Vertical Church

1. Every Human Soul Longs for Transcendence

Deep in the soul of every human being is a longing for transcendence created within us by God Himself.

Universal Longing. Every person, regardless of background or belief, possesses an innate desire for something beyond the material world. This longing, placed by God, drives the search for meaning, purpose, and fulfillment that cannot be found in earthly possessions or experiences.

• Solomon's futile pursuit of pleasure and wisdom in Ecclesiastes
• Maslow's revised hierarchy of needs, acknowledging transcendence
• Viktor Frankl's survival in Auschwitz through clinging to meaning

Transcendence Defined. Transcendence refers to God's attributes that are found only in Him, setting Him apart from creation. It speaks to His majesty, holiness, and independence. It is the "wholly otherness" of God that surpasses human comprehension.

Rationalism vs. Transcendence. Rationalism, with its emphasis on quantifiable proof, often suppresses the longing for transcendence. The church, in its attempt to be relevant, sometimes forsakes the pursuit of the supernatural, offering substitutes that fail to satisfy the soul's deepest needs.

2. God's Glory, Manifested, Fulfills This Longing

What God gives to satisfy the longing in every human soul is glory!

From Transcendence to Manifest Presence. While transcendence acknowledges God's "wholly otherness," the gospel reveals that He is not far from each one of us. The manifest presence of God, experienced when He comes near, is the only true satisfaction for the human soul.

God's Presence: A Singular Provision. God's provision is not merely strength, wisdom, or comfort, but His very presence. Moses' plea in Exodus 33 highlights the indispensable nature of God's presence for His people. John Wesley's dying words, "Best of all, God is with us," encapsulate this truth.

Omnipresence vs. Manifest Presence. While God is omnipresent, His active engagement is not automatic. The church must seek His manifest presence, His active working, His expressed capacity to affect. This is the essence of Vertical Church.

3. The Church: A Sacred Space for Encountering Glory

The glory of Jesus Christ revealed is what fuels the fire of a Vertical Church.

Glory Defined. Glory is the manifestation of God's reality, the evidence of His existence. It is the fingerprint of God left on everything He touches, from the beauty of creation to the transformation of lives.

Jesus Christ: The Embodiment of Glory. The glory of God is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ. He is the radiance of God's glory, full of grace and truth. The gospel message itself is a heralding of God's glory.

The Church: A Facilitator of Glory. The church is uniquely positioned to facilitate encounters with God's glory. It is the place where transcendence becomes manifest presence, where lives are transformed, and where communities are shaken by the power of God.

4. Ichabod: The Tragedy of God's Departed Glory

Until we acknowledge that the church in North America is failing, we won’t take the steps necessary to see that trend reversed.

Epic Failure. The North American church faces a crisis of declining attendance, closing churches, and a lack of genuine conversions. This decline is not merely a stumble but an epic failure, a departure from the church's true purpose.

The Story of Ichabod. The account of Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel serves as a warning. Their selfishness, disregard for God's commands, and failure to prioritize His glory led to the departure of God's presence, symbolized by the name Ichabod, meaning "the glory has departed."

Rationalism vs. Transcendence. Rationalism, with its emphasis on quantifiable proof, often suppresses the eternity in our hearts. The church, in its attempt to be relevant, sometimes forsakes the pursuit of the supernatural, offering substitutes that fail to satisfy the soul's deepest needs.

5. Unashamed Adoration: The Fuel of Vertical Church

God’s Son fervently worshipped in spirit and truth brings down His glory at church.

Worship Defined. Worship is the most powerful expression a human being is capable of. It is the whole-person ascription of worth to God, engaging the mind, emotions, and will.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Worship. Vertical worship is directed to God, while horizontal worship is about Him. The goal is to create an environment where people sing to the Lord, not merely about Him.

Elements of Unashamed Adoration. Unashamed adoration involves:

• Verticality: Directing praise to God
• Simplicity: Using language that is accessible and heartfelt
• Emotiveness: Engaging the emotions in worship
• Physicality: Expressing worship through the body

6. Unapologetic Preaching: God's Voice Resounds

Preaching the authority of God’s Word without apology, in the power of the Holy Spirit, brings glory down in church (1 Corinthians 2:1–5).

Preaching Defined. Preaching is not merely Bible explanation or intellectual discourse. It is the heralding of God's Word with gravity and authority, a proclamation that demands a response.

The Authority of Scripture. The preacher's role is to be a mouthpiece for God, faithfully transmitting His message. The power of preaching lies not in the messenger's personality but in the authority of the Word itself.

The Danger of Apology. Apologetic preaching, which seeks to soften the message to avoid offense, undermines the authority of God's Word. True preaching is bold and uncompromising, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to convict hearts.

7. Unafraid Witness: Sharing the Glory of Christ

Clear, direct witness to others about my own relationship with Jesus Christ brings the glory down (2 Corinthians 2:14–17).

Boldness Defined. Boldness is clear, direct communication in the face of potential opposition. It is not pushiness or obnoxiousness but a confident sharing of the gospel.

The Aroma of Christ. Sharing the gospel will inevitably elicit different responses. To some, it will be a fragrance of life, while to others, it will be a stench of death. This is unavoidable.

Red Apples vs. Green Apples. Effective evangelism involves focusing on those who are ripe to the gospel, those whose hearts have been prepared by God. It means recognizing that not everyone is ready to receive the message and avoiding the temptation to dilute the gospel to make it more palatable.

8. Unceasing Prayer: The Conduit of Divine Power

Fervent, faith-filled, persistent prayer is a prerequisite to God’s manifest presence in a church.

Prayer as a Prerequisite. Prayer is not merely a supplement to ministry but a prerequisite for God's manifest presence. It is the conduit through which divine power flows.

Characteristics of Effective Prayer. Effective prayer is:

• Fervent: Passionate and heartfelt
• Faith-filled: Believing in God's power to answer
• Persistent: Unrelenting in its pursuit of God's will

The Power of Corporate Prayer. The church must be united in prayer, storming the gates of heaven with a collective voice. This is where brokenness is mended, sickness is healed, and the lost are found.

Last updated: April 16, 2025