The Elusive Nature of Vision
Some see the preferred future so much easier than others. Having a personal vision and establishing a vision for the organization are essential tasks for a leader. While there are thousands of books that are dealing with the topic of vision, it still seems to elude leaders.
The elusive nature of vision could be because the leader is…
Too busy to dream.
There are a million and one demands on our time and attention. Constant activity does not make one holy. Without intentionality of margin, a Christian leader will not be able to see a clear direction for the organization.
There must be time to dream.
I am speaking directly to the person who is burning the candle at both ends, running ragged, and not planning for moments of seeking God for His preferred future.
What about you? Have you carved out moments in your week, month, and year to strategically consider the big picture?
Plan on "un-busy"times to reflect on what God has for you and the organization you lead.
Too focused on the short term to see the long
When painting a wall, you must step back to see the whole project in which you are working to paint your present location properly. Churches and Christian organizations have many moving parts that grab our attention. Some of these parts are important and need our focus.
We trip up when we remain on the short term, the pet project, the area of our preferred ministry (read comfort zone) to the neglect of how each of these fit in the longer term.
Step back from the wall periodically to see how what you are working on connects to the whole.
Too isolated to thrive
Vision created exclusively on an island will lack the fuel needed to succeed. Yes, leaders need to envision and help others see what could be, but we need to bring people into the process for shareholder engagement, investment, and wisdom.
A Christian leader should seek God and have moments of solitude. In those times leaders will recognize and embrace the voices that God uses to speak into the vision.
Isolated visioneering leads to isolated leaders.
Too discouraged to care
Ministry can take its toll. I have not met a seasoned Christian leader who has not gone through times of discouragement. Being disheartened or frustrated can be debilitating! Those moments can take us to a place of apathy. A place where the vision is no longer energizing.
Seasons, where the vision is blurred or blocked, may last only a day or may drag on for years.
Amid discouragement, the vision is still present whether it is seen or not. It is waiting for habits of rest, reflection, and healthy relationship to have their healing ways. If you are in a season of apathy due to tough times, find these paths of healing so that the vision comes clear again.
What about you? Do you find yourself too busy, focused, isolated, or discouraged?
What have you done to bring balance, to see clearly, or to renew your dream?