I have been to a lot of churches. Simply Put. Preached to, at, around, and ignored. I've been put to sleep, encouraged, made so mad I walked out, deceived, and taught a lot of valuable lessons. The only constant factor in my church journey is me.
I've had 2 pastors. (shepherds).
Both of these are Visionaries. I met Both Pastor Chris - Family Life Church and Pastor Johnson- Spirit and Truth Worship Center because of friends. Evangelism is most effective when you bring somebody to church with you. I was there for a season, and now I am in a new place. My faith has a stronger foundation because of their vision.
So what does it take to be a visionary pastor? Where do I go from here.
Love your congregation.
Be there for them. If they resist, require scheduled meetings for all servant leaders. Have times avail for counseling. Do stuff with your church outside of Church. Each of my visionaries made time for me and had leaders around them who did the same. Each of my pastors let their ministers minister to others. They both put the rule down and were in charge but also allowed those under them to lead.
A Visionary is an out of the box person
When I met Pastor Chris at Family Life, I wasn't sure what to think. FLAC had more TV's in their church than I had in my house. He exemplified the phrase be Odd For God.
They worshiped in downtown Brunswick, this was before downtown was as cool as it now, it was half empty in those days. They were in an old store. They had a blue bus, they went to the housing projects weekly, and had a multi-ethnic soul saving congregation. Normal Churches do not love people. They love their status. FLAC / Spirit and Truth love people because the visionaries lead them to.
Welcome to the Family was their mantra. We had addicts, mental health patients, poor people, rich people. We had people who knew Jesus well and those were were not even introduced to him yet.
Pastor Paul started Radicals in Christ bible study on the Georgia southern campus. Then they transformed to spirit and truth worship center. Pastor Paul's Vision of God was an endless God. We had people get cars, houses, jobs. Lives were transformed, God was revealed as being much much bigger than we thought. He led everyday joes into becoming disciples. He led us into believing that we served a transforming God who could take anything and make it grand.
A Visionary knows where they are going
Ask PC or PJ, where are you going in your ministry. I am confident that they would give many many answers. A visionary pastor observes everything he can. He lets people lead, helps the wandering believers, and looks for new people to join the fold.
Where do I go from here.
It is my turn to set forth vision. Me and Heather have about 10 youth every Wednesday. Thats the good part. We have had basically the same numbers for 3 years. We need a fresh vision on where to take it. We are part of a church that lacks a strong vision. My friend Doug who is a pastor said. I need to support my Pastor. Pastor Jim has been there for almost 3 years. I am a church member, deacon, so until the lord calls me somewhere else or home he is my guy. All I can do is take what I've learned and use it. As we used to say "You Caan Doo It"
Shannon O'Dell said to find something I can do for for Pastor Jim and do it for him. Basically Serve the leader.
I was was willing to do anything for Pastor Chis or Pastor Johnson. If I am a believer I need to believe that God wants me to have the same attitude with pastor Jim.
When young Jews were schooled they hoped to be under the authority of a Rabbi. That was one of their greatest desires. But as time went by you either continued under the rabbi by his choice, or went home to work. Only the select few were chosen to be taught directly by the rabbi.
Jesus wasn't. He went home to work. Neither were the disciples. They wanted a Rabbi. When Jesus started his ministry his followers called him Rabbi. So, he was both devine, and as a rabbi in their eyes he was also the authority of God to them. Pastor Jim was either appointed by God or our church is a lie. Those are the 2 options. Wise men decided he was the right minister for us. Men who I respect. So If I deny the authority of Pastor Jim I am also denying the authority of God. The more obedient I am to God the more obedient I will be to the Visionary in my life today.
Pastor Jim visited the hospital during Heather's Surgery last month: A visionary loves their congregation
Visionaries inspire Followers to come closer to God. The Vision is Emanuel. God With Us!
