Lectionary number one
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Prophetess/Prophets
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
So You Have a Vision
Developing Vision
I. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO HAVE A GOD-GIVEN VISION.
A. Prov. 29:18.
B. Vision defined.
1. Imagining how things should be, and paying little regard to the current circumstances, or how things are likely in the naturally to be. (We are to walk by faith in the vision God plants in our hearts, and not by how things appear in the natural - 2 Cor. 5:7).
2. The act of seeing, or the ability to see.
C. A visionary defined.
1. One who dreams big. (If you are thinking small, then you don’t have vision!)
2. One who has supernatural revelation from God.
3. One who thinks far into the future, and uses that foresight to make plans now, in order to nourish and cultivate his vision.
D. God thinks big, and we need to expand our thinking to begin thinking as He thinks (Is. 55:8-9)…
E. …and we need to water the vision God gives us by what we say (Is. 55:11-12).
1. Your vision will never come to fruition if you don’t apply faith to it, and line up your mouth to be in agreement with the vision. How can you flow with God’s vision if you’re not speaking in line with it (Amos 3:3)?
2. Do as Abraham did with God’s vision for him to be the father of many nations: Call those things that be not as though they are (Rom. 4:17-24, Amp).
3. Out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth will speak (Matt. 12:34). If you believe in the vision God gives you, you will be speaking it forth, no matter what your circumstances are.
II. PEOPLE OF VISION IN THE BIBLE.
A. Moses was a man of vision to lead the Hebrews out of slavery.
1. God gave Moses vision (Ex. 3:1-12—especially v. 12).
2. Moses clung to the vision despite the opposition (Ex. 5:1-12:30).
3. The vision was accomplished through tenacity (Ex. 12:41).
4. You certainly must be a man of vision and purpose to set aside wealth, fame, honor, respect, and worldly power for the sake of the vision.
B. Peter was a man of vision to reach the Gentiles with the Gospel for the first time ever (Acts 10:1-11:18—especially Acts 10:34-45, 43-45).
C. Paul was a man of vision to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, as well (Acts 26:14-18). Note that Paul wasn’t disobedient to the vision God gave him (Acts 26:19-23).
D. Paul was a man of vision to take the Gospel before kings.
1. Vision was given to Paul in Acts 9:15.
2. Vision was accomplished through Paul in Acts 25:22 and 26:1-2, despite opposition.
3. People claiming to have heard from God will oppose your God-given vision.
a. The disciples claimed to be speaking by the Spirit that Paul shouldn’t go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4, 10-12).
b. Paul went anyway (Acts 21:13-15).
c. If Paul would have been swayed by the disciples instead of the vision in his heart, he would have missed fulfilling his vision to take the Gospel to kings (Acts 23:11).
E. Many others throughout the Bible were men of vision, such as King David, Elijah, Elisha, Joseph (son of Jacob), Ruth, Sarah, Timothy, etc.
F. It was vision that drove people to accomplish mighty works for God.
III. WE MUST HAVE THE TENACITY JESUS HAD WHEN HIS VISION WAS OPPOSED.
A. Note Jesus’ vision (Luke 4:18-19).
B. Note the opposition of disbelief of His vision that He faced (Luke 4:22).
C. Despite the extreme opposition to His vision, Jesus never quit.
1. We need to develop such tenacity with our own vision.
2. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus clung to the vision and made it known to the Father that He would stick with it no matter what (Matt. 26:36-39).
IV. THROUGH STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES AND THROUGH PRAYER, GOD WILL PLANT A GODLY VISION IN YOUR HEART (PS. 37:1-13).
A. You are not to pay attention to those who mock your vision (v. 4).
B. God is a visionary who sees the demise of the wicked who mock the vision He gives you (v. 13).
V. WHAT IS YOUR VISION?
A. If God has already given you a vision, are you still pursuing it, or have you packed up your toys and gone home?
1. Champions aren’t people who never fail. Rather, they are people who never quit!
a. Many immigrants come to the U.S. with a vision in their heart to start their own business and making a success of their lives. How much more ought we to do, who have a vision birthed by God!
b. What drives an athlete to work so hard is the vision of winning the trophy, the blue ribbon, or the penant.
1) He keeps that vision before him, and he does not give up on being the best.
2) We must also run our race, keeping our eyes on Jesus, and the vision He has given to each of us to run with!
