Conversations
January 1, 1996
THE VISION THING
Vision is my least-favorite word in the English language," said a pastor who stopped by recently. He has felt intense pressure to be visionary—from best-selling books, from colleagues, from seminars, from executives in his congregation. The demand to have vision actually caused him to feel depressed.
The depression lifted only after an unsual dream: he saw himself accosted by a mobster in a "power suit" who wounded him with a knife. Upon reflection, the pastor realized the quest for vision had become emotionally deadly. "God does not expect me to work in that mode," he said. "I've relaxed, stepped back into my creative mode, and worked with others more given to strategic planning."
So why the intensity about vision? Max DePree, chairman of the board of Herman Miller, Inc., said about vision (in the summer 1994 LEADERSHIP): "We could relax a little more than we do."
FATIGUE VS. CREATIVITY
At one recent gathering of church leaders, a church planter gave an impassioned appeal for pastors to be more creative.
"Yes," a pastor replied, "but it's hard to be creative when you're exhausted."
DISILLUSIONED?
When we planned this issue on "Expectations," contributing editor Bob Moeller suggested two "theological safeguards against disillusionment":
The doctrine of human depravity causes us to lower our expectations of people. That keeps us from being so disappointed when folks sin or attack us.
The doctrine of God's sovereignty causes us to raise our expectations of God. That keeps us hopeful when circumstances disappoint, since we know God works all things for good.
TYPES OF NEW MEMBERS
A prominent southern church leader was wise enough not to let his name be associated with this observation. He noted that when former Catholics ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,358 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
