H.B. Charles, Jr. :: So What is Your Vision for this Church?

My simple, practical advice is that you be very careful with "vision" talk.

What is vision? Ask ten different pastors and you will get ten different answers. This has a lot to do with the fact that "vision" is a business term, not a biblical one. It reflects organizational strategy, not biblical wisdom.

I know what you're thinking. What about Proverbs 29:18: "Where there is no vision, the people perish"? Read that verse from another translation other than the King James Version and it will be clear. The proverb teaches that people cast off restrain if there is no divine revelation. It does not teach that people perish if the leader does not cast a vision for the future.

[Tweet "The faithful pastor is consumed with the mission of the church, not his vision for the church."]

The faithful pastor is consumed with the mission of the church, not his vision for the church. The Lord Jesus Christ has commissioned the church to make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:18-20). This is what the church is called to be and do. Any strategic plan the leader develops should only serve the Christ-established and non-negotiable mission of the church. We are to make disciples for Christ. We are to proclaim the gospel to lead sinners to saving-faith in Christ and nurture them to spiritual maturity in Christ. Period. To pursue any other ministry agenda is to become something other than the church of Jesus Christ.

Of course, a wise leader makes plans. Knowing what to do and knowing how to do it are not the same thing. Pastors must prayerfully develop a strategy for a fulfilling the Great Commission in the place, with the resources, and through the members the Lord has entrusted to you. You cannot simply do what other pastors and churches and do.

God has called you to a specific place and people. And the Lord has a specific plan for that place and people. You will need to seek God, learn your people, and understand your situation to discern how your church should carry out its work. After you receive direction, you will need even more direction to know how to communicate the plan to those you lead. These are important matters.

Do not forget that you are not a CEO of a corporation. You are the pastor of a congregation. Let the church be the church! Make sure your ministry plans align with the mission of the church. Determine to do the Lord's work the Lord's way for the Lord's glory. Lead your people with heavenly wisdom not worldly strategies. Write your plans in pencil and give God the eraser.

So what is your vision for your church?