Vision is what we ask God for in faith as opposed to mission which answers the question of why we exist. There are six descriptors of good vision.
First, it is a God sized ask. If we can accomplish it by ourselves it is not vision. Vision requires God's direct involvement and requires faith.
Second, it engenders enthusiasm. It resonates with those in our ministry to pray for and work toward a goal that we can all get excited about.
Third, it is simple and clear. It does not require a lot of explanation and can be instantly understood. Complicated vision is not vision because it will not stick.
Fourth, it does not need to be fully quantifiable. Remember, it is a big, faith ask. One should be able to show examples of that vision being accomplished but it need not be about counting and keeping score.
Fifth, it mobilizes people in a common direction. That is what vision does. Good vision encourages people toward common God sized goals.
Sixth, it sticks. If you share "vision" and it does not stick it's not vision.
In ReachGlobal we are praying that God would raise up one million disciplemakers to allow us to impact 100 million people with the Gospel and see 100 Acts 19 locations where the Gospel penetrates whole cities or regions rather than just a neighborhood.
That is our vision. What is yours?
All of T.J. Addington's books including his latest, Deep Influence, are available from the author for the lowest prices and a $2.00 per book discount on orders of ten or more.
First, it is a God sized ask. If we can accomplish it by ourselves it is not vision. Vision requires God's direct involvement and requires faith.
Second, it engenders enthusiasm. It resonates with those in our ministry to pray for and work toward a goal that we can all get excited about.
Third, it is simple and clear. It does not require a lot of explanation and can be instantly understood. Complicated vision is not vision because it will not stick.
Fourth, it does not need to be fully quantifiable. Remember, it is a big, faith ask. One should be able to show examples of that vision being accomplished but it need not be about counting and keeping score.
Fifth, it mobilizes people in a common direction. That is what vision does. Good vision encourages people toward common God sized goals.
Sixth, it sticks. If you share "vision" and it does not stick it's not vision.
In ReachGlobal we are praying that God would raise up one million disciplemakers to allow us to impact 100 million people with the Gospel and see 100 Acts 19 locations where the Gospel penetrates whole cities or regions rather than just a neighborhood.
That is our vision. What is yours?
All of T.J. Addington's books including his latest, Deep Influence, are available from the author for the lowest prices and a $2.00 per book discount on orders of ten or more.
1 comment:
Hi Tim,
How does the vision you describe in today's post relate to the 3-5 year preferred future you discuss in High Impact Church Boards? AMPs are framed as incremental steps along the 3-5 year PF. The PF is reviewed and updated at the end of the 3-5 year cycle. The PF is tangible stuff and laid out within a logical process and a timeframe that folks can wrap their minds around. Today's post seems to focus on something beyond the other. It seems to be the larger vision within which the 3-5 preferred future is framed. Can you elaborate a bit more on how the PF and larger vision fit together?
Mike
Post a Comment