Vision for the Church

Myth 12:  If it is truly God’s vision for ministry capturing that vision will be simple, quick process.

Reality 12:  God’s vision is not constrained by time.

In some cases, capturing God’s vision for ministry requires the kind of intensive wrestling with God that characterized Jacob’s wrestling match with God.  In other situation, grasping the vision is more closely reflected by Paul’s description of the long-distance race, which requires consistency and endurance over a prolonged period

In certain cases, because of the constraint brewing of God’s vision in the heart of the leader, when that individual finally concentrates on clarifying and articulation the vision, it comes quickly.  But there seems to be a consistent span of time within which God imparts his vision to people or within which visionary leaders are able to grasp that vision.  The fact that a vision for ministry is determined in a short burst of energy is no more a sign that it is complete or from God than to assume that one who has spent months seeking that vision has finally gleaned it.  God’s vision is not constrained by time; it is determined by our receptiveness and level of preparation to receive his insight.

Myth 13:  To develop vision, a pastor could identify several visionary business leaders and follow the same steps they have taken.

Reality 13:  Church leaders cannot blindly follow the path charted by people who operate on the basis of a different worldview.

Sadly, it seems true that you would more likely find visionary leaders in the business community than among the ranks of church leaders.  However, the is some danger in following the paths charted by secular leaders when it comes to developing vision, first, business leaders seek to satisfy a different bottom-line objective (i.e. financial profits, rather than saved souls). Second, business leaders rely upon a different source for their guidance and insight (i.e. self rather than God).  While much understanding can be gained from studying the procedures and perspectives of visionary corporate leaders, church leaders should not blindly follow the path carted by people who operate on the basis of a different worldview or set of goal.

Myth 14:  Because God imparts vision to the pastor; other people have no role in the development of vision, only in its implementation.

Reality 14:  Other godly individuals are needed as a sounding board to evaluate the vision at various points in its development.

While God imparts the vision to the lead, he works through a variety of people and circumstances to enlarge the scope and perspective of the leader.  People play a critical role in the development of vision, although it is not a committee-based activity.  Other godly individuals are needed as a sounding board (e.g. counselors) to evaluate the vision at various points in its development.  Other people can be instrumental in providing the pastor with important information to be used in gaining a context for understanding how God wants the church to move forward. The pastor is the point person and central figure in the process, by capturing God’s vision for ministry is certainly not a solitary process.

Myth 15:  The best way to communicate vision is to develop a catchy slogan that people will remember.

Reality 15:  Too much emphasis upon a slogan can be detrimental.

A slogan is one means to effectively communication the essence of the vision so that people have a shorthand way of recalling it.  However, it is important not to confuse a slogan that encapsulates the heart of the vision with the actual vision itself.  In many cases, slogans prove to be more harmful that useful because they trivialize the vision.  Rather than capture the totality of the vision—in all its fullness, with all its nuances – some people focus solely upon the content communicated through the slogan and thus limit the potential of the ministry.

Myth 16:  Sometimes God’s vision for the future of a struggling congregation simply calls for the church to stabilize by maintaining its current position rather than to pursue growth aggressively.

Reality 16:  Encouraging people to pledge themselves to survival is an admission of defeat.

A declaration that admonishes people to hold the line as a means of facilitating effective ministry is not a vision statement but a death warrant.  Vision is a creative, ongoing progress.  It emphasizes aggressive futuristic thinking and action.

Myth 17:  If it takes too long to develop, the result probably is not true vision.

Reality 17:  God may take more pleasure in our attempt to know his mind than in our eventual ability to capture that insight.

We all have a God called mission, to reach the lost. But what is his vision of how each one will accomplish that mission.

Pastor Richard Johnson

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