The following is our origin story. It was this literal dream that set Permission in motion.

A smile began to emerge as I peered over the balcony. My eyes scanned the sanctuary where every pew was filled. There’s something about a packed church that reinforces the hope of a community being transformed. After all, it’s where wounds are healed, truth is preached, and friendships are formed.

On this particular morning, there was no minister behind the pulpit, only a voice that echoed throughout the sanctuary. This voice carried with it an authority that was unmistakable. Jesus was speaking, and we all knew it. Slowly and methodically, he called each person by name, assigning them to a personal mission. It was powerful to hear the Creator clearly articulate his expectations.

And then it happened: the most bizarre and shocking response I could have imagined. Despite being filled with power and clarity, the people remained seated. They were physically stuck to their pews! All that potential and opportunity remained idle. It wasn’t the small doubts, the unreasonable fears, and the unspoken insecurities that bogged everyone down. There was a different weight that kept everyone glued to their Sunday morning seats. It was the weight of the institution. These people didn’t know how to move independently of the system they were in.

My heart started racing, and I was overcome with a mixture of sadness, anger, and frustration. Through tears, I whispered, “If only they knew they had permission.” As I awoke from this dream, I could see the unequivocal role permission must play in order to launch each of God’s people into their own personal mission.

It has been my passion ever since to strengthen the local church by broadening its reach through the scores of ordinary people within it.