The Change Equation - Vision

If you’ve been around church life at all you’ve probably heard Proverbs 29:18 quoted by a Pastor or leader, rising to speak in a way that motivates the church, calling them to a point of action or decision.
From the King James version…Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 

​The intended desire - is this: highlight the importance of the role vision plays in the lives of people, organizations and in this instance, the Church. 

Exegetically this passage has more to do with the law (God’s law) being a guiding force for happy and fruitful life if it is obeyed and followed than a church ministry vision for the coming season. 

Nonetheless….

WHAT IS VISION EXACTLY? 
When it comes to defining vision it’s important to understand how it interrelates with mission and values or convictions. One of the best clarifying frameworks or definitions that I’ve seen comes from the great book: Turnaround by Jason K. Allen.  

Allen writes; “your convictions are what you believe, your mission is why you exist, your vision is where you are going.” Allen adds this important qualifier; “If such matters are unclear in your own mind, they’ll be altogether confusing for those you lead.” 

For our purposes, in considering how vision plays a part in the change equation vision is defined like this: 

Vision: A clear and compelling God given picture of the unique call placed upon a local body of believers to bring glory to God by obeying his leadership.


VISION CAN BE RISKY AND DANGEROUS
Let’s go back to our case study in Nehemiah….

And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.”  Nehemiah 2:5

After spending time before the Lord in brokenness, Nehemiah is given, by God, a compelling vision to return home and rebuild the city. This would be an enormous task, it would be difficult,  requesting leave from the King was a dangerous ask…

Nehemiah was the king's cupbearer-he was the chief food taster, he sampled the King’s food to ensure that it was not poisoned, the king's life depended on the faithful work of Nehemiah and here he was now asking to be freed to pursue rebuilding the city of his fathers…

Every God given vision has inherent risks that make it a matter of faith.

KEY INGREDIENTS FOR VISION
If you’ve ever had popcorn without salt (or required to partake that way by a doctor) I’m sad for you. You know that something is missing. Facing the prospect of downing an entire bowl of salt free popcorn means you’ll likely give up after a few bites.

Vision is the same, without several key ingredients, it comes across bland, it doesn’t capture the heart, it incites no passion, it will not persist.  Here are a few key ingredients for any vision.


VISION MUST BE CLEAR
Articulating a clear vision is easier said than done. It helps if there are few words, it’s best if those words stand on their own. If you have to say the vision and then unpack what you just said, or if the words leave people wondering or asking additional questions-you probably haven’t arrived or formulated your vision clearly just yet-go back to the white board.

VISION MUST BE COMPELLING
You want me (or us) to do what? You may not have to unpack every detail or logistic, there will be time for that, but if your vision doesn’t capture the heart, engage the mind and motivate me to be willing to sacrifice for its achievement-go back to the white board.

VISION SHOULD BE GOD GIVEN (INSPIRED)
Let’s add a few qualifiers here so as to not venture off into dangerous territory. I’ve seen many leaders descend from their office, return from a retreat and declare their vision for the next season of ministry-and I’ve watched it fall flat, I’ve seen people respond unenthusiastically. Vision in those cases sounded like a few good ideas or something that wasn’t fully worked out and needed further development.  All truth has been given to us in Scripture, its revelation is complete. Vision in this case is not “new” revelation but a specific call to live out the already revealed truth of Scripture in obedience to God through your church or organization.

VISION SHOULD BE UNIQUE
Your church is where it is for a reason, as some say; your church address is no accident. It is incumbent upon each congregation to know its context and call - where you are and what you are there to uniquely offer in the name of Christ. Labor at this, study your community, pray and assess your strengths and passions as a church. Don’t try to be the church you admire-be the church being shaped by God for your context.

VISION SHOULD BE GLORIFYING TO GOD
A wise man in one of my prayer groups said this as we were discussing vision and mission and its role in our church; “God doesn’t share His glory.” If the objective of our vision is to build our name, our kingdom, our platform, our reputation-it’s dead before it even begins. We are called to live for God’s name and glory not our own. If your vision is driven by ambition, pride, fear, or jealousy-get in the prayer closet and then go back to the whiteboard.

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Questions for Reflection

1. Are you clear on the difference between vision, mission and values?
2. What is risky about the vision you are pursuing? What are the costs to you and or your church or organization?
3. What or who is the source of motivation for the vision?