Jim Wall, D. Min.
Vision produces passion. It attracts people. It leads to unity. Every church that wants to restore the church’s voice in the world, needs those things.
We’re in a series that is intended to lay the groundwork for capturing God’s vision for our respective ministries. We’re coming to understand that we must have a clear picture of present realities before we can hope to see any future possibilities. To do that, we’re looking through four very different lens. This week we’re looking through the Symbolic Lens.
Life is more fluid than linear. We are spiritual beings created in the image of God. Relationships can’t be contained on spreadsheets or org charts. Churches needs symbolic events, stories and statements to hang their visions on. Old Testament saints set up memorial stones to remind the nation of the amazing things God did for them. New Testament saints use things like baptism and communion to serve the same purpose. Every time we take communion, we are reminded—with our eyes, taste buds and olfactory glands—of what Jesus did for us on Calvary.
Relationships can’t be captured on spreadsheets or org charts.
The question we’re asking today is, what symbols exist in your church that point to God’s work among you? Consider these three critical areas:
1. Events that remind your church of its core values.
As Community Church was building its current main auditorium, we led everyone into the room one Sunday morning. We gave them markers and asked them to write on the floor the names of people they were praying would come to know Jesus. The next day, carpet was laid on top of 15,000+ names. You can’t see them anymore. You can believe people who were there know where their list is and who is on it. Since then, it is common for people to pull me aside and say, “Pastor Jim, do you see that guy over there? His name is on the floor!” One of our church’s core values was made clear in that event.
We are passionate about reaching people who are away from God.
2. Stories that remind your church of God’s miraculous provision.
Years before, when we first bought land, we rented a huge tent and held a ground breaking service on the property. I told everyone that day about the miracle God had done. After five years of searching for land without success, we called a special prayer meeting. We gave the problem to God. That day God opened the door for us to buy more land than we had even hoped for at 20% of its market value! Instead of the $2,500,000 the owner wanted for his 25 acres, on the interstate service road, we were able to buy it for $500,000!
We told everyone to bring a spoon that day. We gave each of them a little jar labeled, “I was part of the miracle!” We all broke ground and put a bit of dirt in our little jars. We tell that story often. Long-term members tell me, “I still have my dirt!” That story serves as a powerful reminder.
When we walk in unity, putting our trust in God and His plans for us, miracles still happen.
3. A statement that reminds your church of who you are becoming.
Yes, I’m talking about a vision statement. But I’m not talking about most vision statements I’ve come across. They read more like Chinese restaurant menus. They are long, unpronounceable and forgettable.
I won’t take time to share some of the bad ones I’ve heard. Instead, here are three of my favorites. Changing Lives that Impact the World. Giving Life by Giving Christ. Restoring Lives, Rebuilding Dreams. Each of these are brief, memorable and stir emotion of what might be. They have the potential to remind your church of the compelling reason they exist!
As you consider God’s preferred future for the church you lead, you might need to take a fresh look at your vision statement. Whatever you do, please don’t copy a good one you’ve heard. Take a honest look at your present reality through all four lens. Seek God for His plans for your future. Capture what He says.
Next week, we’ll wrap this series with a brief look how present realities lead to catching a glimpse of God’s possibilities. I hope you’ll continue the journey with us.