A Vision and a Future
Phillippians 1:1-11
Every once in a while each of us reflect on events
of the past. Think for a moment:
Where were you when you heard that the Challenger
blew up?
Can you picture what your house looked like when you started school?
Did you have a special stuffed animal?
What was your favourite toy during your primary school days?
How many of your teachers can you remember by name?
Who did you go out with on your first date?
What about your first kiss – besides your Mum!
It’s one thing to look back – quite
another to look forward.
Where will you be living in ten years time?
What job will you have?
What will your family situation be like at that time?
What church will you be attending?
These are things that will happen. They will be
affected by many circumstances, but largely they will be determined
by your choices. Choices that can be directed by your vision.
Jesus was a man of vision. He knew where He was
going, and He made life choices based on that vision. Luke 2:49 – He
was about His Father’s business. Throughout His life He
spoke of His departure – His death, and How it would bring
life to us.
As a local church we can look back on our blessings
of the past, and they are many. But what about a vision for the
future? Should we have one? What would it be? I would like to
consider that here briefly.
I. Should a church have a vision?
A. A vision based on God’s Word is essential.
Use of “vision” in the OT
Gen 15:1 – vision to Abram;
Numbers 12:6 God speaks to a prophet by means of a vision, with Moses, face
to face
Prov. 29:18 – without a vision the people perish.
B. A vision based on a sense of God’s will
is also needed.
1. It’s the basis for the relationship between
a steward and his or her master. 1 Cor. 4:1,2
What are the roles of leadership and management
with us?
A leader: one who receives direction from God and says to
others, “this is the way to go”
A manager: one whom having received direction,
organises himself and others in a coordinated effort to reach
that goal in the best possible way.
2. A vision such as this has to do with planning.
Prov. 21:5 – “plans of the diligent
lead surely to plenty”
2 Cor. 1:15-18 – Paul planned to visit Corinth. Why – saw the
need, sensed God’s will.
3. God has already done the planning for our life,
but He also involves us in it.
God’s plan was for Esther to become queen
of Persia. What was Mordecai thinking when he encouraged Esther
to try out for the position?
Prov. 16:9 “man’s heart plans his
way, but the Lord directs his steps”
Psalm 33:15 “the Lord fashions hearts individually” -- has to
do with plans, v. 10,11
4. Planning is important enough, and subjective
enough, that God instructs us to get help in doing it
Prov. 15:22 “without counsel, plans go awry”
5. He also superintends over it to make sure His
overall plan is accomplished.
Psalm 33:10,11 – plans of nations made
of no effect – plans of God’s heart to all generations.
Prov. 16:9 – “man’s heart plans his way, the Lord directs
his steps”
6. A vision of this nature is subject to amendment
It is possible for us to get it wrong. Acts 16:7
Did Paul have a “vision” before he got the supernatural one?
Was it wrong?
It is possible for God to let us head for one target and then shift us to
another for His own purposes. (airplane navigation – VOR radio)
II. What should that vision include?
Some questions for you to consider:
In your “vision” for this church in ten years time (assuming
that the Lord hasn’t come):
· What sort of qualities will be evident in the people who are members
in this church?
· How they treat & speak of each other.
· How they interact with people in the community.
· How will a non Christian feel when he or she enters our church property
and building?
· How will Christians feel when they enter the building?
· What sort of changes will have taken place in your own life? How important
will that be in our church achieving it’s vision?
· What size of church will we be? Will we have planted new churches or
grown as one church?
· What will set us apart from other churches in the area? What will be
different or unique about our church?
· What sort of ministries or programs will we have? How important will
they be to us, and why?
· What will our buildings and property be like? Will they be in the present
location, or a new location? Why would that be ideal?
· What sort of paid professional staff will we have?
· What sort of lay leadership positions will we have?
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