology.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
The Church
The church is a group of believers brought together by the Spirit of God to carry out the Great Commandment by practicing the Great Commission. We are admonished to observe the two ordinances of the church; baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion) Matthew 22:37-40; Ephesians 5:23-27
Baptism
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation that has occurred in the life of the believer. Baptism is identification with Christ by picturing his death, burial and resurrection. It is the first commandment a new Christian is given from the Lord Jesus. Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is an opportunity for personal examination and reflection on Christ’s love and sacrifice. The bread and cup are symbols of His body and blood which were broken and spilled out for us. These are done in “remembrance” of Him. Luke 22:19,20; 1Corinthians 11:23-32
Humankind was created by a special work of God, in God’s image and is the finest of all creation – God said, “It is very good!” and God created this diverse humanity with purpose and destiny. There are many variations expressed in the human creation, yet ALL equal in God’s eyes. Regardless of our differences we are called to be of one “spirit”. We believe that this diversity reflects the creative and unique possibility and power of our God. While we are all different on the outside, God does not judge the outside, but the “heart”. Therefore, we celebrate, embrace, and affirm the diversity of God’s human creation. Scripture references: Galatians 3:28; 1 Samuel 16:7
We believe that every believer has direct access to God and is called to live with spiritual authority, power and grace. Our authority is given through the grace of God in Jesus Christ by His death on the cross. 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:16
We embrace the love of God. We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ cuts across all barriers that fragment and divide us. We are called to love, affirm, and welcome all people regardless of race, gender, affectional orientation, class, or life situation. We are to be known for our love, compassion, reconciliation, and liberation for all who are oppressed. We emphasize the “whosoever” in John 3:16. We are called to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves” (Mark 12:29-31), and “love our enemies” Luke 6:27
Love, the “greatest force in the world”, must motivate all we do. We must constantly be committed to love one another, work hard to promote unity and harmony within the church, and express this love from the church to the world. John 3:16-18, 1 Corinthians 12
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction. The Holy Bible reveals the principles and purposes of God’s revelation through the context of history and human interpretation and the sufficient center of Christian union; The Christian scriptures are the inspired record of God’s activity with humanity. It is truth provided for the believer as a tool to know the heart of God. It reveals the plan, purposes and will of God for all time. We believe the Bible should be interpreted through the loving lens of Jesus Christ, so that it is used as a tool to liberate, and not oppress, unite and not divide, affirm and not reject. John 1:14; II Timothy 3:16, 1 John 2:5-6, Psalm 119:105; 2Timothy 3:16, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21
We believe in the practice of tithing for the support of Christ’s body, the Church. We believe in the spiritual principles of sowing and reaping. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard given to us. We will not rob God through Tithing and Offering. Financially, God will supernaturally increase us when we give according to the plan of God in the scriptures. Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:8-10; Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6-7
We view worship from two sides: adoration and service. Worship could be defined as pure adoration, the redeemed person contemplating and praising God in His holy perfection. Reverential adoration and committed service are both prominent expressions of the biblical concept of worship. True worship involves a willingness to serve and genuine service to God must be accompanied by a sense of reverence and adoration. Psalm 95:6,7; Ephesians 2:10
We believe it is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice sharing about God’s love and purpose for our lives. We are commissioned to develop disciples of Jesus Christ through evangelism. We must go beyond our four walls of the church and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19; I Peter 3:15
We believe that in prayer and prayerful meditation, we experience the manifestation of God’s presence. God speaks to us, guides us, reveals spiritual things to us, refreshes us, and imparts revelation to us. We are promised all forms of healing, direction, guidance, strength, and power if we connect with God in prayer. Prayer must be done without ceasing because through prayer, fasting and God’s Word we will experience the manifestation of the power of God. Prayer is regenerative and enlightening to our spirit. Matt 21:22; Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:13-18; Isaiah 53:5; I Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18; Matthew 17:21
