A good friend and mentor taught this personal life lesson to me.

No vision, no ability to execute

“We’ve tried it before.” “That won’t work here.” “I’m too busy.”

It can be very disheartening to meet people who have no vision for God’s work and no heart to see it accomplished. The Ephesians were partly culpable of this in Revelation: “you have abandoned the love you had at first.” Like the Ephesians, people don’t start off like this; they grow into it. Mighty rivers grow stagnant without the continual flow of water. What makes this problem particularly difficult in church ministry is that these people are often the strongest voice against vision and process. Responding to this issue requires prayer, humility, and servanthood.

Great vision, no ability to execute

“I have a great idea!” “I really have a burden for this.”

A few years ago I offered to help with a Bible club. My new job took up significantly more time than I thought and my good intentions and vision ultimately had no effect on the club and I had to apologise to the people that I was supposed to work with. Young Turks in the church may be anxious to change everything. But do you have the ability actually do what you want to do? Have you quantified your great idea? Does the church share your vision? What are you going to do once the initial excitement has worn off? And most importantly, have you prayerfully infused your idea with truth and Biblical principles? Remember that a great vision without the ability to follow up leads to bitterness and potentially disaster (cf. 1980s scandals).

No vision, great ability to execute

“I guess it’s your turn to teach Sunday School again.”

What’s the difference between a liturgical service and a Baptist service? The liturgical service has one less song before the announcements. Being able to do things in an orderly fashion is an excellent goal. Being mechanically disconnected with your church ministry is very dangerous. What percentage of your church community is actively participating versus passively receiving? People will act on an opportunity when they are inspired. Wholehearted enthusiasm is infectious.

Here’s a closing exercise for you to think on

1) Pick one “visionary” opportunity that’s within your God-given talents.
2) List out what steps it would take to achieve that vision.
3) Prayerfully ask God to increase your vision and your ability to execute.

You might not act immediately. But it’s a step in the right direction.

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About Jeremy Kwok

Jeremy grew up in Sydney before moving to the United States for tertiary studies. Jeremy completed the BA, MA (History), and M.Div degrees before returning to Australia with his wife Debbie. He currently works for Christian Education Ministries, a company that owns and operates private schools.

2 Comments

  1. Apo 10 June, 2010 at 10:15 am - Reply

    Jeremy, this post is encouraging, insightful, and though-provoking. Thanks

  2. Jason Harris 10 June, 2010 at 11:00 am - Reply

    Very practical helps Jeremy. Thanks.

    May God raise up men with vision and skill for his glory.

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