Vision - Lead by Example

What I am pondering today...


There is a lot of talk about “vision” and how it relates to the church, specifically for Pastors/leaders and their role in leading God’s people. I think one of the biggest mistakes leaders make is to assume that a statement or a program or a long range plan equals vision. It absolutely does not. Vision is something you live.

In my mind it is similar to love. Just because you write out a plan to love your spouse doesn’t meant that you actually love them. On the contrary, if you truly love your spouse, having a plan for putting that love into action is a natural outflow in your life. Vision is much the same.

True vision comes from deep down. True vision finds a way to come out. True vision is something that is so much a part of who you are that you find yourself talking about it in all kinds of settings to anyone that will listen. If someone has to remind you to talk about the “vision” then it is no vision at all - at least not for you. It might be a good idea. It might be a good plan. It might even be a great strategy for the Kingdom, but if you do not live it and breathe it, then it is not a vision.

This morning as I was reading through my Bible I came across a great example of vision:

1 Chronicles 29:3 and following - David says to a huge gathering of leaders
“And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of God, I am giving all of my own private treasures to aid in the construction...Now then, who will follow my example? Who will give himself and all that he has to the Lord?”

The crazy thing about this vision is that David already knew that he would not be the one to build the Temple. That privilege would go to his son, Solomon. But the vision David had for building a Temple took over his heart and life so much that he collected materials and even donated his own private treasures to be sure everything was ready for Solomon to finish the vision. He was so sold out to it that he even invited others to follow his example and give everything he had to contribute to the vision.

It grieves my heart how many leaders in churches create programs for their people that they have no evidence of living out in their own lives. As a staff member, I have been guilty of it, and I’ve seen it happen over and over again. Please, do yourself and your people a favor: go spend time figuring out what consumes you. What is it that you would be willing to give up your own personal treasures to see happen? What is it that you believe so strongly in that you would invite everyone around you to do the same?

Make that your vision. Make that your life. Make that the thing you stand before your congregations and say, “This is what we are going to be about as God’s people.” It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking or cutting edge, but it does need to be something that comes from deep within you.

Don’t just try a new marketing strategy or add another event to the already crowded schedule. Figure out what God has laid on your heart and then live it with all you’ve got.

One of the most interesting things about living in Tucson is the interaction I’ve been able to have with lots of different types of church plants. The variety is amazing, but the ones that are seeing God move all have one thing in common - leaders with vision. Leadership strategies are completely different, preaching styles vary greatly, makeups of congregations change dramatically from place to place, but these leaders have done what David did. They have given everything to be part of seeing God accomplish His will in people’s lives.

I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not really what the package looks like, it’s the heart that wrapped the package that matters.
The great thing about this process is that these leaders will see and are seeing the same kinds of results that David did when he put out the call. In 1 Chronicles 29:9, the passage goes on to say:

“Everyone was excited and happy for this opportunity of service, and King David was moved with deep joy.”

There is nothing more moving than when God shows up in fulfillment of the vision He has given to a leader that has given all for Him. Verses 10-22 of that chapter recount the worship service that broke out following that moment.

I am praying for the city of Tucson with that kind of desire and want to do anything I can to see God move in a mighty way. How about you?

~ Paul Ingram, Worship and Arts Pastor at Revolution Church in Tucson, Arizona.