2. Your vision won’t come to pass simply as time goes by—it will come to pass as you accept responsibility for accomplishing it.
B. If you don’t have a God-given vision yet, seek the Lord through the Word and prayer.
VI. FAITH IN THE VISION.
A. Keep the vision before you at all times, so you can run with it, without looking back (Hab. 2:2-3).
B.. Have faith in the vision that it will come to pass (Hab. 2:4).
I. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO HAVE A GOD-GIVEN VISION.
A. Prov. 29:18.
B. Vision defined.
1. Imagining how things should be, and paying little regard to the current circumstances, or how things are likely in the naturally to be. (We are to walk by faith in the vision God plants in our hearts, and not by how things appear in the natural - 2 Cor. 5:7).
2. The act of seeing, or the ability to see.
C. A visionary defined.
1. One who dreams big. (If you are thinking small, then you don’t have vision!)
2. One who has supernatural revelation from God.
3. One who thinks far into the future, and uses that foresight to make plans now, in order to nourish and cultivate his vision.
D. God thinks big, and we need to expand our thinking to begin thinking as He thinks (Is. 55:8-9)…
E. …and we need to water the vision God gives us by what we say (Is. 55:11-12).
1. Your vision will never come to fruition if you don’t apply faith to it, and line up your mouth to be in agreement with the vision. How can you flow with God’s vision if you’re not speaking in line with it (Amos 3:3)?
2. Do as Abraham did with God’s vision for him to be the father of many nations: Call those things that be not as though they are (Rom. 4:17-24, Amp).
3. Out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth will speak (Matt. 12:34). If you believe in the vision God gives you, you will be speaking it forth, no matter what your circumstances are.
II. PEOPLE OF VISION IN THE BIBLE.
A. Moses was a man of vision to lead the Hebrews out of slavery.
1. God gave Moses vision (Ex. 3:1-12—especially v. 12).
2. Moses clung to the vision despite the opposition (Ex. 5:1-12:30).
3. The vision was accomplished through tenacity (Ex. 12:41).
4. You certainly must be a man of vision and purpose to set aside wealth, fame, honor, respect, and worldly power for the sake of the vision.
B. Peter was a man of vision to reach the Gentiles with the Gospel for the first time ever (Acts 10:1-11:18—especially Acts 10:34-45, 43-45).
C. Paul was a man of vision to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, as well (Acts 26:14-18). Note that Paul wasn’t disobedient to the vision God gave him (Acts 26:19-23).
D. Paul was a man of vision to take the Gospel before kings.
1. Vision was given to Paul in Acts 9:15.
2. Vision was accomplished through Paul in Acts 25:22 and 26:1-2, despite opposition.
3. People claiming to have heard from God will oppose your God-given vision.
a. The disciples claimed to be speaking by the Spirit that Paul shouldn’t go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4, 10-12).
b. Paul went anyway (Acts 21:13-15).
c. If Paul would have been swayed by the disciples instead of the vision in his heart, he would have missed fulfilling his vision to take the Gospel to kings (Acts 23:11).
E. Many others throughout the Bible were men of vision, such as King David, Elijah, Elisha, Joseph (son of Jacob), Ruth, Sarah, Timothy, etc.
F. It was vision that drove people to accomplish mighty works for God.
III. WE MUST HAVE THE TENACITY JESUS HAD WHEN HIS VISION WAS OPPOSED.
A. Note Jesus’ vision (Luke 4:18-19).
B. Note the opposition of disbelief of His vision that He faced (Luke 4:22).
C. Despite the extreme opposition to His vision, Jesus never quit.
1. We need to develop such tenacity with our own vision.
2. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus clung to the vision and made it known to the Father that He would stick with it no matter what (Matt. 26:36-39).
IV. THROUGH STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES AND THROUGH PRAYER, GOD WILL PLANT A GODLY VISION IN YOUR HEART (PS. 37:1-13).
A. You are not to pay attention to those who mock your vision (v. 4).
B. God is a visionary who sees the demise of the wicked who mock the vision He gives you (v. 13).
V. WHAT IS YOUR VISION?
A. If God has already given you a vision, are you still pursuing it, or have you packed up your toys and gone home?
1. Champions aren’t people who never fail. Rather, they are people who never quit!
a. Many immigrants come to the U.S. with a vision in their heart to start their own business and making a success of their lives. How much more ought we to do, who have a vision birthed by God!
b. What drives an athlete to work so hard is the vision of winning the trophy, the blue ribbon, or the penant.
