Casting the Vision

Vision is a deep impression on the heart, an invitation to get involved in what God is doing.
Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision, the people cast of restraint." Vision defines
where a church and organization is going. It describes, in general terms, your uniqueness in
God's ministry.

George Barna has said that 98% of pastors have never articulated a vision to their church. Once a pastor has earned the trust of the people and received the vision from God (see previous articles), how does he then share that vision with the church? (Read Nehemiah 2:12-18)

• Define the need. Nehemiah's vision was the solution to a need. "...the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and its gates were consumed by fire." Nehemiah challenged the people, "Come let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer be a reproach." He led the people to see the problem - to feel the need. The people must see that there is a desperate need that will go unmet if God's vision is not realized.
• Present your vision. Begin presenting the vision to your leadership. Once they have embraced it, share it with the church through an inspiring sermon. Draw a picture for them. As we were raising funds for our building program, there were times we had to turn people away, because of overcrowding in the Sanctuary. I made sure our congregation knew of this. It is not enough for your people to understand the vision, they must catch it.
• Present a compelling purpose. The vision becomes a reality when a compelling reason is tied in. Nehemiah presented a wake-up call to the people. A vision is not only something that could be done, but should be done. Again, in our last building program, I introduced the fact that 3,000 new homes were already under permit to build in our city. I asked, "Where are those people going to worship? How can we reach them if there is no space?"
• Tie the future to the past. Years ago, twelve men signed their homes away to insure the construction of a preschool building. In sharing this with the church, I told a story of one of those men. Upon returning from the bank, he told his wife, "We may not have a place to live tomorrow, but those little children are going to have a place to learn about Jesus." Those faithful Christians of the past had a vision - that's why you and I are here. It's our turn now to take the baton of faith and run the race.
• Keep the vision before the church. Preach on it. Have it printed in your bulletin and newsletter. If it can be reduced to a slogan, have it on all of your literature.

Vision is what will give your church direction, passion, and faith for the future. It is not only a tool to accomplish more for God, but it gives us the purpose for which we were born.... our niche in the mission of God.

Winston Churchill once said... "There comes a special moment in everyone's life, a moment for which that person was born, that special opportunity when he sees it, will fulfill his mission, a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment, he finds greatness. It is his finest hour."

Your vision is an answer to a need, but it also may be the answer to your life. For further information on vision casting, let me suggest the book, "Visioneering", by Andy Stanley. Until next time...