| vi·sion /ˈviZHən/Noun The faculty or state of being able to see.Verb Imagine. |
Vision is something we talk a lot about in churches and business. Even though this idea of “vision” is used often, I find that there ends up being a fair amount of vapor in the conversation. We say that we must follow our “vision for ministry,” but, when you inquire about the exact nature of the vision, the conversation breaks down quickly. If there are specifics, are the statements or proposals really vision? For churches, is our vision consistent with God’s vision?
Inevitably, when the topic of vision comes up in churches, you will hear “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). Not only is having a vision important, but it is necessary to ensure that our vision is God’s vision. Vision gives people a central purpose to rally around. Thom Rainer wrote: “Without a clear and biblical purpose, members either fail to make a meaningful contribution, or they exit the church” (for the full article, read 4 Reasons Churches Don’t BREAK OUT).
Vision implies a direction or a goal we’re working toward together. We can accomplish so much more together than if we were to pursue a goal on our own. Vision has a lot to do with knowing ourselves and our gifts, knowing the people around us, and seeing where our gifts and the worlds needs intersect at a specific time and place (Cf. Frederick Buechner). Obviously, this is helpful for congregations, but have you thought about a “vision” for your own life? What is it that you and your family are working toward together?
In the end, vision is very important for families, congregations and businesses. As Christians, our goals and our calling is informed by our faith. So, our vision cannot just be “What do we want to do?” or “Where do we want to be in 5 years?” The vision for our lives and for our congregations must begin with God and God’s purposes. This is how we build a solid vision and come to be able to speak with one voice and make decisions together.
This Week
- Read and reflect on the following Scriptures. What catches your attention or stirs within you as you read and spend time with these?
- 1I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. 2Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. 3For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:1-3)
- “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18)
- Consider what your personal or your family’s vision might be.
- What are you working toward together?
- How does your faith guide or inform your vision?
- If you were to say what you think Bethel’s vision is, what would you say?
- The Long Range Planning Team has broken down Bethel’s ministry into 3 categories:
- Ministry – How is God calling us to minister to our congregation and our community?
- Programs – Are there ways to organize what we do in ministry?
- Space – How is God calling us to use our building, our land, and even our technological resources to carry out God’s mission?
- Pray for Bethel’s Long Range Planning Team
- Carol Blauvelt, Chair
- Tim Blauvelt
- Jim Carter
- Nels Hendrickson
- Steve Hill
- Connie Houtz
- Joe Jackson, Council Liaison
- Bob Schilpp
- Ken Weschler
- Janice Burlovich, ex officio
- Pastor Jeff Wilson, ex officio
Epicurious Lutheran 