Mission Driven – 20/19 Vision: Better Than Good

The Academy continues to strive to inspire congregations and leaders to embrace the NALC’s Core Value – Mission Driven.

During February’s session of The Academy, we dove deep into some of the foundational and practical elements of leadership, also keeping before us what it means to help people recognize and trust God’s voice and character through the Word of God.  The NALC’s Renewal Team is excited to deliver a series of resources during the remainder of February that both challenge and open the NALC to the work of the Holy Spirit in our ministry and mission.

“Where there is no vision the people perish, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.” -Proverbs 29:18

Lack of vision and/or failure to thrive is possibly one of the greatest road blocks preventing the church from building God’s house and advancing God’s Kingdom here on earth. “Where there is no vision the people perish, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV)

This verse is often quoted, but not always understood. “Vision” here refers to the redemptive revelation of God. The principle is that apart from God’s Word, society quickly spins into moral chaos, resulting in a total loss of social order. If people do not hear God’s Word, then we can expect society to break down and even local churches to cast off restraint.

Traditionalism, complacency, and fear are three major factors that impair our vision. We do what we have always done, even though it is no longer relevant. We cling to what we have done before because it is comfortable. We fear what we have never done, because it is foreign to us. Too often we forget that the vision belongs to God, that God is with us and nothing is impossible with God!

God has bestowed upon the Church the awesome responsibility to establish spiritual presence, social harmony and Kingdom justice on earth as it is in heaven. God has also provided for us everything we need in order to be successful and significant in carrying out His mission. However, success and significance come by way of purpose and planning. It is necessary for us to write the vision and make it plain.

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” -Habakkuk 2:2-3

The fulfillment of this mission requires the exhortations of the prophets and the teaching ofGod’s word. The pastor, leadership, and membership each have a vital role in making the vision come to pass. The pastor’s responsibility is to cast the vision. The leadership’s responsibility is to help the pastor write out the mission and make it plain. The membership’s responsibility is to run with it.

20/20 vision is considered good, but there is a vision better than 20/20 vision. It is 20/19 vision. As it is with natural vision, so it is with spiritual vision. The vision for the church created by humanity may be good, but God’s vision for the Church is better than good. The focus of “20/19 Vision – Better than Good” is to establish an atmosphere conducive for ears to hear, eyes to see and hearts to receive what the Holy Spirit is speaking to the church during this season. A church operating with 20/19 vision is a church of reconciliation, restoration, and retreat: Reconciling God’s people to God, restoring to the community peace and prosperity through the restoration of justice, and providing a place of retreat or sanctuary to those who are wounded and worn! Now, during the year 2019, is an excellent time to sharpen the spiritual vision and mission of your congregation. We are in a season of open portals in heaven. God is reviving, equipping and activating His church. 20/19 vision will allow you to see now, what others cannot yet see! Be strong and of good courage! You are here for “such a time as this!”

Assessment Questions:

  • 􏰀  Is the vision of your ministry relevant? Does it provide solutions for the community in which it is located?
  • 􏰀  Is the mission of your church relevant? Does it clearly and succinctly provide instruction on how the vision will be accomplished?
  • 􏰀  Are the ministries of your church relevant? Do they fulfill the mission and undergird the vision of your church?
  • 􏰀  Do the vision and mission statement of your church position you to be reactive, proactive or inactive within your community?

    Activation:

  • 􏰀  Pray. Pray. Fast and Pray. Ask God for revelation. Ask what His will is for your congregation. Pray for the Pastor to receive and embrace prophetic revelation.
  • 􏰀  Review the current vision and mission statements. Do an honest inventory. Write down how are they relevant/irrelevant. Write down how they address the needs of the community. Write down how they provide solutions for the community. Write down how they foster the provision of retreat or a safe haven within your community. Pray for God to intervene and give you wisdom on how to realign with His vision.
  • 􏰀 Talk to people in the community. Find out what the needs of the community are. Gas stations, grocery stores, Waffle Houses and Walmarts are excellent places to put your finger on the pulse of the community. Pray, asking God for wisdom and insight.
  • 􏰀  Pray. Pray. Fast and Pray. Individually and corporately.

 

 

Pastor Trina Petersen is the founding pastor of A New Thing Christian Church, Lithonia, GA, a ministry entrusted to her by God, focused on the deliverance, healing and wholeness of His people.  To connect, find out more about coaching opportunities, or for more information, please connect with her via email. 

 

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