So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. And I arose in the night, I and a
few men with me. I did not tell anyone what my God was putting into my mind to
do for Jerusalem
Nehemiah 2:11-12 (NASB)
Much has been written about vision and vision casting for church leaders. A lot has been written because it is very important. For some of us we have not reflected upon vision because we are content to just be a pastor. You know preach, teach, visit, counsel etc. . . While those are some of the basic tasks of a pastor there is also a need to have vision and cast that vision. There is another problem that we sometimes face and that is following a model of vision and vision casting that is more from the business journal and less from the Bible.
While it is important to learn from our friends in business and industry we must remember that we are not in business or industry. We are serving the King and following Him in advancing His Kingdom. From Nehemiah we can learn a few practical biblical principals for vision and casting vision in Kingdom leadership.
- Wait for it! Timing is everything. What do we say about God, "He is never early but always on time." We often wait for God and in His perfect timing He gives us that answer we are waiting for or He provides for that need we have. Casting vision is much like that. Don't give it to soon, but don't give it to late. Find the right and appropriate time to share vision with the people you shepherd.
- God is the author of vision! Let me be clear and simple on this. Vision is not something we dream up. Vision is not formulated in a committee by consensus and compromise. Vision is revealed from above! It is His vision that He puts into our minds.
- Keep the vision alive in your heart! As you wait for God's timing don't loose your passion for the vision. Keep it every before you by looking, remembering and dreaming about what God has in store for you to be a part of. Too often while we wait we talk ourselves out of doing what God has envisioned for us to do.
