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Vision Sunday – December 18 – 2026: The Year of the Unusual

Written on . Posted in Sermon Notes.

Vision Sunday marked a powerful declaration of what lies ahead for New Birth as the church prepares to enter 2026, proclaimed as “The Year of the Unusual.” Dr. Jamal Bryant emphasized that God is preparing to do extraordinary, out-of-the-box work in the lives of individuals, families, and the church as a whole.

Key Announcements & Vision Highlights

1. Entering 2026 with Worship & Revival

  • Two New Year’s Eve services: 12:00 PM and 10:00 PM

  • Dr. Jamal Bryant preaching; Tim Bowman leading worship

  • Winter Fire Revival scheduled for January 7–8, 2026, focused on spiritual renewal and empowerment

2. Launch of New Birth University (New Birth U)
A major cornerstone of the 2026 vision, modeled after the spirit and legacy of HBCUs:

  • Goal 1: Birthing Better Believers

    • Bible basics, faith foundations, prayer, fasting, and spiritual gifts discovery

  • Goal 2: Birthing Bankability

    • Workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, AI and computer literacy

    • Emphasis on multiple income streams and financial empowerment

  • Goal 3: Birthing Ambassadors

    • Leadership development for church, corporate, and community leadership

  • Registration begins late January 2026, with semester-based classes through April

3. From Audience to Army: Building Community

  • Expansion of small groups, volunteer teams, and ministry teams

  • Emphasis on beloved community, mentorship, service, and engagement

  • Call for every member to use their gifts—no spectators in 2026

4. Literacy, Learning & Cultural Awareness

  • In 2026, the church will read one book per month, focusing on banned books that tell Black history and stories

  • Monthly book discussions led by educators within the church

  • Monthly Scripture of the Month to increase biblical literacy

    • January Scripture: Psalm 90:17

5. Housing & Economic Empowerment

  • Announcement that New Birth has been approved to build 100 homes

  • Launch of New Birth Village:

    • Phase 1: Micro-home community (pre-sales begin March 2026)

    • Phase 2: Senior housing on campus

  • Built with Black architects and engineers

  • New Birth recognized as the largest land-owning Black church in America (contiguous acreage)

6. Financial Progress

  • Church debt reduced from $43 million to $9 million over six years

  • Call for a sacrificial seed as an act of faith toward continued growth and vision

Overall Message

Vision Sunday made it clear that 2026 will be a year of transformation—spiritually, educationally, economically, and communally. Through faith, preparation, literacy, leadership, and ownership, New Birth is stepping boldly into an unusual future marked by growth, empowerment, and impact.