1) He keeps that vision before him, and he does not give up on being the best.
2) We must also run our race, keeping our eyes on Jesus, and the vision He has given to each of us to run with!
2. Your vision won’t come to pass simply as time goes by—it will come to pass as you accept responsibility for accomplishing it.
B. If you don’t have a God-given vision yet, seek the Lord through the Word and prayer.
VI. FAITH IN THE VISION.
A. Keep the vision before you at all times, so you can run with it, without looking back (Hab. 2:2-3).
B.. Have faith in the vision that it will come to pass (Hab. 2:4).
Developing a Vision for Ministry
Finding God’s Vision for You and Your Ministry
Craig Sider
Ministry without vision is like . . .a cow loose in the pasture: just grazinga flashlight without batteries: willing but powerless a cadaver: stiff, predictable and lacking a discernible heartbeat a car without gasoline: capable of forward movement, but lacking the necessary fuel a preacher who has not prepared the message: the intersection of arrogance and ignorance
Quotes:“My interest is in the future because I’m going to spend the rest of my life there.”
Charles Ketterin
“When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen,
those who make it happen, and those who wonder what happened.” John Richardson
“There is no more powerful engine driving an organization toward excellence and longrange success than an attractive, worthwhile and achievable vision of the future, widely shared.” Burt Nanus
"One person with a belief is equal to a force of ninety-nine who only have an interest.”John Stuart Mil
“Some men see things as they are and ask “Why?” I dream of things that never were and
ask “Why not?” George Bernard Shaw“If you don’t stand for something, you fall for anything.”Anonymous
“The challenges are not in the marketplace. They are in the mind.” Jean Benard“Those who say it cannot be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.”Anonymous
“In the absence of a great dream, pettiness prevails.” Peter Senge “What could be worse than being born without sight? Being born with sight and no vision.” Helen Keller
DEFINING VISION
Vision is a clear mental picture of a preferred future that creates passion in you.
The visionary Christian is one who appreciates the past, lives in the present, but
thinks in the future.
As leaders, we are the custodians of the future.
1. Vision Formation is not merely getting everybody’s ideas together in a statement “Vision cannot be a compromise everybody can live with, but nobody is excited about”
2. A Key Component is God’s Work in Your Life. So, Know Yourself A key component is God’s calling upon your life as a ministry leader.Spiritual Gifts, Passion Talents/Personality How?
Talk to others who know you well get an assessment of your spiritual gifts understand your personality DiSC, Myers-Briggs What makes your heart beat fast – the passion element You don’t have to be a off the charts visionary by nature to be an effective leader in setting a vision. But a pastor/ministry leader is a key catalyst in vision formation.
We need to dispense with the fictitious idea that in this day of rapid change only ab wild-eyed flamboyant entrepreneurial visionary can be an effective leader.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Probably the best proof of the fallacy of
this error is found in the book “Built To Last.” Authors James Collins and Jerry
Porras dispel the myth of the visionary and instead emphasize the long-term
success of visionary companies, or translated into our terms, visionary churches
and organizations. Hans Finzel, “Empowered Leaders”
3. Pray for Vision for wisdom for insight for community awareness leadership skills
Take time to listen to God which means you must slow down-put away the cell phone, pager, instant messenger, email, PDA, browser,television, radio
Pray:by yourself with others ministry partners Envisioning prayer doesn’t usually happen on the way to work.Pray with paper or laptop
Keep in front of you the values, mission, vision, priorities and outcomes of
the Brethren in Christ Church.
Be careful the giant sucking motion of daily operations.
“I’m trying to survive, I don’t have time to think about the future!”
4. Put Your ear to the ground :Engage the people.
A congregational vision will reflect the congregation the community and God’s call on the leader’s life.
Every church has a DNA
Getting others engaged is not just a sales job (ownership), it is mining for rich
ideas.
How do you mine for ideas?
-roundtable discussions
-Q and A forums
-feedback loops as ideas develop
-appreciative inquiry
How is it different that a congregational vote?
-you engage people early in the process, mining for ideas and feedback rather
than working in secret and simply presenting a proposal to vote on.
