I'm a leader, and I know that casting vision is one of my main jobs. As the leader of churches, God has given me a vision to share. But I don't usually share all or most of it. Why? Because I'm scared. I'm afraid of rejection. I shouldn't be. I should just expect it. Casting a vision usually means inviting people, and an organization to change. People don't like change. They tend to reject it. Why?
Because Change Is Scary
We will reject a change even if it is good for us because what we know is safe. I know I need to change my diet, but I'm afraid of what life will be like without chocolate chip cookies, candy, soda pop, pizza, and all of the other carbohydrate loaded junk I like to eat too much. I know I need to exercise more, but I'm afraid of injury and sleeping less than I do now. Change is scary because it asks us to leave behind something we've become comfortable with and attached to. Even if we can envision life differently, we still can't achieve it unless we're willing to change.
It's also really hard to change habits. We get so set in patterns of behavior that we repeat them without thinking. Even if we think about them differently, we still have a hard time applying it to our lives. It's just easier to stay the same because it's normal. The only way to really have an effect is to create a new normal. Change our thought and behavior patterns. Prayer, Meditation, Learning, Discipline, and Accountability all work together to transform. Back to Fear, Rejection & Vision
Let's get back to my original thought: I'm afraid to cast vision for fear of it being rejected. I'm just trying to be honest and genuine here. I think part of it is, I'm so attached to the vision that when someone rejects my idea, they're rejecting me. It's as if I'm dumb or naive and don't have a clue (which is probably more true than I'd like to admit).
Besides that, sometimes, the vision that God has given me doesn't make sense to me. I don't understand where the resources are going to come from. I don't see how people would actually believe in that direction for the church. I can hear people's voices in my head shooting it down already. It might cause a division. People might leave the church. People might quit giving. People might stage a coup to get things back to the way they used to be. (What's on your list of fears?) Even So, Sharing The Vision Is Worth It
What I'm learning and trying to convince myself of is: casting God's vision for the church is still worth it even if those worst fears come true. It's a bit like Jonah and Nineveh. It could be a lot worse if you don't cast the vision. At the end of my lifetime, I won't be held accountable for how many people attended church, how much money was raised, or many of the other numbers we like to count. I'll be held accountable for whether or not I listened and obeyed God. Did I do my best to fulfill what God put in front of me to do? Did I, as a leader, lead people to fulfill God's vision?
Casting the vision is worth it because the opposite of my fears could come true. The vision may cause unity. More people might come to church. People might give more financial support. People might be inspired to take on new ministries. Miraculous gifts might be provided. People's lives might be transformed.
In fact, instead of "might" happen. If it's God's vision, it will happen.
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About MeI am a Software Developer, a career shift made in 2018. So far, I have experience with C# .Net and Angular. I continue to let curiosity lead me into learning new technologies. I plan to share what I learn along the way about technology and personal/career life. Previously, my vocation was United Methodist pastor. So in addition to coding, I'll share about theology, the Church and The Bible. I also enjoy running, music, and I'm a deeply committed father and husband. Maybe my experiences will help you. I know it helps me to share. Archives
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