Write the Vision (1)
“The Lord answered me: “Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it.” Habakkuk 2:2 HCSB
The word “vision” was probably introduced to the church in the context of which most of us are acquainted with its usage by Rick Warren. Today, there are few congregations that lack or have not learned a vision statement. They are chanted before offerings. They are printed on Sunday morning bulletins. They are worn on t-shirts. Vision is everywhere.
What happens when the vision begins to dwindle or die? I have now given myself to the pastorate of God’s people the past twenty years of my life. I wish I could say that I am bursting with vision and the energy to continue fresh and bright ideas before the congregation. But, I cannot say that. I will not say that vision has died. I will say that vision has dwindled.
Why? Life. As one grows older, you find significance in the more smaller things of life – family and friends; not buildings and budgets. Your desire to be a present parent and not the popular preacher is more important. You begin to appreciate the silence. You care more about managing your character and convictions than the church.
Yet, this is what God calls pastors to do and become – visionaries. Let me share with you somethings I have learned through the years.
Vision will always outlive you. So don’t let the vision kill you.
Vision requires a team. Be careful and cautious how you pick your leadership team. Do you have a written process for individuals to become a part of your leadership team. Does this process include: a spiritual gifts assessment; an emotional test (EG); and a background check? Everything rises and falls on leadership.
Are you so committed to the vision that you are willing to make the hard decisions to bring the vision to past?
Make the vision clear. You should be able to convince others as to why God would have your team accomplish this in 3 minutes or less.
In my next blog I will share with you some points for the leadership team. Until then, I pray that God would provide for us the strength and leadership to bring things to past.