Keeping a vision alive for your church or ministry isn’t always easy. Sometimes the tough work of leading people eats away at our vision. At other times, the day-to-day grind of maintaining a ministry distracts us from thinking about the future. Whatever might be draining you, here are some steps to begin regaining a vision:
- Pray. I know this step is a basic one, but it matters. When we’ve lost our vision, we need God to restore it. Ask Him for guidance.
- Read the book of Acts in a week. Let the story of the early church sink in. They faced opposition both within and without, and still they turned the cities upside down. Read about their faith, and ask God to give you same kind.
- Make sure you’re spending some time doing what you love to do. Ministry requires us to do a lot of stuff – much that we enjoy, and some that we don’t. If your work isn’t allowing you to spend time doing the parts of ministry you most enjoy, that may be why you’ve lost your vision. Restructure your time to do what you love, and your future might quickly look brighter.
- Get out into the community. Start over again, looking at your community much like a missionary would. Study updated demographics. Walk the streets. Interview people. Talk to government and school officials. Visit with other church leaders. Just seeing your community with fresh eyes is a start to a new vision.
- Invest in 2-3 church members. Don’t let the naysayers consume you, and don’t worry about changing everybody. Instead, find a few members who want to make a difference, and spend time training and challenging them. Even a few changed lives can reinvigorate your work.
- At least once a week, tell somebody what Jesus means to you. Even if it’s another believer, start there – but then seek opportunities to tell nonbelievers your story. Talking about Jesus has a way of lighting a fire under us.
- Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask another church leader or friend to walk with you for a while. We usually dream better when we’re not dreaming alone.
Leaders, what has helped you regain a vision in the past? Let’s help each other.
Dr. Lawless,
One small thing that I find that helps is to focus on the small victories. This is very difficult for me because instead of small victories I tend to focus on the mountain of hurdles ahead. Focusing on these small victories not only helps you become focused again and see how God has moved in the last year or so but also helps the congregation see that little by little the church is moving forward. If you as the pastor do not show these small victories the congregation will never see them and before you know it both of you see nothing but the negative and the hurdles ahead.
Good word, David. Thanks!
It took me years to appreciate number 7. I started ministry in the atmosphere of the inerrancy conflicts and I had a mistrust, or at least, a suspicion of denominational leaders and even pastors. As a result I isolated myself quite a bit to my own harm. Once I committed to attending meetings and taking part in various training opportunities, I learned there were many wise counselors more than happy to help me with resources, wisdom and even friendship. Come to find out, they most often shared my commitment to the Scriptures as well.
Thanks for the honesty, David.
This is timely and needed advice. Thank-you Dr. Lawless.
Blessings, David.
Excellent advice!
Thanks, Patrick.