“If you’re going to stir the souls of your constituents, if you’re going to lift them
to a higher level of performance, then this is what you need to know: it’s not the
leader’s vision, it’s the people’s vision that matters most!”
5. Think Large
“Make no small plans, for they have not the power
to stir the souls of men.” Eph. 3:20,21
Most people do not think large.
How large?
(a). The vision has to be bigger than your abilities
(b). The vision has to be large enough to inspire
people.
(c). The vision has to confront the natural tendency to think small.
(d). The vision needs to answer, “How big is my
God ?”
What are the untapped opportunities ?
What do you find dissatisfying about status quo ?
6. Write Down Your Thoughts.
“Writing is the process of ‘blowing the lint off the brain.’” Aubrey Malphurs
• keep paper and laptop handy
• use a voice recorder
Write down all your thoughts that might pertain to a developing vision.
Your thoughts should play off the following information:
• What is the make-up of your community?
• What are the strengths in your current ministry?
• What is the projected growth of your area?
• What unique needs exist in your community?
7. Give your vision legs!
Your thoughts need to move beyond the file drawer.
• Statement of Purpose
• Statement of Values
• Statement of Strategy
• Statement of People
• Statement of Location
• Statement of Finances
8. Pastor and Leadership/Vision Team prays over, discusses,
clarifies, and determines fit.
They draw out ideas and organize them into clear plans and the direction in which
the church will go
9. Vision is understanding the distinct contribution your church is
being called to make.
Mission: Your overall purpose for existence
A Local Church:
- Exalt
- Encourage
- Equip
- Evangelize
- Educate
Vision: What are the unique ways your church has been called to make a
difference in fulfilling your mission?
Resources:
Developing a Vision for Ministry in the 21st Century, Aubrey Malphurs
Visioneering, Andy Stanley
The Power of Team Leadership, George Barna
Turning Vision Into Action, George Barna
Empowered Leaders, Hans Finzel
A Leader’s Legacy, Kouzes & Posner
Practicing Greatness, Reggie McNeal
Craig Sider
Ministry without vision is like . . .a cow loose in the pasture: just grazinga flashlight without batteries: willing but powerless a cadaver: stiff, predictable and lacking a discernible heartbeat a car without gasoline: capable of forward movement, but lacking the necessary fuel a preacher who has not prepared the message: the intersection of arrogance and ignorance
Quotes:“My interest is in the future because I’m going to spend the rest of my life there.”
Charles Ketterin
“When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen,
those who make it happen, and those who wonder what happened.” John Richardson
“There is no more powerful engine driving an organization toward excellence and longrange success than an attractive, worthwhile and achievable vision of the future, widely shared.” Burt Nanus
"One person with a belief is equal to a force of ninety-nine who only have an interest.”John Stuart Mil
“Some men see things as they are and ask “Why?” I dream of things that never were and
ask “Why not?” George Bernard Shaw“If you don’t stand for something, you fall for anything.”Anonymous
“The challenges are not in the marketplace. They are in the mind.” Jean Benard“Those who say it cannot be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.”Anonymous
“In the absence of a great dream, pettiness prevails.” Peter Senge “What could be worse than being born without sight? Being born with sight and no vision.” Helen Keller
DEFINING VISION
Vision is a clear mental picture of a preferred future that creates passion in you.
The visionary Christian is one who appreciates the past, lives in the present, but
thinks in the future.
As leaders, we are the custodians of the future.
1. Vision Formation is not merely getting everybody’s ideas together in a statement “Vision cannot be a compromise everybody can live with, but nobody is excited about”
2. A Key Component is God’s Work in Your Life. So, Know Yourself A key component is God’s calling upon your life as a ministry leader.Spiritual Gifts, Passion Talents/Personality How?
Talk to others who know you well get an assessment of your spiritual gifts understand your personality DiSC, Myers-Briggs What makes your heart beat fast – the passion element You don’t have to be a off the charts visionary by nature to be an effective leader in setting a vision. But a pastor/ministry leader is a key catalyst in vision formation.
