Driven
By A Consuming Vision
Although statistics are few, the best estimates state that 80 percent
of the churches in America are on a plateau or are declining (Robert
Dale, Keeping the Dream Alive, 97). Assemblies of God Sunday school
statistics support that estimate.
Why do many churches and Sunday schools maintain status quo?
The answer is simple. They have no clearly defined vision, and a church
or a Sunday school without vision is characterized by the following.
1. They repeat the past. Since there is no plan or strategy
for the future, tradition is perpetuated. A Sunday school without a
vision is probably doing the same things it did 2, 5, 10, or 20 years
ago. While we do not change for the sake of change, we must change to
remain relevant in ministering to people's needs.
2. They follow fads. If you don't know where you are going,
then any road will do. Unfortunately many churches have experienced
ineffectiveness and even disaster by following fads. David couldn't
fight the battle in Saul's armor, and we can't accomplish God's plan
in our church by following someone else's vision. Without a vision from
the Lord, we find ourselves looking for a new idea, another gimmick,
or a "quick fix." A leader who has heard from God will have lasting
results.
3. They fight brushfires. Without a consuming vision, your church
and Sunday school will live from crisis to crisis. You will react to
one problem after another. With vision, you can look beyond the problem
to the objective.
4. They are hyperactive. Like a child who is a bundle of energy,
darting here and there, the church without a specific vision or goal
is active, but ineffective. It bustles with activity but is ineffective
in eternal results. Many churches are trying to do too many things because
they don't have specific visions and plans. Most churches and Sunday
schools would be more effective if they would select two or three ministries
to do the best possible way.
Develop a Vision
W.G. Garvin wrote, "Churches grow when they 'articulate a distinct
and winsome identity.' They develop a 'unifying vision.' Developing
this vision is the primary task for leadership of these growing congregations,
The task falls primarily on the shoulders of the minister who is head
of staff and secondarily on the leadership core of the congregation"
(Shooting the Rapids, 116,117).
Church and Sunday school leaders must have a vision. This comes only
as we find a secret place in the presence of God where we seek His mind
and heart. Sunday school and church cannot be "business as usual." We
cannot live in a cocoon of comfort while people are crying out for meaning,
purpose, and peace in life.
You are a leader----a key player in God's plan for your church and
Sunday school. The Lord wants to fill your heart and mind with His dream
and vision until you are consumed and driven by its force. The Word
says, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the
heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love
him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God" (1 Corinthians 2:9,10).
It makes no difference if you are in a community of 100 or 1 million.
God has a vision and a plan for your church. Churches that are effective
know what business they are in and are sticking to it.
Take Action
Here are three steps of action. First, find a place in the presence
of God and ask Him for His vision for your church and Sunday school
for this next year. Let His vision fill your heart and consume you.
Second, in 10 words or less write out specifically what you feel God's
purpose is for your church and Sunday school. List two or three ministry
goals for your Sunday school to accomplish this year. Third, get to
work, and stick to your purpose.
The leader who is filled with God's vision and consumed with passion
will see his Sunday school impact the world for eternity.
