“Not that vision. Our vision!”

One church I was appointed to had been taught that God reveals his vision or plan for churches through the pastor. Certainly God does that, but I believe he also speaks through other leaders and faithful members. In this congregation, however, the leaders seemed to look solely to the pastor to cast the vision. So shortly after I arrived, they asked me what vision God was giving me for the church. 

I spent several weeks in prayer, and God showed me what I believe was a wonderful plan. At the next church board meeting I told them about it. The unanimous response was, “No! Not that vision! Our vision!” Even though they claimed to believe God would reveal his vision through the pastor, when what God showed me was not what they wanted, they rejected it. In fact, I believe many of them decided I was not properly hearing from God, and for some that attitude carried through as long as I was there. 

I’ve thought about that many times since then. Perhaps I should have recognized that they already had a vision in mind, and what they really wanted from me was assurance that I would work toward their vision. If I had realized that, and if I had carefully and slowly laid the groundwork for shifting from their vision to the very different thing God showed me, would things have gone differently for me later in that church? I suppose it’s possible. But I prayed for guidance and followed it as best I could, even though what followed were some of the most difficult years of my career. 

I draw two lessons from this. First, some people will not believe you are hearing from God unless you hear what they want you to. Second, sometimes people will reject your leadership and there is nothing you can do about it. It even happened to the apostles. And Jesus didn’t blame them. He told them, If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave (Matthew 10:14 NLT). 

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you will not succeed in growing a church. That doesn’t mean your ministry there has failed, nor that it’s time to shake the dust off your feet and leave. It certainly doesn’t mean it’s time to give up on what God wants you do to, and accommodate the people instead. What it means is, it’s time to seek God for what he wants you to do next. But then, isn’t it always?

Thank you, Pastor, for faithfully seeking God’s vision for your church, your ministry, and your life, and for standing firm for what he shows you. Only God knows his definition of success for you. 

Let me pray for you:

Lord God, I thank you for the pastor reading this. Thank you for the treasures they are building in heaven, no matter what it looks like down here. I pray you will grant them clarity and confidence in seeing your vision and hearing your voice, and faithful perseverance in obedience. And I pray you will bring alongside the leaders and encouragers that will help them bring your vision to fulfillment, to your glory. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. 

The above is from Thank You, Pastor! #3. To have it sent directly to your email inbox, click HERE. You’ll also get a free download of any of my books when you subscribe!