Your people don’t fully “get” your ministry’s vision. Don’t believe me? What do you hear most from your people? What issues are take up most time at your committee meetings? If we can move the piano, coffee cups being left behind by the “contemporary worship” people, color of the new drapes, volume of the music, length of the message, how long the Christmas decorations should stay up…? Issues surface because of lack of vision. Proverbs 29:18 reminds us that “Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish, they run wild, they are unrestrained. Basically, if people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves!” The more complicated our church life becomes, the more we must simplify it. Vision simplifies. Turn up the vision until it’s all you hear.
WHY we gather
Let me ask you this: When was the last time someone reminded the gathered body of Christ WHY we gather? Imagine this as a call to worship or as an announcement given after the offering…
“I want to remind us this morning, why we get together every weekend for worship instead of just enjoying a delicious, leisurely brunch. It’s not because we’ve always done it, or because we’re obligated to be here out of duty, or to attend a social event, or to get satisfaction, or to feel warm fuzzies. We get together to encounter God, to give glory to God, to surrender to God, to build community, and to have our lives changed!”
Willow Creek puts it this way: Vision leaks. [we always need to be pouring the vision back into people] When you look at a bright light, everything you look at has the shape of that light superimposed on it. After a while it wears off. Vision is like a grid through which you need to look at everything. You need to resize the issues in perspective to the vision, the revelation God has given your congregation about the way you do ministry. That doesn’t just happen. It’s an intentional, regular habit.
I love what Leonard Sweet said in his 1999 classic AQUA Church. “A vision is not about programs or objectives or scenarios or goals. A vision is about releasing energies. A vision is about life-giving spirit. A vision is about the excitement of shared possibilities. A vision is about seeing in such a way and communicating what you see that other people come to life with new enthusiasm and resolve.”
It’s not just a good idea
The only true test for the presence of vision is the fruit. Let’s actually see “people come to life with new enthusiasm and resolve” together by partnering with Ad Lib Music in one of our coaching programs. Here’s what a recent church had to say: “I appreciated Dave’s timely, specific and insightful feedback into situations and dynamics on the team. I felt like he speaks from a place of experience, but also as one spending time with and hearing from the Lord. The things he shared were very practical, applicable and helpful in navigating through each situation.” You could be next!
LanCo Worship Link
LANCO Worship Link is a non-denominational group of worshippers desiring to promote skilled, biblical worship through practical instruction in Lancaster County. It’s an emerging gathering of worship leaders and teams in our area that exists to train, teach, encourage, fellowship, worship, and pray. There is no financial cost to attend.
On Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7:00 PM, we’ll meet at Groffdale Church in Leola. There is a free meal provided by the church at 6:00 PM and as well as activities for the children. We’ll learn about Song Selection and Arrangements. Pastor Dan Sigmon from Manor Church will be demonstrating techniques in selecting and arranging songs and hymns in a creative and fresh way for a Sunday morning worship service. Tuesday, March 9th will be the next gathering and we’ll be having a vocal workshop. Find more info at www.lancoworshiplink.org.
