Message Outline

Sunday March 7, 2004

“The Power of a Focused Vision”

Acts 5:12-42

The Issue:  In light of the enormous needs of so many people around us, how do we, as a church, clarify our specific calling, purpose and vision?

—  Are we trying to be “all things to all people?”

—  Or is God calling us to a fresh, unique, realistic, and focused vision?

Question #1:    What does the Bible say? 

Introduction:  Acts 5 illustrates how the disciples began to take the amazing swirl of activity going on around them and focus their efforts in a consistent and life-changing direction.

A.  They were not deterred by the opposition — vs. 29

B.  They were not paralyzed by the enormous challenge — vs. 15-16

C.  They were energized by a clear vision of their calling — vs. 20

D.  They were motivated by an unswerving commitment to Christ — vs. 41

Question #2:    How can we implement those biblical principles in our

  church?

George Barna, in his book, “The Power of Vision” has some helpful insights.

I.  What a focused vision is and is not:

A.  “Vision is a clear image of what our church will look like in the future if we are faithful to God’s specific calling for our church.”

B.  Our “vision” is not to be confused with our “mission”

C.  The church cannot prosper without a vision

D.  The church cannot operate according to a vision without change

E.  Every church’s vision is unique

F.  A vision must be developed, owned, and shared by the entire congregation

II.  Whose vision is it?

A particular person?  The people as a whole?  God-given, God-inspired?

III.  How do we discover that vision?:  know yourself, know your ministry environment, know God, know objective wisdom.

IV.  What will characterize our vision?

Specific, inspiring, stretching, detailed, people-oriented

V.  What will result from having a focused vision?

  Thinking big, empowerment, continuity, commitment, effective change, unity, focus, openness, encouragement, confidence, loyalty, productivity

VI.  What will kill vision?  WNDITWB, fear, stereotypes, complacency, leaders

VII.  Where do we go from here? 

Count the cost, preparation, discovery, articulation, implementation

I.