Introduction

In this presentation we offer practical advice for developing a vision for your congregation.

Also, we address how to relate to others congregations in your area, as you seek to differentiate your ministry.

Do’s and Don’ts

Know Yourself

0You must know your own abilities, gifts, limitations, values and desires before you can attain an accurate perspective on God’s vision for your ministry.

Know Your Community

0It is important to have a working knowledge of the people who live in your geographic market.

0This marketplace may range from an established, easily identifiable rural community to a complex metropolitan area.

Interpret the Vision

0To lead a group of people effectively, you must also interpret the vision in a way that makes sense to them.

0In a church context, this means knowingthe history of the congregation and having an accurate sense of the values and emotions of the people.

What About Other Churches?

0Part of your vision-capturing process is to understand why God has allowed other churches to exist in your area.

0God has gifted different churches in different ways in order to accomplish different tasks.

Competition?

0What is your competition? It is not the other churches in the area.

0Your competition is television, sleeping late, sales at the mall, local sports leagues or athletic opportunities, family activities, personal hobbies and similar events.

Your Area of Excellence

0Godly, visionary leadership leads you to develop an area of excellence.

0Seek to do an excellent job in a limitednumber of ministry areas, allowing other groups within the body to use their unique gifts to address those needs that are peripheral to your vision.

Benefits

0The vision imparted by God enables a leader to reject some opportunities for ministry without suffering guilt.

0Vision replaces fear with energy and hope. It dismisses unbelief and replaces it with peace.

0Vision raises questions, but it does not raise nagging doubts.

Conclusion

0Ministry effectiveness is enhanced when the vision is clear, shared and integrated into the efforts of everyone involved in the church’s ministry.

The End

0This lecture is, in part, based on the book by George Barna, titled THE POWER OF VISION, which we enthusiastically recommend.