Consumed with a Vision
April 24th, 2009 Posted in Church Planting, Church at the Grove, Faith, LeadershipThe first Thursday of each month I help coordinate a Church Planter Network that provides for learning, coaching and inspiring men and women currently involved or interested in starting a new church. I love it and one of my dreams is to resource, train and encourage church planters. The network is the beginning of seeing this dream realized.
Mike Linch is one of my best friends, a mentor and pastor of NorthStar Church in Kennesaw. NorthStar is one of our sponsoring churches. Mike came and spoke to our Church Planter Network (CPN) about “Developing, Refining, and Sticking to the Dream” at our April Network gathering. Here is a synopsis of what he shared.
Vision is:
- “Painting a picture of the preferable future.” Andy Stanley
- “Visualizing what COULD be, fueled by the convictions of what SHOULD be.” Andy Stanley
- “Vision is putting feet to the dreams and passions that God has laid on your heart!” Mike Linch
Vision “Playbook”:
- Your refine your vision through “time and prayer”.
- You cannot give up on your vision! Visions take time to see them through!
- Great leaders dream “great things” ….. that other people cannot see.
- They see things the way that they “can be” not just what “they are”.
- Vision springs from something that makes you angry. You can’t stand to sit by and watch things continue as they are! You have a Holy Discontent.
- Vision always has to do with enhancing the lives of others more than enhancing your own life!
- You refine your vision as you “stick to the dream” and things begin to be seen more clearly!
- Sticking to the dream is what separates those you have heard of and those you have never heard of! Some start but don’t finish.
- It takes courage and determination to stick to the dream that God called you to! Outwit, Outplay, Outlast!
- Do not focus on the critics.
- The vision is never completely finished! It is always a work in progress and something that only God will be able to complete over time!
Nehemiah – “I am not coming down off the wall”…..
