Proverbs 29:18 KJV “Where there is no vision, the people perish…”

Habakkuk 2:2-3 NASB “Then the L ORD answered me and said, “Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run. 3 “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.”

Matthew 28:19-20 NASB 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

What is vision?  Vision is a picture of the future that produces passion in a person. It is “what could be and what should be.”  “This is not merely something that could be done. This is something that should be done. This is something that must happen. It is the moral element that gives vision a sense of urgency.”  “Vision is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be. Vision is a preferred future. Vision always stands in contrast to the world as it is. Vision demands change.”

The Leader and Vision “Foresight is the “lead” that the leaders has. Once he looses this lead and events start to force his hand, he is leader in name only. He is not leading; he is reacting to immediate events and he probably will not long be a leader. There are abundant examples of loss of leadership which seems a failure to foresee what reasonably could have been foreseen, and from failure to act on that knowledge while the leader has freedom to act.” Robert K. Greenleaf

Four Vision-Levels of People 1.Some people never see it (They are wanderers) 2.Some people see it but never pursue it on their own (They are followers) 3.Some people see it and pursue it (They are achievers) 4.Some people see it and pursue it and help others see it (They are leaders)

Why is vision important?  Vision gives significance to the otherwise meaningless details of our lives.  Vision provides motivation.  Vision sets a direction for our lives.  Vision translates into purpose.

How to cast a compelling Vision 1.Define the problem 2.Offer a solution 3.Present them with the reason why to act. 4.Present them with the reason why to act NOW.

How to develop Vision 1.Look within you: what do you feel? 2.Look behind you: what have you learned? 3.Look around you: what is happening to others? 4.Look ahead of you: what is the big picture? 5.Look above you: what does God expect of you? 6.Look beside you: what resources are available to you?

Ways to Communicate Vision 1.Teach the Scripture 2.Through symbols 3.Use slogans and phrases 4.Tell stories 5.Be specific and clear

Mobilizing a

Matthew 4:18-22 NASB 18 Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.

Acts 13: 2-3 NASB 2 While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Recognize the Benefits of a Team 1.More manpower produces more fruit 2.It gives a variety of resources 3.It provides more ideas 4.There will be accountability 5.Greater aggressiveness 6.Fruit is multiplied not just added

Recognize the Benefits of a Team 7.Provides encouragement when needed 8.Helps in personal development 9.It is more fun than working alone 10.Prevents quitting or giving up 11.The church gets planted faster 12.Produces more team leaders and workers

Reasons for not using a Team 1.Members are unwilling to serve 2.Leaders prefer to work alone 3.No time to train others 4.Hesitant because of past problems 5.The church planter is more effective than others

Reasons for not using a Team 6.Some leaders want all the glory 7.Because of insecurity of the leader 8.The fear of not being wanted and rejected 9.No one in the church knows how to train others 10.Ineffective recruiting

Qualities to look for as you mobilize your team 1.Has vision 2.He / she is self-motivated 3.Skillfully leads others to participate and become committed 4.Able to reach the unreached 5.Has the cooperation of his/her spouse 6.Builds relationships effectively

Qualities to look for as you mobilize your team 7.Committed to church growth 8.Responsive to the needs of the community 9.Taps the gifts of others 10.Flexible and adaptable 11.A good team builder 12.Able to overcome setbacks 13.One who exercise faith

Developing Team Members

Train Team Members in Ministry Skills 1.You lead, your apprentice observe. 2.You lead, your apprentice help. 3.Your apprentice lead, you help. 4.Your apprentice lead, you observe. 5.Your apprentice lead, new apprentices observe.

Help your team to continue to grow in their spiritual lives It’s crucial that team members develop their ministry skills. But this is not all they need. It’s also crucial that they also continue to grow in their spiritual lives. We must not assume that this will automatically happen. It is also a life-long process.

Build strong relationships We can best help our team members develop ministry skills and their spiritual lives through loving relationships. While serving together, we also need to minister to one another. If relationships are weak, team members may feel they are just being used.

Recommend resources As you work with your church planting team, try to provide resources for them that will contribute to their development. Providing good resources is a great way to accelerate the development of your church planting team.

Pray for team members One of the greatest things we can do in mobilizing a team is to faithfully pray for our team members. They may look strong but everyone needs prayers and it is encouraging to know that someone is praying for you.

Encourage team members We need to encourage the members of our church planting team. It can be done by pointing out progress you see in their ministry skills and other developing qualities. We must be generous in giving encouraging remarks and praises.

2 Timothy 2:2 NASB “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”