Developing a vision for your church plant:
Your vision statement will affect all that you do.
Vision…
• points to the coming reality toward which everyone can give their energy.
• is the picture of the desired future we pursue.• looks at what could happen if you know you could not fail.
• focuses on the future.
• tries to get a glimpse of reality from God’s perspective.
• recognizes God’s desire to bless His people.
• flows out of God’s redemptive purpose.
• seeks God’s specific assignment.
• is what God desires to create or form.
• is not yet realized in the present.
What kind of church do you want to plant? Why would someone be interested in coming to this church?What are the things you value? What is the purpose of this church? What is the mission of this church? It is when you are in God’s presence that vision will come.
It is always important to remember that God never bypasses our intelligence. Keep sound principles in mind when working through your mission/ vision statements. Many churches wander around aimlessly, simply because they haven’t stopped and worked out a vision statement.
Hebrews 2:2 says, “…..write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”
Start from the End
To answer the above questions, it is sometimes helpful to start from the desired end product and work backward. Isaiah 46:10 says, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”
If you are stuck in attempting to complete this process, try to write a newspaper article describing your church five years from now. Then go back to the list of 30 reasons why someone would attend your church. To begin the process of developing a vision statement, picture what the church will look like in five years. On a separate sheet of paper make a list of 30 reasons why someone would want to be involved in this church. Keep trying until you can list 30.