For years we have heard of vision and having a vision for the church. People often ask, “What is your church’s vision?” How do you reply when someone asks you a similar question? Can you state your church’s vision? Does your church have a clear vision? I have found that many pastors have difficulty articulating a vision for their church. Some of these same pastors defend not having a vision with a statement like, “Jesus gave us the vision for the church in the Great Commission.” So, if this is true, is a vision for the church really necessary?
First let us look at what Jesus said in the Great Commission. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
What Jesus gave us is a commission; it is what we are to go and do – what we are to be doing as we go about our daily lives. A commission is an authorized assignment, a task to fulfill. A vision, on the other hand, is foresight of an idea or image of how we might best carry out an assignment in our particular setting and culture. Therefore, I believe it is important for every church and every organization to have a clear and concise vision for carrying out the Great Commission. Not only in the church, but also in businesses and other organizations those with a clear vision are the success stories of their area of commerce and influence.
I want to define vision as the compelling image of an achievable future. Vision is more than a dream or a wish. A vision for the Christian goes beyond a desire for the future. It is a yearning for something that captures the heart. This type of vision is so compelling that action is inevitable for individuals or the group (class, church). Action is not optional, it is anticipated. In fact, a vision is not a vision unless it leads to action. Without action it is only a dream or a wish. A vision leads to intentional, planned, and focused action.
Preparing a vision is a critical step in having vision for your church, organization, or in your personal life. In the next post I will lay out the three step approach I recommend and pastors find not only beneficial but in some cases life changing. Not only for churches, you can have a personal life vision.
When our hearts are right, God will give us a vision that will clarify our purpose in life. Then we will become not great men and women of God but men and women of a Great God.
For more information on the subject of vision contact George L. Yates and pick your copy of Reaching the Summit at SonC.A.R.E. Ministires (soncare.net)
This post is adapted from portions of chapter 10 of Reaching the Summit: Avoiding and Reversing Decline in the Church.