People Spots Online
Produced by James W. Moss, Sr., and Church Consultants
Provided as a service by New Life Ministries

Revealing Vision

by James W. Moss, Sr.

Every present positive reality was at one time a vision in someone’s mind and heart. Then the vision had to be fleshed out. Strategies had to be designed. The implementation had to be completed.

Years ago, I was taught to share the whole vision with as many as possible. Later, I learned that was hazardous. There were those who would stop following because they thought the big picture was crazy and unachievable. People will never take the first step to achieve a goal they believe is unachievable. A leader announces the big goal. Half of the goal is achieved. Frankly, that was quite remarkable. However, the perception in the leader’s and the people’s minds is that was a failure.

Draw a six-inch square on a paper. Let this represent the big dream. It is a mammoth goal. Let’s call this large vision the plot plan. The vision is in the leader’s mind. As smaller steps are taken, they must not lay roadblocks for the achievement of the larger vision.

Now in the lower left-hand corner of the large square draw a one-inch square. That is the present reality. The leader makes good assessments of where the church is at the present time. Now a reasonable vision must be established that begins the journey of achievement. Now in the lower left hand corner draw a two-inch square. The next step must be believed to be achievable to the persons following their leader. The people in a church averaging 75 can’t conceive of being a church averaging 500. They can grasp being a church of 100.

When this vision is nearly achieved announce the next step in the achievement of the larger vision. This can be represented by a three-inch square in the lower left hand corner of the large square. The vision is shared one significant piece at a time until the larger goal is achieved. I call this the progressive revelation of vision. The larger vision is shared step-by-step until the whole picture is seen.

There is still a sense of achievement should progress end with the goal represented by the three-inch square, The leader may feel some frustration, but there will be a sense of joy among the people over the progress accomplished.

I’ll never forget reading that all the current management principles being taught in leadership circles could be found in the book of Nehemiah. I adjusted my Bible reading schedule and went directly to Nehemiah.

First, he shared his vision with the king. That was a requirement. He had to do that to gain passage to Jerusalem and funds to achieve the goal. Upon arriving in Jerusalem he became acquainted first-hand with what was happening and what was needed. He met and greeted the people. He made solid assessments of the present reality. He designed an effective strategy of achievement. Then he shared his vision with the people. He worked hard himself at a salary less than what he was entitled to. He enlisted others to help achieve the vision. I may be stretching the point, but I believe firmly that Nehemiah practiced progressive revelation of his vision.

Progressive revelation of vision is the step-by-step sharing of vision. That is sharing one piece at a time until the whole picture is unfolded.

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May 31, 2006. Volume 9, Issue 4. People Spots Online is prepared by James W. Moss, Sr., and Church Consultants. It is provided as a service by New Life Ministries, www.NewLifeMinistries-NLM.org. Articles may be duplicated and reproduced in any way with proper credit. A new article is produced about every two weeks. To be added to a list to receive these messages directly by e-mail, send a request to churchconsultants@yahoo.com.

Revealing Vision

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