Reflect

I once came across two parts of the same creek. One was crystal clear, had minnows swimming in it, and was perfect for wading. The other was slimy and full of sludge. The difference was that the slimy water was disconnected from the living, moving water of the crystal clear creek.

I once heard of a snow skiing instructor who told his students, “When you’re skiing among trees, don’t look at the trees. Instead, focus on the spaces between the trees. If you look at a tree, you will end up running into it.”

Without a vision for the future, a congregation, a denomination, even an individual believer is like that slimy puddle—disconnected, stagnant, and going nowhere. And we can’t develop or receive a vision if we’re too busy worrying about what might happen if something new or different fails. I’m glad Ezekiel didn’t take one look at that valley of bones, decide that this was something too radical, and turn his back on God’s vision for him.

—Andy McClung

Question

1. Which better describes the life of your congregation—a valley of dry bones, or a living, breathing multitude?
2. Where do you see your congregation fifteen years from now? Our denomination? Your personal spiritual life?
3. Why do you think some people are hesitant to try new things in church programming? Does capturing a vision always mean trying something new? Why or why not?
4. Does your congregation tend to focus on the “trees” or the “spaces in between the trees”? What about your session? Your pastor(s)? You? How much does our focus affect our vision?

Act

1. If you are already established in a career, reflect on how you came to know this was the right career for you. If you are not yet in a career, reflect on your vision for your professional life.
2. Secure a copy of your church’s mission or vision statement and think about its relevancy to the various ministries being carried out. If your church does not have one, ask the session to consider writing one.
3. Poll your congregation and compile their answers to this question: “What is one, inexpensive change that we could make which would significantly improve this church?” Share the compiled results with your session.

Photo by Daniil Kuželev on Unsplash