Frustrate Visionary Thinking

Last updated on: April 20, 2010 at 4:05 pm by David Hayward

Frustrate Visionary Thinking 2010-04-20T16:05:09-04:00 David Hayward

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

To impose a vision upon a church is not only unhealthy, but deadly to the genuine life of the church. I’ve seen it happen over and over again. Even a vision that is inspired by the community is a self-destructive force. What would it be like just to gather, worship, pray and teach the scripture, and love one another? To the modern mind, this isn’t enough. The powerful prefer to see us not as human beings, but as commodities. They see this mass of people as a resource for a greater purpose. They are spiritual lobbyists who recognize the usefulness of groups to effect change. They are businessmen. They are not pastors. They aren’t interested in the flock of God, but in the utilization of corporate power.

Here are ways to frustrate visionary thinking in your church:

It is one thing for individuals to have personal visions and dreams. It is the application of these to a community that is dangerous.
Don’t see the church group as an entity, but primarily a voluntary gathering of free individuals.
Similarly, the church as an entity cannot fix people’s problems or make their lives happy. It is their own responsibility that other individuals can assist in.
Embrace diversity of thought and expression. Do not set goals for the church.
Do not measure success in terms of numbers, money or reputation.
See that mission is expressed individually. Each person is salt and light.
Any corporate mission that is genuine will seem spontaneous and have an “of course” feeling to it.
Share the oversight of the church. Avoid autocratic rule that provides the richest culture for visionary thinking.
Don’t pretend to know the future of the church prophetically, statistically or otherwise. You don’t!
Respect the pressure the people are under to want a king, to desire favor, and to think in terms of marketing to promote success. Almost all the literature available is written by successful pastors of successful churches. But don’t bow to this pressure.

Previous Post

April 20, 2010

cartoon: bible scholar

Next Post

April 21, 2010 cartoon: draw the line

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category art cartoons cartoons 2 freebie music one minute message podcast Sophia teaching technology thought

Select a Month February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 March 2006 February 2006

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Why did God reject Saul as king?

Select your answer to see how you score.

He was too old He lost in battle He was tricked by David He disobeyed God