By: Paul Nickerson

Many congregations impatiently want to get started on a vision “process”, and they fail to lay the groundwork that is essential. It is critical that a church be deeply grounded in scripture and spiritual development before it can begin a “process”. Taking the time for small group Bible study of how God reveals vision and practicing and sharing in spiritual disciplines is the most important ingredient in preparing a congregation for vision. For, in the end, vision is not a “process” at all, but a discernment of where God is calling us to go and be.

A short-changed rush to get the vision “done” will produce a shallow mission statement that soon will be collecting dust on an office shelf. A careful preparation to listen to God will produce a burning sense of vision that will propel a congregation into the mission field. Take the time to lay the groundwork.