We need to dispense with the fictitious idea that in this day of rapid change only ab wild-eyed flamboyant entrepreneurial visionary can be an effective leader.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Probably the best proof of the fallacy of
this error is found in the book “Built To Last.” Authors James Collins and Jerry
Porras dispel the myth of the visionary and instead emphasize the long-term
success of visionary companies, or translated into our terms, visionary churches
and organizations. Hans Finzel, “Empowered Leaders”
3. Pray for Vision for wisdom for insight for community awareness leadership skills
Take time to listen to God which means you must slow down-put away the cell phone, pager, instant messenger, email, PDA, browser,television, radio
Pray:by yourself with others ministry partners Envisioning prayer doesn’t usually happen on the way to work.Pray with paper or laptop
Keep in front of you the values, mission, vision, priorities and outcomes of
the Brethren in Christ Church.
Be careful the giant sucking motion of daily operations.
“I’m trying to survive, I don’t have time to think about the future!”
4. Put Your ear to the ground :Engage the people.
A congregational vision will reflect the congregation the community and God’s call on the leader’s life.
Every church has a DNA
Getting others engaged is not just a sales job (ownership), it is mining for rich
ideas.
How do you mine for ideas?
-roundtable discussions
-Q and A forums
-feedback loops as ideas develop
-appreciative inquiry
How is it different that a congregational vote?
-you engage people early in the process, mining for ideas and feedback rather
than working in secret and simply presenting a proposal to vote on.
“If you’re going to stir the souls of your constituents, if you’re going to lift them
to a higher level of performance, then this is what you need to know: it’s not the
leader’s vision, it’s the people’s vision that matters most!”
5. Think Large
“Make no small plans, for they have not the power
to stir the souls of men.” Eph. 3:20,21
Most people do not think large.
How large?
(a). The vision has to be bigger than your abilities
(b). The vision has to be large enough to inspire
people.
(c). The vision has to confront the natural tendency to think small.
(d). The vision needs to answer, “How big is my
God ?”
What are the untapped opportunities ?
What do you find dissatisfying about status quo ?
6. Write Down Your Thoughts.
“Writing is the process of ‘blowing the lint off the brain.’” Aubrey Malphurs
• keep paper and laptop handy
• use a voice recorder
Write down all your thoughts that might pertain to a developing vision.
Your thoughts should play off the following information:
• What is the make-up of your community?
• What are the strengths in your current ministry?
• What is the projected growth of your area?
• What unique needs exist in your community?
7. Give your vision legs!
Your thoughts need to move beyond the file drawer.
• Statement of Purpose
• Statement of Values
• Statement of Strategy
• Statement of People
• Statement of Location
• Statement of Finances
8. Pastor and Leadership/Vision Team prays over, discusses,
clarifies, and determines fit.
They draw out ideas and organize them into clear plans and the direction in which
the church will go
9. Vision is understanding the distinct contribution your church is
being called to make.
Mission: Your overall purpose for existence
A Local Church:
- Exalt
- Encourage
- Equip
- Evangelize
- Educate
Vision: What are the unique ways your church has been called to make a
difference in fulfilling your mission?
Resources:
Developing a Vision for Ministry in the 21st Century, Aubrey Malphurs
Visioneering, Andy Stanley
The Power of Team Leadership, George Barna
Turning Vision Into Action, George Barna
Empowered Leaders, Hans Finzel
A Leader’s Legacy, Kouzes & Posner
Practicing Greatness, Reggie McNeal
Developing a Mission and Vision
Global Partnerships Learning Module Page 1 of 4
iGPS: http://crcna.org/igps Draft version 2, May 6, 2008
Developing a Mission and Vision
Objectives: by the end of this session, you will have:
1. Listened to definitions of mission and vision
2. Assessed briefly strengths and challenges for your church and the world
3. Shared a vision that excites you about global outreach
4. Connected your assessments to your mission and vision to determine a strategy
Materials
- Flip chart with paper and markers
- Strategic Questionnaires – Church and World
Mission and Vision (20 minutes)
Definitions:
A mission statement identifies the overall purpose of your team or group.
A vision statement is a vivid description of what God could do if you effectively carry out your mission.
Why do we need a mission and vision? Write down reasons the group mentions.
What would happen if we did nothing further, ie. What would happen if we had no mission or vision for our
global outreach? Share these thoughts with the group.
At this point, please take 5-10 minute to pray asking for wisdom and insight and vision from God. Suggested format:
someone opens briefly, allow everyone to pray, and someone closes after 10 minutes.
