50 Days of Mission IN HIS STEPS 2021
Workshop 3: Vision A “vision” is a clear picture of a preferred future. By the power of the Holy Spirit, in partnership with our faith, God gives vision to His people to bring into creation that which is not yet reality. Share about a time when you had a vision that came to fulfillment, or share about a time when someone else shared a vision that you participated in. What impact did the vision have on you as you were in the process of working towards its fulfillment?
I. Seven Steps to the Birth of a Vision A. Review These steps are taken from the vision God gave Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 1. See the Need: “They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:3) 2. Feel the Need Deeply: “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned…” (1:4) 3. Pray about the Need: “…and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” (1:4) 4. Relate the Need to God’s Promises: “Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying…if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.” (1:8a-9) 5. Believe that You Can Meet the Need: “O Lord…give success to your servant today.” (1:11) 6. Take a First Step: “I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem… I went out by night… and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down.” (2:12-13)
7. Share the Vision with Others: “Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” (2:17)
B. Discuss: 1. Where are you at in this seven-step process? 2. Is there a point at which you have become stuck (i.e. you saw the need but didn’t allow yourself to feel it deeply; or, you felt the need but did not believe you could do anything about it)? 3. What action do you need to take to allow God to continue to birth a vision in you?
II. The Need A. Reflect
• What do you believe is the primary need God is calling you to meet? • Describe your emotions as you think about this need.
B. Connect 1. What do you believe is God’s will for this need? If things were done on earth the way they are in heaven with regard to this need, what would happen? 2. What specific scriptures can you point to that show God’s heart for this area of need? What promises from God are you relying on to anchor your faith?
III. Vision Statement A. Why Write?
God spoke to the prophet Habakkuk and said, “Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run.” (Hab. 2:2 NASB) Writing out a vision statement has at least three benefits: 1. The writing process helps you clarify your thoughts 2. The written record holds you accountable to the vision and provides future encouragement in moments when you want to give up 3. A written statement makes it much easier to share your vision with others
B. Language Tips 1. Remember, a vision is a picture. A good vision statement uses concrete, descriptive language, not abstract ideas or action verbs. You may even consider drawing a picture, or creating a vision board using image clippings, to help jump-start your imaginative thinking. 2. It should evoke strong positive emotion as you get your hopes up for what the future could look like. Work on finding words and images that convey that feeling effectively. 3. A great visions statement is concise. It may take several iterations to get your statement down to its essence, but working towards a short, clear statement enables you to repeat it often and share it easily.
4. Draft Your Vision Statement As you picture God’s promises being fulfilled and the need you are called to serve being met, write a vision statement that describes the future you are believing God to create.
IV. Draft Your Mission Statement A mission statement flows from the vision statement and outlines the critical actions that must take place for the vision to become a reality. This is not a detailed list of everything that must be accomplished, but a general overview of the process that will help you focus your time, energy, and gifts to reach your maximum potential to accomplish the vision. Your mission statement should inspire you and others to action.
V. Share and Revise Share your vision and mission statements with others and discuss: Are the statements clear and compelling? Could they be stated with fewer, more carefully chosen words? Do they communicate effectively? After receiving feedback, revise your statements.
VI. Generational Vision & Mission Bonus activity for those who have children (or plan to): Work with your spouse to write a generational vision statement. What would you desire to see the spiritual lives of your grandchildren and greatgrandchildren look like because of your legacy? What impact would you want to see them having for the Kingdom of God long after you are gone? Write out a family vision statement based on the picture God gives you. Then, write out a mission statement outlining the actions you will take as a parent in order to see the vision accomplished.