We believe that spiritual gifts are for the edification of the believer and the Body of Christ (the Church). We believe that God’s spiritual purposes and the edification of God’s people are manifested in and through these diverse gifts. The word of wisdom, word of knowledge, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophesy, unknown and divers (different) tongues, gifts of helps, teaching, preaching and administration, are all useful for the edification of the individual, Body of Christ and entire world. We believe in the perpetuity and continuing ecclesiastical value of all spiritual gifts for the edification of believers and the body of Christ until the end of this church age is by the glorious event of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:3-7; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 13:10, 2 Corinthians 12
We believe in the value of biblical terminology of leadership in the contemporary church: Bishop, Apostle, Overseer, Pastor, Minister, Elder and Deacon. We believe all of these are designations for servant-leaders. Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:28; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 1Timothy 3:1-7
We believe in one God, existing as three persons: Father of Creation, Son of Redemption, and Holy Spirit of Comfort that was a manifestation of the promise by the Son (Jesus Christ). I John 5:7, St. John 14:16, 20 & 26 God is the creator and sustainer of the universe, He is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. I Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 4:6, II Corinthians 5:19
We believe all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Salvation has been made available to all men through Christ Jesus. (Roman 10:9) Through Jesus Christ we are justified. (Galatians 2:16)
We believe the full gospel includes the proclamation of both the eternal power of Calvary and the potential power of Pentecost for all people. We believe that the Power of Pentecost is the spiritual activity and power of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to speak and minister to diverse people, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. We believe that the baptizing power of Jesus Christ is essential for salvation and is available to all people because of Calvary; and, the indwelling power of the Holy Ghost is available for service and holy victorious living because of the empowering strength of the Holy Spirit as demonstrated at Pentecost. Acts 1; 1:8; 2; 20:27.
We believe we are to be a peculiar movement in the earth that should show forth the praises of God (I Peter 2:9) Be a remnant Movement that is redeeming the times for the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16)
We believe it is appointed to every man once to die. There will be a final judgment the resurrection of the dead. First the righteous unto eternal life and second the ungodly unto eternal damnation I Thessalonians 4:13-17; John 5:28-29; I Corinthians 15:50-54; Hebrews 13:17 We are accountable to God to leave an inheritance in the earth for future generations.
We believe that through Jesus Christ we have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. We also have through him, all provisions for our physical needs. James 1:5; Colossians 1:13-14; Philippians 4:19; II Corinthians 5:21; I Thessalonians 5:23
We believe God wants everything to be done in decency and order. God is a God of Order and not the author of confusion. I Corinthians 14:32-33, 40
We believe it is the church sole responsibility to empower, educate, enlighten and exalt the people of God to fulfill their ministry. We must convert, train, instruct and equip member to perfect their ministry knowing every joint supply. Ephesians 4:12-16
We believe 100% of Vision LA Partners will support the lead Pastor through their giving to take care of his naturals needs to be free to minister effectively to the membership, community, region and nation I Thessalonians 5:12-13; I Corinthians 9:11-14; Deuteronomy 18
We believe every Partner must be submitted and connected to the visionary and the vision God ordained. Proverb 29:18; Jeremiah 3:15
OUR THEOLOGICAL DISTINCTIVE
We believe that God’s love is inclusive and welcoming to all. We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ cuts across all barriers, which fragment and divide us. We are called to love, affirm and welcome all regardless of race, gender and/or affectional orientation, class, or life situation. As Christ-centered Christians, we are to be known for our inclusiveness, reconciliation, and liberation for all who are oppressed. The church has too often allowed particular aspects of a person to place them out of the faith. Therefore, we emphasize the “whosoever” in John 3:16. We are also called to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves” (Mark 12:29-31), and “love our enemies” Luke 6:27.
Furthermore, as followers of Christ, we embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ as our moral and ethical gauge. Jesus makes no mention in any of the 4 gospel accounts about the immorality or spiritual depravity of women, gays, lesbians, transgendered individuals or any marginalized group. We actually see a Jesus who disregards an Old Testament law that prohibits anyone from touching a woman menstruating. We see Jesus expressing amazing acceptance, ignoring the law, by touching and healing the woman with the issue of blood. In essence, He could have made himself unclean by touching what the law said was unclean. The question is posed, if Jesus ignores the Leviticus law and becomes unclean himself; can the modern day Church use Leviticus to marginalize the least of these? Obviously not. We believe we are not disciples of Leviticus, but Disciples of Christ, expressing the same Christ through our acceptance of those whom even the law condemns.