Assessment (15 minutes)
Assess what you have: people, financial resources, spiritual gifts, job skills and training. Assess what you lack.
Fill out the Strategic Plan Questionnaire – Church. In groups of three or four, identify 2 from each of the five areas which are most important. Share these with the group. Write these out and group similar ones.
Assess the world: what is happening, where is the need Fill out the Strategic Plan Questionnaire – World. Count up the totals for each option and write out the top 5.
Mission Statements (20 minutes)
Read the following mission statements. Circle words that jump out at you. Share the words with the group, as well as any other words you think should be in your mission statement, and have someone write them down.
1. Pioneers mobilizes teams to glorify God among unreached peoples by initiating church planting movements in partnership with local churches.
2. The Seed Company’s mission is to complete Bible translations in the heart languages of people
without God’s Word through partnering with:
• National colleagues
• Prayer supporters and investors
• Like-minded organizations
3. Stonebriar Community Church, in strategic partnership with like-minded ministries, is committed to the
establishment and support of biblically-based reproducing churches world-wide.
4. Sagebrush Community: To know Christ and make Christ known among all nations by equipping indigenous
leaders and planting churches that plant churches.
5. Campus Crusade: We are helping to build spiritual movements so everyone knows someone who truly follows Christ.
6. CC Philadelphia: To make Christ known among all nations by equipping indigenous leaders and planting
reproducing churches which will be salt and light at all levels within their culture.
Desert Springs Community: We exist in the strengthening and establishment of biblically-based, indigenous, CPM (church planting movements) among all nations.
7. CC Murietta: We exist to develop relationships that demonstrate the Love of God, bring the Gospel to all
people groups, and build up reproducing communities of believers worldwide.
8. Faith Burlington CRC: The Missions Resource Team is engaged in the life-long discipling process by spurring on
our congregation to develop as World Christians in their Great Commission calling.
Purpose: “Why do we do missions at all?”
Read the following scripture passages. Then ask “Why do we do missions at all?”(perhaps discuss “What is missions?” first)
Write out the answers shared.
Genesis 12:1-9 – The Call of Abraham
Psalm 145 (especially note verse 12) – Bringing Glory to God
Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-20, John 20:19-22 – Commissioning the Disciples
Matthew 9:35-38 – Holistic Ministry
Colossians 1:24-29 – Labouring in Mission
Choose: either have one person take the words and answers and craft a statement, or have someone facilitate that crafting in the group (Common formula:: We exist / will _________ in order / so that ___________.).
Vision Statements (20 minutes)
Read the following vision statements. Write out one vision you have about global outreach which excites you. Share this with the group. Write down these ‘pieces of the vision’.
1. Sagebrush
A. Church: We see a church so in love with Christ that they are no longer comfortable with the fleeting
American Dream, rather they are gripped by a vision to fulfill the Great Commission. We see a church passionate for the nations, living and giving generously to fulfill the Great Commission. We see our own sons and daughters going to the ends of the earth as short-term and career missionaries. We see every member of our church empowered to fulfill a personal life mission in the world.
B. Field: We see unreached people trusting in Christ, becoming disciples, leaders, missionaries and pastors. We see formerly unreached peoples reaching the remaining unreached peoples. We see churches being planted at the ends of the earth where Christ is treasured, His Word is being taught by well-trained indigenous pastors, and people are being transformed by the power of God. We see nations being overturned by the love of Christ. We see things so wondrous they can’t be explained.
2. First CRC, Hamilton
We will see the emergence of an ethnically diverse church worshipping in many places across the city of
Hamilton—a church deeply investing in its communities; engaging its culture; and seeing the gospel transform
people’s lives, their families, and their neighbourhoods. We will see other churches planted in other cities across Canada and other countries around the world.
3. Communities First Association (CFA)
CFA extends the reach of Christian Community Development across the country by providing encouragement
and support for Christian leaders, serving as a place for retreat and refreshment, and developing holistic, multi-sector approaches that contribute to God’s shalom.
We envision an association that:
• Encourages churches and organizations to participate in community transformation.
• Provides Support for Christian Leaders.
• Builds a supportive learning community.
• Has leaders growing leaders.
• Serves as a place of retreat and refreshment.
• Has credibility with churches.
• Is a strategic influence & voice for change
Mental image: “Why do we want a partnership?”
Share out loud and write down the answers to this question.
