Good question and I hear it from some folks from time to time especially as we move into a new visioning process for the church.  I think the answer to this question should be reasonably convincing of the dire necessity of helping the church move toward a common agreed upon vision.

My answer begins with Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint..." (ESV).  Really it can be translated, "When there is no prophetic vision..."  That's a big deal.  When people in the church don't know or at least have a sense of where God is directing and leading, they wander and even go their own way.  It reminds me of what Jesus said about being the good shepherd and Isaiah who said how we all like sheep have all gone astray.  Without God we do our own thing, which according to the apostle Paul is usually along the lines of selfish ambition and not in line with God's desires (Romans 3:9-18).

Here are the advantages of a clearly defined vision for the church which should support the mission of God (Missio Dei).  I agree with Andy Stanley when it comes to the value of vision in the church.  He outlines the 4 key things that a vision weaves into our daily experience:

1. Vision evokes emotion.  There's a sense of an anticipated future where we are partners with God in his kingdom work.
2. Vision provides motivation.  The mundane begins to matter.  The details, chores and routines of life become a worthwile means to a planned-for end.
3. Vision sets a direction for our lives.  It serves as a road map.  In this way, vision simplifies decision making.  Anything that moves us toward the realization of our vision gets a green light.  Everything else is approached with caution.
4. Vision translates into purpose.  A visiong gives you a reason to get up on the morning.  If you don't show up, something important won't be accomplished.  Suddenly you matter.  You matter a lot!   (Andy Stanley, Visioneering pp.9-12).

If you read Andy's book Visioneering: God's Blueprint for Developing and Maintaining Vision, you will see him unfold the ministry of Nehemiah in a powerful correlating way to our current endeavors as a church body.

The bottom line is I don't want to see the great energy, gifts and passion in our church come to nothing.  I believe God is setting before us a course for which we are most passionate about, equipped for and which will suite our giftings the best in order to work to our utmost in his kingdom.

'til next time,

akd