The condemnation of Leviticus on menstruating women can be debated but only through a narrow theological lens. If we are to legitimize Leviticus through a literal read, then we must do so with the rest of the Bible. We must refrain from pork, mixed fabrics, women must not preach, slavery should remain a legitimate institutional for the Bible condones these social taboos. However, we live in a society that chooses what it will condone and also choose its biases. The greatest model for Christianity and who is to be accepted is Jesus Christ. Christ turned no one away, but created an environment for all, especially those on the margins to experience the loving and gentle grace bestowed upon us by a sovereign and compassionate God.
The need for Authentic Christianity rooted in LOVE too be intentionally diverse and radically inclusive, is to be intentional welcoming and accepting of all persons; especially those who have traditionally lived at the margins of society, such as people suffering from substance abuse; people living with HIV/AIDS; same-gender loving people; the recently incarcerated; single mothers; and those with disabilities.
At the core of our vision is to follow the teachings and practices of Jesus Christ who we believe exemplified the acceptance and ministry to all people. We are called to challenge fundamental, deep-seated Christian belief systems, doctrines and theologies which characterize people on the edge as enemies of God. We also deliberately challenge any theology or teaching that consistently mistreats, oppresses and excludes people from the community of faith. We believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ beckons us to provide a safe place and a place of refuge for all persons who have been wounded by oppression. God is sending out a mandate for the community of faith to provide a place that restores nurtures and empowers all people to fulfill their divine purpose in God through the teachings of a loving and inclusive Christ.
With this enormous need for an inclusive ministry that reaches and meets the needs of diverse communities, The Vision Church Los Angles has accepted its call to reach the world with the genuine love of Jesus Christ. We have found that the world has few Churches that are truly inclusive in its teachings, attitudes and practice. Therefore, God has risen up a VISION poised to live out the true teachings of Christ.
As society becomes more globally linked, the need for and notion of race, ethnic, class or orientation specific Churches is quickly dying. A new generation is emerging, where the color of an individual’s skin or the unique background of a person becomes less important. We are in a time where exposure to other races, ethnicities, gender and orientation are the norm. When there is an environment created with the intention to be diverse, our experience suggests that more people are inclined to join and be apart.
Because of this passionate belief in the inclusive teachings of Christ, we choose to be a Christian Church that is inclusive and welcoming to all people. We are called to base root our theology on Christ-centered principles, which does not discriminate against anyone because of their race, class, gender or orientation. We are a diverse Christian Church welcoming all people to be empowered, nurtured and strengthened by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our chief goal is to transform people, families and communities by an embracing message of love, hope and peace for anyone.
PASTOR SAMMIE HAYNES
Pastor Sammie Haynes is currently the lead Pastor for Vision Church Los Angeles, founder of Love Freedom Movement, Chief Operations Officer for United Progressive Pentecostal Church Fellowship and creator of The Perfect Gentlemen Academy.
Pastor Sammi Haynes is the epitome of a man seeking to live out his God-given destiny without fear; challenging others to take control of their life to experience fulfillment and success. His mantra, “If God made me an original; why die a copy?” He continues to defy the odds with an intense work ethic to achieve every vision placed in his heart to transform lives.
VLA TEAM
OFFICE OF THE LEAD PASTOR
Pastor Sammie Haynes
Lead Pastor
pastorsammie@visionlosangeles.org
VISION LA TEAM
Elder Gerald Garth
Executive Elder
Chief Operations Officer
Elder-Elect Daumonique Smith-Lenhardt
Head of Ministries
Elder Kendrick Johnson
Prayer & Intercession, Co-Lead
Rev. Whittney-Marie Ijanaten
Prayer & Intercession, Co-Lead
Minister Diamond Paulk
Minister of Music
Minister Anthony Buck
Office of the Senior Pastor
VISION LOS ANGELES LIFE RESOURCES
AMAAD Institute (Arming Minorities Against Addiction & Disease)
www.amaad.org