Choose: either have one person take the words and answers to craft a vision statement, or have someone facilitate that crafting as a group.
Prayer (10 minutes)
Break for prayer to uphold and allow the person crafting the statements to complete their work, or to pray over the statements crafted by the group. Write out the vision and mission for everyone to see.
Strategic Priorities (10 minutes)
Strategic priorities are main areas of focus that are critical to achieve your vision. These should be chosen to
work with the skills and gifts in your church. They will help you to say no to some things since they don’t fit your
mission and vision.
Compare the answers to the World and Church questionnaires and write down any areas of overlap or commonality.
Which of these might become a priority for your global outreach? How do these fit with your mission and vision?
Mobilizing Your Church (15 minutes)
Mission and vision statement need to translate into changed behaviours. Draw a four quadrant grid and put one of the following titles in each:
1. Who needs to know: Who needs to be informed about what happened at this meeting? Is there a
group in the church who should approve the mission, vision and priorities?
2. What do we need to learn: After this exercise, what more do we need to learn? Who do we talk to
about this?
3. How do we generate excitement: How can the ideas be shared with the broader church? What can
be done to excite them about global outreach?
4. Other: Is there anything else that has come up which needs follow up?
Share ideas for each of the quadrants, and write them in the grid. Decide who will take on these tasks and when they will report back to the group.
Re-commitment to the mission and evaluation of the steps taken towards the vision will be ongoing activities.
New strategies should be assessed to determine if they match the mission and vision.
Related Modules
1. Promoting Mutual Growth
Adapted from materials by Bill Thornburg, CRWM, and input from Trish deJong, CRWM, Ben Vandezande, CRHM
iGPS: http://crcna.org/igps Draft version 2, May 6, 2008
Developing a Mission and Vision
Objectives: by the end of this session, you will have:
1. Listened to definitions of mission and vision
2. Assessed briefly strengths and challenges for your church and the world
3. Shared a vision that excites you about global outreach
4. Connected your assessments to your mission and vision to determine a strategy
Materials
- Flip chart with paper and markers
- Strategic Questionnaires – Church and World
Mission and Vision (20 minutes)
Definitions:
A mission statement identifies the overall purpose of your team or group.
A vision statement is a vivid description of what God could do if you effectively carry out your mission.
Why do we need a mission and vision? Write down reasons the group mentions.
What would happen if we did nothing further, ie. What would happen if we had no mission or vision for our
global outreach? Share these thoughts with the group.
At this point, please take 5-10 minute to pray asking for wisdom and insight and vision from God. Suggested format:
someone opens briefly, allow everyone to pray, and someone closes after 10 minutes.
Assessment (15 minutes)
Assess what you have: people, financial resources, spiritual gifts, job skills and training. Assess what you lack.
Fill out the Strategic Plan Questionnaire – Church. In groups of three or four, identify 2 from each of the five areas which are most important. Share these with the group. Write these out and group similar ones.
Assess the world: what is happening, where is the need Fill out the Strategic Plan Questionnaire – World. Count up the totals for each option and write out the top 5.
Mission Statements (20 minutes)
Read the following mission statements. Circle words that jump out at you. Share the words with the group, as well as any other words you think should be in your mission statement, and have someone write them down.
1. Pioneers mobilizes teams to glorify God among unreached peoples by initiating church planting movements in partnership with local churches.
2. The Seed Company’s mission is to complete Bible translations in the heart languages of people
without God’s Word through partnering with:
• National colleagues
• Prayer supporters and investors
• Like-minded organizations
3. Stonebriar Community Church, in strategic partnership with like-minded ministries, is committed to the
establishment and support of biblically-based reproducing churches world-wide.
4. Sagebrush Community: To know Christ and make Christ known among all nations by equipping indigenous
leaders and planting churches that plant churches.
5. Campus Crusade: We are helping to build spiritual movements so everyone knows someone who truly follows Christ.
6. CC Philadelphia: To make Christ known among all nations by equipping indigenous leaders and planting
reproducing churches which will be salt and light at all levels within their culture.
Desert Springs Community: We exist in the strengthening and establishment of biblically-based, indigenous, CPM (church planting movements) among all nations.
7. CC Murietta: We exist to develop relationships that demonstrate the Love of God, bring the Gospel to all
people groups, and build up reproducing communities of believers worldwide.
