Reflecting upon 2011 last week, one of the highlights for Tiffany and me is that we joined City Church. When we came to Tallahassee about a year and a half ago, we visited several churches not just for our sake but also so we could be a good resource for students in our campus ministry who are looking for a local church. We were surprised when we both agreed that we wanted to be a part of City Church because it is so different from any church we have been a part of.

While we both grew up in a more traditional church setting, what broke through our comfort zones is the vision that Dean, Matthew, and the rest of the church have. We quickly identified with that vision to reach the city of Tallahassee because in our campus ministry, we want to reach the campus of FSU...no, we really want to do this. This isn't just another cliché phrase but a true desire that we have and recognize in City Church. The "y'all come" approach doesn't work at FSU and neither will it work in the rest of Tallahassee.

The passion of that vision at City Church is so evident week in and week out. I love Dean's "Why Not Tallahassee?" question that he often asks. God can move and we can be used by Him to impact this city if we are willing. Tiffany and I already see God at work through City Church as we continue to break down the "religion" that often dominates the lives of so-called Christians in favor of promoting the relationship that only our Savior can provide.

I am challenged not only with every service at City Church but each time I encounter Dean, Matthew, and other church leaders and members during the week that we are to live out the gospel and be intentional about our relationships. In 2012, I pray that I am able to improve upon this not only as we minister on campus but in my everyday walk of life. It is the time of year to look ahead and make the most of the new opportunities that we have (Eph 5:15-17). May we not get caught up in the trivial things of life that vie for our attention inside as well as outside the church but see Tallahassee through Jesus' eyes, building relationships that matter and having spiritual conversations that are a natural outflow of who we are. May we never forget that this is our purpose: to love God and love others (Matt 22:37-40) "to the praise of His glorious grace" (Eph 1:6).

{Lance and Tiffany Beauchamp work with Baptist Collegiate Ministries at FSU and TCC. Lance also serves as an assistant professor in Religion for Liberty University Online.}