What is John 17?
John 17 is a group of pastors who meet weekly to pray for unity in Christ’s Body, to care for one another, and to intercede for this region to be transformed by the sovereign power of God.
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.“ -Acts 20:28
John 17 sponsors Transformation Celebrations in Peoria and it’s surrounding communities. This is a time for pastors and churches to come together to worship and intercede for their community and the Greater Peoria region.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
-2 Chronicles 7:14
What do we believe?
We believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the Spirit’s power to completely transform a city or a region.
“There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
-Ephesians 4:4-6
We believe unity in the body will succeed only to the level it happens among the shepherds.
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” -Psalm 133
We believe God is calling His church to a deeper level of unity in order to prepare the way for the return of The Bridegroom (Jesus) for his bride (the church). It is our joy to overcome denominational, racial and cultural divisions as well as other barriers of pride in order to present a bride who is united in her love for the returning King. This will require us to think with “Kingdom mindedness” and see our ministries as only one part of the whole Kingdom strategy. And it will require of us an investment of time and energy in His Kingdom over and above our own personal areas of ministry.
