Where are you going? Stated another way, what’s your vision? What about your church?
If you’ve read much on the subject of leadership, than you are familiar with the concept of vision. Vision is the awareness within a team or organization of where they are going, or what objectives they expect to accomplish.
People often dismiss vision as a secular thought rooted in the world of business. But vision is biblical. In scripture, God repeatedly reveals His direction to His servants, most of whom then follow it. They have clarity about what there are called to do, where, and to what end.
In Acts 16 Paul begins his second missionary journey by strengthening the churches established on the first, then looking to expand the gospel further into Asia. But the Lord intervenes, directing Paul’s path toward Macedonia, where some of his most fruitful ministry occurs.
Please notice Paul’s clarity concerning Christ’s call on his life, the message he’s given, and the mission he’s directed to. Leadership authorities would define this as mission, but once it becomes focused on a particular message in a particular place for a particular outcome at a particular time, it’s vision.
And clarity concerning vision is essential to forward progress for any church or ministry. Charles Stanley once asked in a sermon from the 90s, “When you get to where you’re going, how will you know you’ve arrived?”
So, in terms of serving the Lord, how do you determine vision?
First, you need a clear understanding of the Lord’s call. Personally, God’s vision for you will never depart from His will for all disciples. But, based on how He has gifted you and where He has placed you, how you live that out might look differently. The same applies for the church. Whatever His vision for your church is, it must include making disciples, love for the Lord and love for others. The tactics deployed might appear different, but the Lord’s call is what it is.
Next, it helps to know yourself and your congregation. In 1 Cor. 12, Paul describes the local church as the body of Christ, with members of differing gifts and abilities placed as He sees fit. How has the Lord equipped you and your church to do what He’s called us to do?
Third, know your mission field, the community you and your church exist within in order that you would be His witness. Your vision might look different in a community of people with much in common to you than it would among people with language or cultural differences. Of course, today every community is culturally different from the average Baptist church member. How will this impact your vision.
Fourth, and this undergirds all the above, seek the Lord for His direction. Ask Him to reveal potential bridges between the church and community that you might cross for ministry.
Finally, as you pray, envision what fruitfulness would look like. Don’t worry if you get it wrong, or if you over estimate. As you walk with the Lord, the final vision might change a time or two. But clarity concerning your direction and anticipated outcome when fruitful is essential information for rallying the church and deploying resources.
Now, returning to the opening questions, what’s your vision? Where are you going? If you or your church would like help processing these or other questions, contact GTBN. We exist to help your church to be what God has designed you be. We can’t decide what you should do, but we’re glad to help you sort it out.
Blessing,
Bro. Jim