Isn't vision the thing that drives us to look forward to a big vacation or to get excited about an upcoming event? We count down the days until we leave for vacation because we can see in our mind what that vacation will look like. The rest and relaxation, the beautiful sights, the down-time spent with our spouse and kids, the indulgence in good food, etc. are all things we are longing for. As a result of this type of vision, we make plans and we pursue making this vision happen with more energy than we will ever expend on a project at work!
Lets shift this discussion to the church and spiritual leadership. Do you have a vision for what your relationship with God will look like this time next year, or in 5 years, or in 20 years? Even bigger, does your church have a vision for how it will be impacting a community (or even the world) this time next year, or in 5 years, or in 20 years?
I'm asking 2 very different questions here:
1) What is your vision in ministry? How are you impacting the Kingdom of God now and in the future? Have you really thought about it? Do you have a vision for how God will use you and your talents to reach lost people? Are you excited about pursuing this vision much like you would a great vacation? A disciple of Jesus that does not have a vision to pursue will not be able to impact the world around them. To have a vision, you MUST be in God's Word and you must be connected with Him in prayer. Ask God to reveal a vision in your heart then pursue it with every ounce of energy you have. You will certainly make a difference!!!
2) What is your church's vision in ministry? Do you have any idea? Does the church leadership make it clear in words and action? Sadly, many churches have no more vision than to just get through the next Sunday service or to the next big event. How is your church impacting the community around it? How is your church focused on changing people's lives who do not already know Christ? Is there a CLEAR plan of action that says, "HERE IS WHERE WE ARE GOING AS A BODY OF BELIEVERS, WHO'S ON BOARD?" A church without a clear vision will NOT impact the community and world around it.
If you are wondering what a "clear vision" is, let me throw out a few examples for you to consider.
PERSONAL VISION EXAMPLES:
- You have identified 5 families in your neighborhood who never attend church. Within the next year, you are going to develop a relationship with each of those families and personally invite them to join you in worship. You will not quit until you have succeeded.
- You want to start a small group Bible study in your home with people who do not currently know Christ or go to a church somewhere. Within the next year you want to start this study and have at least 10 people attending.
CHURCH WITH VISION EXAMPLES:
- Your church has started making it clear that everything that happens over the next 5 years will be focused on planting 5 new churches (one each year) around your state. Your Sunday school classes, Sunday sermons, small group meetings, etc. will all be focused on training people to use their gifts to contribute to this vision (financially, or as a planting family, or maybe even as a ministry staff member or elder). Instead of trying to grow bigger, your church will try to multiply itself into new communities.
- Your church has made it clear that it is going to make an intentional effort to reach every non-church going family living within a 5 mile radius of the church within the next 3 years. This means Sunday sermons and all classes will be focused on coming up with strategies to intentionally identify and reach these people. This makes it clear that EVERYONE in the church is a minister, not just an attender!
With vision like this, you will lose friends. Your church will lose members who don't have any desire to be true disciples who are making new disciples. You know what, that is OK! Give them a hug and wish them well. Hopefully at some point in their lives they will wake up to what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus.
But after the sweet hug and good wishes, GET BUSY. Following a vision is hard work. However, it is the ONLY way Christ's Church can advance.
We need some VISIONARY LEADERSHIP in our churches. Maybe the Holy Spirit is calling on you as you read this article to get out of your seat and start actually making a difference in this world!!!
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