There is a catchphrase when it comes to vision: think big. Here's a thought. Don't think big. Think long. Actually, the way I should say it is this: the way you think big is to think long. Most of us overestimate what we can accomplish in two years. But we underestimate what we can accomplish in ten years.
As I prepare for our vision series in February and dream about where we need to be as a church in 2020, the thing that allows me to think big is to think long. When I'm discouraged as a leader, 9 times out of 10 it's because I'm taking a short-term perspective. The way to recapture the vision is to think long-term. I had a father-in-law that planted and pastored one church for 30+ years. And the example he set has always inspired me. Lord willing, I want to pastor one church for life. Why? Because I saw what God can do if you plant yourself in one place and grow deep roots.
Are you discouraged? Is your vision too small? Here's the prescription: think long. Zoom out via prayer and God will give you a bigger vision!
As I prepare for our vision series in February and dream about where we need to be as a church in 2020, the thing that allows me to think big is to think long. When I'm discouraged as a leader, 9 times out of 10 it's because I'm taking a short-term perspective. The way to recapture the vision is to think long-term. I had a father-in-law that planted and pastored one church for 30+ years. And the example he set has always inspired me. Lord willing, I want to pastor one church for life. Why? Because I saw what God can do if you plant yourself in one place and grow deep roots.
Are you discouraged? Is your vision too small? Here's the prescription: think long. Zoom out via prayer and God will give you a bigger vision!
13 Comments:
Thanks so much for the reminder. I catch myself trying to accomplish everything in a few weeks or month. I seem to think that I have to save the world in the next year. I have to fight myself to look down the road. Thanks for the reminder. Do you have any specific resources for strategic planning 10 years down the road?
I don't have a specific recommendation. I do think that leaders need to keep a steady supply of "vision" books in their reading diet.
Mark
I read every vision book I can get my hands on. Just curious if you had any specific plans or questions you ask yourself to keep your eyes focused where they needed to be. Thanks for the post again. Great stuff.
I'd just say that my approach and our approach is not a "why" approach. it's a "why not." It's not: why launch more locations? It's why not! That subtle distinction is huge. I think we need more "why not" leaders!
Mark
Your discussion reminds me of a book I read a few years ago: The Clock of the Long Now. About fostering long term thinking...see http://www.longnow.org/
I loved that book! Loved it.
Mark
How was apple pie at dorm? That statement made me laugh hard! Now given the fact there will be Vision series coming up soon! Looking forward!
I have been reminded, over and over recently, that God takes the time He finds necessary to accomplish His Will. In speaking with 4th & 5th graders last weekend, I asked if any of them knew how long God was silent between and the Old and New Testaments. I almost laughed when one of the little girls said 8 years? That really put "time" in perspective! I said, "400!". They couldn't believe it! I don't think 10 years is too long to plan either!
Your posts are so inspirational, thank you!
I don’t know if you’re familiar with Lindell Cooley but he preached a series on vision which was incredible!
The link for the podcast downloads is here:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gracechurchnashvillepodcast/~6/2
Mark, I truly have to say thank you today. I have been feeling a little discouraged in ministry right now, but I think this is the reason. I have been way too short sighted. Thanks for the good word and the encouragement today.
Thanks Mark, Always enjoy your blog, but I needed that reminder!
Thanks for reminding us that we need to have a bigger vision for our lives in light of the devistation and destruction in Haiti that has affected so many lives even here in the United States. For those families having a bigger vision is likely about wanting their parents to be alive, a roof to be over their heads, and a meal on the table that is now rubble.
Grace and peace to you.
I've had my agent tell me to think of the 25 year plan. Boy did that help me. I tend to want it all now and it's tiring to see small movement when I'm thinking big.
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