The church I am part of has a ‘Futures’ document that sets out the vision of the church from 2012 onwards. When this was introduced the pastor was honest in his appraisal of the document. It provides a starting point. We may have missed stuff that God wants us to do or be as a church. We may have included things that God will remove.
When the Futures document was discussed during a day of prayer those present were asked what they considered the most important thing in the document, given that there are finite resources. In my little cluster of people the work with the children and youth was quickly identified. Later I wondered what God would identify as the most important thing about the church Futures document?
My belief is that in God’s view the most important thing is that such a vision exists. It doesn’t matter that the document or the vision may be lacking, it matters that it exists. It matters that it exists because vision is vital if God is to be able to use His church to do His will in His world. What comes next will be down to the way in which we prayerfully surrender ourselves into His will.
Anthony Baker said:
You are so correct. Every church needs a vision for the future. What I find difficult, however, is that in a small church people tend to only be concerned with present needs. It is hard to convince people to strategize when it’s never been done before (same old argument). Also, when the very congregation to which you are ministering has no real expectation of numerical growth, it’s hard to create an evangelical vision. Small churches in small communities seem to have a “the-pie-is-only-so-big” mentality. They not only feel like growth would destabilize the status quo, but that it would be futile to attempt in a small community. But sadly, without a vision, the people perish.
David said:
Change must be the most challenging word in church. Church seems to excel at frustrating the Holy Spirit despite the command in 1 Thess 5:19. But you are right – without a vision the people perish. As evidenced by the number of church buildings in this country that no longer function as places of worship.
Craig said:
Vision, vision and more vision – thanks…
I came to your blog from Jon Acuff’s site. He has created a tremendous forum for sharing our blogs and impacting more people with them.
I hope my blog can be an encouragement to you also.
I write it for encouragement and motivation daily.
http://i-never-fail.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to watching the connections grow!
Nick said:
Thanks Craig! Wednesday posts are generally from David (dad!) and I post on the weekend.
I look forward to checking out your blog too!
David Morris said:
Anthony, I think it is hard to have expectations of growth when, unfortunately, our only experience is of decline.