Apr

15

Vision, Vision, Vision — Part 2

April 15, 2008 |

the Power of VisionYesterday we introduced the need for vision. So what is vision? George Barna in his classic book The Power of Vision: How You Can Capture and Apply God’s Vision for Your Ministry says, “Vision for ministry is a clear mental image of a preferable future imparted by God to His chosen servants and is based upon an accurate understanding of God, self, and circumstances.” He adds, “Vision for ministry is a reflection of what God wants to accomplish through you to build His kingdom.”

Ideally, your church has a vision and you can (and should) piggyback on that. The last thing the church needs is for small groups to be going east and children’s ministries to be going west. Every ministry of the church must fall under the vision of the church. If your church has one, that’s your starting point. If not, you need to have a conversation with your senior pastor and see if he’s open to working with the governing body to develop one.

But while you’re waiting, or if you end up doing this on your own, let’s look at the elements of vision and break that definition down into bite-sized pieces. (These are all discussed in more detail in his book.)

A clear mental image: Vision is a clear picture of the way things could or should be. You need to live with it long enough that you can literally see it in your mind’s eye.

A preferable future: Vision always entails change. It’s never about maintaining the status quo. You need to clearly see the changes that God wants in the future of your ministry. Why is that future better than the present? How will it honor God and serve your members more than what you’re doing now?

Imparted by God: Vision for ministry is a reflection of what God wants to accomplish through you to build His kingdom in your little corner of the earth. Avoid the trap of using business strategies to develop your vision. God’s plan may surprise you.

To His chosen servants: If God has chosen you to lead a ministry, then He’s chosen you to be the creator and communicator of the vision. You may need the gifts of others as you develop the vision and lead, but He wants to work through you, not someone else.

Based upon an accurate understanding of God, self, and circumstances: Barna says, “Vision reflects a realist perspective. Vision is not dreaming the impossible dream, but dreaming the most possible dream.” We can’t call be Rick Warren or Bill Hybels. That’s probably not God’s purpose for you anyway. Who are you? What are your gifts? Chances are, those are part of why He placed you in this church at this time. Those factors will play into the vision you develop. A good vision will stretch you, but is never intended to break you.

Tomorrow we’ll look at reconciling the vision of God with our members.


Comments

2 Comments so far

  1. E. I. Sanchez on April 15, 2008 6:55 pm

    Ideally, your church has a vision and you can (and should) piggyback on that.

    This is very important indeed. Until reading your book (why didn’t you warn me), I didn’t realize this.

    One must understand what the small group is about. A mission statement. ideally, a mission statement that all the group participants sign and agree to. - the group covenant [can you tell I read your book? :-]

    p.s. stay tuned for book review on my blog later this month.

    Edgar

  2. patsikora on April 15, 2008 9:51 pm

    Hey Edgar, thanks for weighing in. I’m glad you’re enjoying the book. BTW, did you know that in the Resources section of this website you’ll find downloadable group covenants and more on defining your mission (which is somewhat different from your vision).

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