8. Faith Burlington CRC: The Missions Resource Team is engaged in the life-long discipling process by spurring on
our congregation to develop as World Christians in their Great Commission calling.
Purpose: “Why do we do missions at all?”
Read the following scripture passages. Then ask “Why do we do missions at all?”(perhaps discuss “What is missions?” first)
Write out the answers shared.
Genesis 12:1-9 – The Call of Abraham
Psalm 145 (especially note verse 12) – Bringing Glory to God
Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-20, John 20:19-22 – Commissioning the Disciples
Matthew 9:35-38 – Holistic Ministry
Colossians 1:24-29 – Labouring in Mission
Choose: either have one person take the words and answers and craft a statement, or have someone facilitate that crafting in the group (Common formula:: We exist / will _________ in order / so that ___________.).
Vision Statements (20 minutes)
Read the following vision statements. Write out one vision you have about global outreach which excites you. Share this with the group. Write down these ‘pieces of the vision’.
1. Sagebrush
A. Church: We see a church so in love with Christ that they are no longer comfortable with the fleeting
American Dream, rather they are gripped by a vision to fulfill the Great Commission. We see a church passionate for the nations, living and giving generously to fulfill the Great Commission. We see our own sons and daughters going to the ends of the earth as short-term and career missionaries. We see every member of our church empowered to fulfill a personal life mission in the world.
B. Field: We see unreached people trusting in Christ, becoming disciples, leaders, missionaries and pastors. We see formerly unreached peoples reaching the remaining unreached peoples. We see churches being planted at the ends of the earth where Christ is treasured, His Word is being taught by well-trained indigenous pastors, and people are being transformed by the power of God. We see nations being overturned by the love of Christ. We see things so wondrous they can’t be explained.
2. First CRC, Hamilton
We will see the emergence of an ethnically diverse church worshipping in many places across the city of
Hamilton—a church deeply investing in its communities; engaging its culture; and seeing the gospel transform
people’s lives, their families, and their neighbourhoods. We will see other churches planted in other cities across Canada and other countries around the world.
3. Communities First Association (CFA)
CFA extends the reach of Christian Community Development across the country by providing encouragement
and support for Christian leaders, serving as a place for retreat and refreshment, and developing holistic, multi-sector approaches that contribute to God’s shalom.
We envision an association that:
• Encourages churches and organizations to participate in community transformation.
• Provides Support for Christian Leaders.
• Builds a supportive learning community.
• Has leaders growing leaders.
• Serves as a place of retreat and refreshment.
• Has credibility with churches.
• Is a strategic influence & voice for change
Mental image: “Why do we want a partnership?”
Share out loud and write down the answers to this question.
Choose: either have one person take the words and answers to craft a vision statement, or have someone facilitate that crafting as a group.
Prayer (10 minutes)
Break for prayer to uphold and allow the person crafting the statements to complete their work, or to pray over the statements crafted by the group. Write out the vision and mission for everyone to see.
Strategic Priorities (10 minutes)
Strategic priorities are main areas of focus that are critical to achieve your vision. These should be chosen to
work with the skills and gifts in your church. They will help you to say no to some things since they don’t fit your
mission and vision.
Compare the answers to the World and Church questionnaires and write down any areas of overlap or commonality.
Which of these might become a priority for your global outreach? How do these fit with your mission and vision?
Mobilizing Your Church (15 minutes)
Mission and vision statement need to translate into changed behaviours. Draw a four quadrant grid and put one of the following titles in each:
1. Who needs to know: Who needs to be informed about what happened at this meeting? Is there a
group in the church who should approve the mission, vision and priorities?
2. What do we need to learn: After this exercise, what more do we need to learn? Who do we talk to
about this?
3. How do we generate excitement: How can the ideas be shared with the broader church? What can
be done to excite them about global outreach?
4. Other: Is there anything else that has come up which needs follow up?
Share ideas for each of the quadrants, and write them in the grid. Decide who will take on these tasks and when they will report back to the group.
Re-commitment to the mission and evaluation of the steps taken towards the vision will be ongoing activities.
New strategies should be assessed to determine if they match the mission and vision.
Related Modules
1. Promoting Mutual Growth
Adapted from materials by Bill Thornburg, CRWM, and input from Trish deJong, CRWM, Ben Vandezande, CRHM
Monday, October 12, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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