What happens to the people when there is no vision? And what is the contrast – those who have God’s vision are what?

A thought occurred to me. When a church gets bogged down in ministry – and loses focus on its goal or its “vision” – it becomes “unrestrained.” And that, I think, not even in an evil way, but in a “let’s see how many irons we can get in the fire” sort of way. I think one of the things Crossroads struggles with is a lack of restraint when it comes to the development of ministries. We have MANY ministries, but we don’t have MANY that we do in a superior manner.

I think it’s time to whittle our ministry down to those that are really focused on the VISION.

I think of the time the apostles, as leaders, had to whittle some things away.

“So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The statement found approval with the whole congregation…” (Acts 6:2-5, NAS)

What things do you see the apostles doing that illustrate great leadership? Why do you think they included the whole congregation? What was it that the apostles had a “vision” for in terms of their own responsibilities? How do you think the leaders of a local church can follow in these steps?

Any thoughts?

But I want you to take a look with me at a monumental prayer moment. Jesus actually instructs his disciples to pray for something specific. And look at the following context. Then…share what this passage teaches us about the nature of prayer and our participation in it. – leave me a comment.

Luke 10:1-3 - “Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. (2) And He was saying to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (3) Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” (NAS95)

So what do you think? What do we learn about prayer as a growth challenge? What does Jesus do after he tells them (us?) to pray that the Lord will send workers? What is your reaction to this?

Check out the Leadership Genius of Hezekiah Forum I have on our Church Web-Site – go here: www.ccchutch.com/lgohforum.html. Before you comment, read 2 Chronicles 29-31 and ask yourself: What are the basic leadership lessons and what is the Biblical basis? Leave your answers in the forum.

This is a tall order. Most people who “signed up” on a ministry team didn’t do so because they wanted to “lead” a ministry, but because they wanted to “do” ministry. Understandable. But part of what we’re going to talk about at the Leadership Convergence is how we as a church and especially how we as a team – can begin to coach ministry from the rest of the congregation and not just produce results all by ourselves.

Personally, I will be serving on what used to be called the “Benevolence” team. I hope to shift the focus to a broader spectrum – “Hutch Missions” more specifically. I’d like to get our team thinking beyond the ministries that we host in our buildings – the food pantry, giving away Dillon’s certificates. Those things are good, but they aren’t really an outreach – they’re more of a “wait around for people to show up with a need” sort of thing.”

(I’ve probably stated before, what I”m talking about with the “Hutch Missions” team is the difference between an attractional church (one that looks good enough to draw people) and a missional people (one that goes where the people are). We HAVE to get missional. The Great commission starts with “Go,” not “Wait.” And, that’s more of a reminder and exhortation for myself than anyone else.)

The challenge will be (on all ministry teams not just mine) helping the ministry teams become leadership teams. Making it their goal to draw the church into ministry and not just try to get people to sign up for the team. That means the “Hutch Missions” Team makes it our goal to pull the entire congregation into the heart of “Hutch Missions.”

As the “preacher,” I’ll have to be the voice of those teams – consistently. The personal struggle will be to make sure I don’t push my personal agenda, but the agenda of the church – and each “coaching staff” to make sure that the whole congregation is as involved as possible.

I imagine it would be as difficult as telling a starting team of football players that they don’t get to play anymore – now, they have to stand on the sidelines and coach the rest of the team to go out on the field. Tell them what to do, how to play, how to score, how to defend, etc. But as players mature, they have to move from player to coach – and eventually to league managers (but that’s a whole different level).

I’m reminded in the story of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 29-31 (thanks to Bill Allison), of the time Israel was restored through his work. We’re told that “The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the Lord.” This is what we must work and pray for – one heart. Not just among our families and in our church, but for all the believers in our community – that God would put his hand on us to give us one heart – that we would carry out his work AS ONE.

As a human being, I have no idea how to carry this out. None whatsoever. But the Lord is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. Take this to heart, my friends.

With all this in mind – let me brainstorm for a moment with some of you who read this (hopefully not the majority of Crossroads folks – I’d hate to ruin the surprise). Perhaps you’ll get some insight into the sermon for Nov. 11. What about this idea? What if I were to present the congregation with our mission statement again. Give the challenge for each person to memorize it and place it in their hearts. Then, to present to the church the action plans for all of our mission teams – and then – to spend time in prayer and fasting – at least seven days, over what direction the Lord is leading us. And then to just wait. Wait and see what the Lord will do.

This will be tough. That means we don’t force it. We don’t decide what we like and then move. We wait and see what resources the Lord brings to us to do his will. See what the Lord puts on the hearts of our church members, our friends and family members. Then we go from there.

Just an idea. Well, enough rambling for this morning. Hope you have a peaceful week.