VISION

SEEING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING

A vision is the ultimate description of what a church/organization expects to become. It is a picture or word description of something strongly desired and is therefore accompanied by a commitment to its realization. A vision provides focus that enables an organization to attain cohesiveness and mobilizes the organization into concerted action.

A vision is written in the present tense and is both alluring and compelling. It empowers an organization and each individual in it to become all they can be in Christ and to reach their full potential. A vision speaks to the heart as well as the head, capturing feelings as well as thoughts. It is consistent with the values of the people in the organization.

A vision is not a purpose statement or description of a system. A vision integrates the variety of roles a system has within itself, each of which are necessary to achieving the desired final state.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A VISION

A vision:

Is a revelation and inspiration from God,

Is necessary to preserve life,

Describes a future reality,

Must be in writing, be easily understood, concise, available, and written in the present tense.

Provides energy and motivation, and results in unity and alignment when it is a group vision,

Describes a reality achievable through creative thinking and actions, intuitive and reasonable means, and is supported by prayer,

Requires a commitment to excellence,

Requires the necessary structure and systems for fulfillment. A vision without solid foundations is a day-dream.

A vision is a God given mental image of a desired reality that will be achieved at an appointed future time.

For Biblical references, see Genesis 27:28-29, Proverbs 3:5-7 & 29:18, Isaiah 46:9-10, Habbakuk 2:1-3,

Jesus created a vision of the future in the minds of His disciples by teaching about the Kingdom of God. Whenever He had the opportunity to do so, He taught them to think about the Kingdom. Effective leaders use metaphors, images, and stories to reinforce the organization's vision by telling people in the organization what is coming to pass..

Personal visions are as important to the individual as a group's vision is to the larger organization. A personal vision answers the questions, "Who am I, why am I here, what should I be doing?" More information about developing a personal vision will follow shortly.