... of New Visions and New Directions

This coming month I'm starting a new series at Riccarton Baptist Church, called 'Give Me This Mountain'. It's about vision: why we need it; what ours at RBC is; Who our vision is centred on, and; therefore what we should be doing. We're going to look at one of these each week.

Preparing for this series has had me thinking. Our church community needs a vision, and I love the one we have. But each of us needs a vision as well. Jesus had one. The apostle Paul had one. Martin Luther; William Wilberforce; Nelson Mandela; Mother Theresa: they all had a vision that they lived - and were prepared to die - for.

So, I ask myself, what is my vision? What keeps me awake at night; rejoicing when I see it moving forward, and weeping when I see it stalling?

The advancement of the kingdom of heaven? Well, yes: I am passionate about that. But that's a really big vision: one the whole church is called to undertake. When I drill down deeper, what part of that do I sense is mine to serve? Wilberforce was involved in many things, but his driver in each was to challenge all forms of oppression.

I am no Wilberforce to be sure. But his 'calling' (for that is what he sensed it was) resonates with me. So this year I want to explore a new vision - or rather, the resurfacing of an old vision: this year I want to read and reflect on God's heart for the poor and the oppressed. A verse a week: and frankly it excites me just thinking about it.

Which is what true vision does.

Of Teams Structured To Fail

I recently attended a major event intended to mobilise a key part of the Christian movement in New Zealand to reach our diverse society. The leadership team were introduced: every one a middle-age, Pakeha male. 

In a multicultural, co-ed society with energetic and vision-filled youth, this is a recipe, not for success but for failure. 

A group becomes what it's leaders embody. Want to reach Maori, or Women, or Youth? Then your leadership must include and embrace them. Not as tokenism: they need to earn their place. But be pro-active and seek out quality people who represent those you want to reach.