In order to grow and keep moving forward, we need to know where we’re headed. Nice-sounding but vague goals may seem helpful, but actually serve to hold us back. For instance, we want disciples but haven’t clarified what a disciple looks like. Or we want to develop...
This week I’m doing a five-part series to help you critically examine and sharpen your own ministry. The goal is to create a template that will allow you to serve as a consultant for your own ministry… a way of reflecting, assessing and clarifying where you are...
God often tests the quality of our commitment to a vision by asking us to humbly accept a smaller initial role. If you’re not willing to mop the floor, you shouldn’t be the senior pastor. Before God provides great resources, he asks for faithfulness with what he has...
Is your vision godly? Measure it in light of these benchmarks. A godly vision… Is right for the times Promotes faith rather than fear Motivates people to action Requires some risk-taking Glorifies God, not people
No, we can’t do everything. We can’t exhibit a response to every one of the world’s problems. The key question is: how do you focus in on the most important ministry for your life? How do you discover that passion? What are you skilled and gifted to do? What is...
People can lose vision is less than a month. Effective visioncasting must be repeated, intentional, and take many different forms. Here are a few common strategies: Strategic prayer Personal example Rewards and recognition Powerful stories Appeals to scripture...
Leaders must be able to effectively visioncast for a preferred future, and effective visioncasting—of course—starts with ourselves. In order to grow and develop our ministries in the right direction, we need to know where we’re headed. Often our best intentions are...
I love mountain biking. It’s probably my favorite pastime. Early in my mountain biking experience, I was riding at a regional park near my home. I was surprised to spot a group of cactuses up ahead and was worried about hitting them. I kept looking over at them,...
What will the Kingdom of God look like when it comes in all its fullness? For that we must look to the Book of Revelation: no more sin, no more brokenness, no more crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. The Kingdom of God anticipates the new...
