Sunday, January 26, 2014

I can see clearly now, the REIGN has come!

Church Planter's Blog #7

I like talking about vision with church planters and existing congregations.  All agree having a vision to clearly see a ministry direction is important, but few really know what to do with vision.  Some may deny their need for an eye exam ("We don't need to change anything around here!"), while others simply want to wear the latest style of glasses that are available ("Let's change things up around here because that's what that other church is doing").  Some may want to just get some nice words scripted into their website to declare their visionary responsibilities are done, while others truly seek to equip the people to live out the visionary words in everything the church does--- inside and outside the facility.

This is how I "see it."  Having a vision is not so much about being able to clearly look into the future and know what's going to happen, as it is to simply ask the Lord, "now what?..and then obey His direction.

At best, we can take some educated guesses at what might happen over the next 10-years in ministry trends for our churches, our cities, our nation or the world, but there is no guarantee any trend will be God blessed.  So perhaps the best way to see what's needed for the future is simply be tuned into what's going on around you right now.  In other words, its a bit easier to go someplace new if you know where you're starting from.  (Just ask your GPS!).  Combine what issues you see around you today, with God's biblical vision for what God wants to do, and BINGO; you have a MINISTRY VISION that is missional for the future, beginning now!  What might that be for you and your church in the city in which you live?  

The LCMC Vision to plant 1,000 new congregations over the next 10-years is a good example.  I have no idea if we will achieve that mark or not...but I do know God's heart for discipling people and expanding His territory.  How do I know?  His Word says so!  Therefore, we could say that having a vision is when we seek God's preferred biblical future, today!  A preferred biblical future is to practice the Great Commandment and Great Commission.  When we love God and others by modeling discipleship, new churches will be created.  Five-years from now our vision will still be to plant 1,000 churches over the next 10-years.  The number is not our goal, practicing the vision is!

Proverbs 29:18 declares, "Where there is no vision the people perish, but happy is he who keeps the law."  A good translation of the word for vision is "a revelation of God's Word."  In other words, the Bible says In Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no revealed Word of God (in Jesus and his cross purposes), the people will have no lasting direction.  But happy is he who obey's God's commandments by following His Son!"

Having a vision statement is a very good idea--- it keeps us focused on what we are to do and not do.  This is crucial when starting a new ministry.  But real Godly vision is living in the promises of God's revealed Word.  For when we obey it, life in the Spirit is given into all we do for the sake of the future.

"Go and make disciples of all nations, says Jesus.  Baptize them...and teach them to OBEY all that I have COMMANDED you to do!" 

OPEN POSITION!
The state of Wisconsin is looking to develop two new starts in Madison, one in Green Bay and one in Wisconsin Rapids.  All the sites have a planter in place except for Oregon, Wisconsin, a suburb of Madison.  Right now, there is a solid "launch team" of 80 young adults.  Let me know if you are interested in such a call...OR, you know someone who might be excellent!  (dan@lcmc.net).

BABY GRAND PIANO
A baby grand piano is being donated to any new start that would like it.  Contact me if interested.

Next Blog: "Being an innovative church."

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