“We’ve just leveled off at our cruising altitude of 32,000 feet and we’re expecting a smooth ride, so I’m going to turn off the ‘fasten seatbelt sign’…” Those words, just spoken by the captain of the jet I’m on as this blog is being written caused me to look out the window. As anyone who has ever flown in an airplane knows, the world looks very different from 32,000 feet than it does when one’s feet are firmly planted on the ground. You get a far bigger picture from 32,000 feet.

There is much to be said for having one’s feet firmly planted on the ground in ministry. But there is also much to be said for taking some time, once in a while, for a view from 32,000 feet. Some would call this “vision.” Vision is nothing more than a mental picture of a preferred future for your ministry.

Imagine the right vision for your ministry being like placing a rubber band between the pointer fingers on each of your hands (get one and try it!). If you stretch the band a bit there is tension on the band. That’s what vision is supposed to do—place a little tension inside of you and those you lead—as if you’re not quite where you want to be, but there’s a deep, burning “yes” inside of you that wants to pursue that better future. If the band is stretched too far, it breaks, and there’s no tension. That’s what happens when vision is too far away from where your ministry currently is—followers cannot see themselves in the future you’re sharing. And if the band is not stretched enough, there’s also no tension. That’s what happens when the vision is not challenging enough or even non-existent.

For your consideration:
• Where do I believe God is leading my ministry in 3, 5, 7 years from now?
• What are the major strategies that will help us realize this vision?
• What are the milestones along the way?
• With whom do I need to share this vision for affirmation or improvement?

May God bless your leadership! And put your seatbelt on!

By: Rev. Jon Braunersreuther
Mission and Ministry Facilitator, Area D