Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Vision 101: The Foundational Principles of Vision Casting

After attending a pastoral coalition meeting today where Ken Friar, the executive vice president of Injoy Stewardship Solutions, taught on funding your vision, it was time to put some thoughts down about vision. There are three parts to this and we will continue to Fire Up February by them over the next few days. Stay tuned. Here's part one:

Vision 101: The Foundational Principles of Vision Casting

“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” – John C Maxwell

Vision is a clear mental portrait of the future.

“Vision is the art of seeing invisible things.” – Jonathan Swift

It is the careful consideration of what is
The deep conviction of what should be
The preview of what could be
It is fueled by a passion for what would be with cooperative effort.

I. Vision drives the future.

No one can make proper decisions without vision. How can a person/organization know the appropriate budget, make decisions about the future, or calculate risks without vision? After all, “Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint,” (Proverbs 29:18). Remember, vision can only go as far as leadership carries it, and your preparation sets the parameters for your expectation.  In other words, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap,” (Galatians 6:9). Sow seeds of diligence today so that you can reap the benefits of preparation in days to come, but remember, failing to plan is planning to fail. Prior planning, preparation, and practice prevent poor performances.

The greatest assets of vision are time (the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole) and legacy (the way in which the past and present are bound together). Time allows for the vision to take shape in the future until the present really is a gift to the world. Legacy describes the natural connection between the events of the past, how they influence the present, and how they will continue to shape the future.