Vision! Just the word brings up many thoughts, emotions, and concerns. While vision is very important, it is often misunderstood. Twenty years ago, vision was the hot topic in many churches. There were several popular books on the market, and vision conferences were well attended. We were told that most church leaders lacked a vision and that the concept of vision was widely misunderstood. After countless conferences and books, it still does not appear much different today. It is not as hard as many have made it seem. Vision is where God wants you and your church to go!
Vision is a picture of the future that sparks passion. It is seeing tomorrow’s possibilities today. When someone shares the vision God has given them, their eyes light up, their heart rate rises, and their speech becomes impassioned. You may not be able to see what God has shown them, but they see it clearly. The vision God has given them produces energy, provides purpose, and charts the path they will travel. It is not what could be or even what should be, but what must be. Do you have a vision for the ministry God has given you?
The story is told of a lady who cleaned a sidewalk with great passion. She was not content to do just enough to get by; she painstakingly ensured that her sidewalk was spotless. When a passerby told her she did a great job, she replied, “Thank you! I just believe people want to walk on a clean sidewalk.” Vision produces a spirit of excellence. It is not a cold, forgotten, written “vision” statement filed away somewhere that no one ever thinks about. It is a living language that sparks passion for service in everyday life. Philippians 3:14 says, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Vision is how a local church has been led by God to fulfill His mission in its context. Every church is distinct, and so is the community it ministers to. Your church does not have the luxury of choosing the culture God, in His sovereignty, has placed you in. To be good missionaries, every church must study that culture and prayerfully consider how to penetrate it with the gospel of Jesus Christ. What are the unique needs and opportunities of the community where God has placed your church, and what are the unique resources and capabilities God has placed in your congregation? One of the biggest problems in the church today is a cloned or copied vision.
In his book, The Making of a Leader, Robert Clinton said, “Don’t assume someone else’s ministry philosophy. Let God show you yours!” The Bible teaches us that every individual is fearfully and wonderfully made, and that is true of churches as well. God does not expect every church to look alike or do everything exactly alike, any more than I expect that from my three children. What is your church’s DNA, and how does it connect with the place God has placed you? Neil Cole defined church DNA as Divine truth, Nurturing relationships, and Apostolic mission (sent as God’s representatives with His message).
In the area of vision, there are two prevalent temptations. One is comparison, and the other is to be a copycat. There are certainly non-negotiable, unchanging divine truths, but there are also many creative and unique ways God has gifted us to bring Him glory. Whatever differentiates your church from every other church in how you develop followers of Christ according to His word and for His glory should be celebrated! What is your unique niche or footprint that gives you traction in your community and city? How will you love people well and bless them in word and deed?
Where do you get this “vision”? It may not be where you think. The place to begin is alone with God. In this fast-paced, instant-gratification society, we are often unwilling to slow down and take the time to hear what God is saying. It is not our job to invent or create a vision we hope He will bless, but rather to discover His distinct vision for us. When was the last time you took a couple of days to be alone with God and listen to what His plan is for you and your ministry? Some have made the mistake of thinking that the more they read and study about vision, the greater the chance they will have of producing an awesome vision.
You will not discover God’s vision without prayer. If you believe God has a preferred future for your church, consider planning a prayer retreat. Get away and be alone so you can shut out the other voices and hear what He has for you. Jesus regularly withdrew from the crowds to talk with His Father. God is not waiting for us to develop plans He can bless, but He is waiting for us to take the time to hear the plans He already has for us. Refuse to take shortcuts or hijack someone else’s vision.
Consider using a tool like The Vision Frame by Church Unique. It is a lens you can look through that helps you see where God is guiding. Here are the first three of five filters to think about:
• God’s mission should motivate you. Ask question zero: What are you doing? This affirms that God’s mission is your mandate.
• Allow God’s values to become your values. Look for and pursue the one lost sheep and get the gospel to them. This addresses why you are doing what you are doing. If people know why you are doing what you are doing, they have no problem with the what.
• Develop a strategy to carry that out, which will become your map and compass. This is the question of how: how will you carry out His mission?
Diagnose your vision to make sure it is His vision for your church.
