John Sweetman

The vision of a leader often inspires people to follow. They feel excited that as they work and serve, God will use them to make a difference.

Christian leaders offer a strong sense of hope to those who follow because they have listened to God and are calling others to pursue together a God-given vision for the future.

While there is no direct New Testament command for Christian leaders to have a vision, it does seem clear that when God raised up leaders, he almost always called them to pursue a God-given vision. From Abraham through to Paul, biblical leaders pursued God’s vision.

By vision, I’m not necessarily thinking about a catchy statement or some grandiose plan, but a Spirit conviction that there is a God-given way forward. I believe this comes when we desperately seek God, consult with others, and listen for God’s confirmation. Prayer is fundamental to vision. Vision comes as we seek God over lengthy periods. It involves lots of listening and is an on-going process. The vision becomes a compelling glimpse of God’s future that grips the heart of the Christian leader and then of those who follow.

Godly vision provides followers with a hope for the future, a purpose for sacrifice, and a reason to risk. Without leadership vision, people easily settle into the semi-comfort of mediocrity. Christian leaders offer hope that God has not finished his work, but can do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). Hope breathes life and meaning into service, sacrifice and suffering.

Here’s a brief checklist to see how you’re going as a "visionary" leader.

Please rate each statement on the following scale:

5 - Strongly Agree; 4 - Agree; 3 - Neither Agree nor Disagree; 2 - Disagree; 1 - Strongly Disagree

The TOTAL gives a score out of 25. A score over 20 indicates health.

1. My desperation for God to work pervades my prayer life.
2. I have sensed God speak about things he will do through my ministry.
3. I continue to hold on to the things God says even when they seem very unlikely.
4. I speak often (personally and corporately) about God’s vision for our future.
5. People are hopeful about what God will do through our team and ministry.