You are at a new place in ministry. Maybe it’s a different church,
state, even age group focus. So what do you do? One of the first and most
critical aspects of beginning a new ministry, I feel, is establishing an
overall vision for the ministry you are put in charge of. Now sometimes this
may be done for you generically, as the whole church operates under a certain
vision from the head pastor. But perhaps not. Maybe you have come into a situation
where you’re responsible for the vision of the ministry. So you pray and seek
God’s guidance and develop a vision, mission statement, a plan of attack or
ministry strategy, if you will. It sounds great, looks great, and you can’t
wait to implement it into the ministry.
Fast forward several years, possibly months, and a question
should arise. Are we still following the vision? You know it is easy to make
sure the vision is followed at first. It is fresh, new, and exciting. But keep
going down the road and it becomes more of an afterthought at times than a
driving force.
Of course from time to time you may see the vision adjusting
and need to change it some but I believe that one key to being successful in ministry
is sticking to the vision God has laid out to you for the ministry. This is not
an easy thing to accomplish though. It takes perseverance and focus. Constantly,
reminding all of the workers of the goal. Doug Fields, In Purpose Driven Youth
Ministry, suggest that you at least remind people of the vision or purpose of
the ministry every twenty-six days.[1]
This may sound very repetitive but it drives the purpose into the forefront of
thought. It keeps focus in the ministry. It keeps organization and a general
unity amongst the workers.
So the question is simple. Are you focusing on your ministry
vision? If not why? Perhaps you have simply gotten busy and distracted from the
vision. I encourage you to return to it as soon as possible. By focusing on the
purpose your ministry can be more effective, unified and focused. The challenge
is not to lose sight of the vision.
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