Report 1--Principles of Vision

(Report from School of Congregational Development at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS)

Today we heard from Kirbyjon Caldwell, Senior Pastor of Windsor Village UMC in Houston, Texas, one of the largest African American Churches in the US.

He outlined 7 principles of vision based on Genesis 13, in which Abraham and Lot split ways.

1. COMPASS (v. 1)--Whom are you following?
Obey God. Nothing else matters; nothing else will help you.

2. CAPITAL (v.2)--How do you perceive what your ministry needs?
You've got to have funding to move forward in the vision God has given. Many churches act pitful, or apologetic about their finances, failing to address stewardship principles (e.g. won't use the terms 'giving' or 'tithe'). Don't belittle or curse that which you need.

3. CONSECRATION (vv. 3-4)--Have you and your plans seen the altar?
Your plans need to be from God. God to God in the beginning (Compass, above), but keep coming to God through every step of the process. If God wants to change the plans, then change the plans!

4. CAPACITY (v. 6)--Why haven't you run out of space?
Because God is a God of increase, at some point in our ministry we should have a capacity problem. It is seldom that 'historical' churches are making history! Many churches have a 'reverse capacity' problem, where too much space and too little people. All too often, it is because the church rests more on its history than on its calling. There is a great need to start new churches and revive old churches.

5. CONFLICT (v. 7)--How do you, or will you, manage folks' perceptions of your increase?
If you are growing, or are doing something different and innovative, people will be talking about you. How will you communicate your mission?

6. COMPOSURE (vv. 8-9)--Since you have been called, why are you still tripping?
God gives us what we see. If we don't see much, we won't get much. What do you see? That is your vision, and that guides you through the tough times. Vision leads to provision. God provides. Provision leads to division. People don't like change and will resist to the point of leaving. Division leads to television (meaning, take a closer look at things). Get your eyes back on what you see, your vision.

7. Unfortunately, Kirbyjon did not finish his final point.