1 ABOUT VISION john m. dettoni, ph.d.

2 PART I: VISION: Two whole countries changed, lives of three major leaders changed A study of obtaining and implementing a life changing major vision

3 David and Goliath Read: 1 Samuel 17:1 - 58

4 1. What is the source of David’s vision to slay Goliath….???

5 1b. Is it from PRAYER? PROPHET? PRIEST? WHO or WHAT?

6 2. Is David’s vision congruent with the vision of the King and the Army?

7 3. How did David’s vision regarding Goliath resonate with his brothers and the others?

8 4. Why did David’s brothers react the way they did ?

9 5. What mistakes, if any, did David make in his communication to brothers and King Saul?

10 6. Contrast the Two Approaches: DAVID versus SAUL

11 7. Why was David’s approach in conflict with Saul’s? Shared same vision? Shared same methods? Shared same theology and philosophy of life? (“weltanschauung”)

12 7a. Several factors enter into co-operative ministry: VISION and GOALS “weltanschauung” – WORLD and LIFE VIEW: PHILOSOPHY/THEOLOGY

13 8. So, what is the source of vision?

14 9. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision the people perish.” (King James Version) “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.” (NLT)

15 Therefore: How important is vision? But what more is needed to make vision reality?

What principles of communication of vision can you suggest based on: David, David’s brothers, Saul, army?

17 PART II 1. The BIG QUESTION - WHAT IS VISION?

18 NOT: Dream prophecy fantasy imagination image intuition foresight Only for head person or pastors?!

19 Vision is from God, with fresh, new insight -- to move forward to do new things for Christ in His Church in the world – with new direction and/or correction of current direction

20 New vision from Holy Spirit means: renewal refreshment reawakened quickened to new life in Christ for His ministry to TODAY in Church and Society….

21 in order to be enabled to think NEW THOUGHTS, to DREAM NEW DREAMS, to DARE to begin to DO NEW THINGS

22 2. Open to the direction of the Holy Spirit

23 NOT LAZY!!!

24 Inspiration comes from God. 10% of Vision comes from God

25 Perspiration (Work) comes from us….. 90% of Vision comes from us

26 We: should be sensitive to needs of people around us and the Holy Spirit

27 3. Therefore, Vision is: dreams, desires, hopes that have their source in the mind of God

28 Vision is BEING, not just doing…

29 A Church/organization’s self-identity: beliefs about itself, what it should become under Christ today

30 Some sub-questions

31 1a. Is having a vision for your Church, organization, or yourself an organizational, functional necessity or ….

32 1b. or is it biblical and theological issues?

33 2. Whose owns the vision? Who gets the vision? Source? pastor, elders & other leaders, congregation, denominational leaders, management books, consultant guru, dreams by somebody, eating spicy food….???

34 3. What does “priesthood of all believers” imply regarding visioning within the Church?

35 4. Does Vision come as a whole, gradually, Or Sometimes both?

36 5. Is Vision…. Concrete and immutable or flexible, malleable depending on social, economic, political, religious events?

37 6. Who should be involved in developing vision for local church/organization? Role of congregation in developing, shaping, sharing vision?

38 7. What is necessary in order to communicate effectively regarding vision?

39 8. Why is vision not sufficient to motivate people?

40 9. What is the relationship between Vision and Program?

41 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (NLT) 19 …What gives us hope and joy, and what is our proud reward and crown? It is you! Yes, you will bring us much joy as we stand together before our Lord Jesus when he comes back again. 20 For you are our pride and joy.

42 1 Thessalonians 3:8-9 (NIV) 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

43 PERSONAL VISION Major Steps to knowing by faith a personal vision….

44 1. Vision is a God thing 1. Vision is a God thing 2. SOURCE: Vision comes from God 2. SOURCE: Vision comes from God 3. Understand vision by faith 3. Understand vision by faith

45 4. Vision comes from several actions on our part: 4. Vision comes from several actions on our part: a. Prayer a. Prayer b. Seeking God’s vision for us – His will b. Seeking God’s vision for us – His will c. Looking around us – seeing the world and all its people as God sees them c. Looking around us – seeing the world and all its people as God sees them d. Asking what part of the needs around us God wants us to focus on d. Asking what part of the needs around us God wants us to focus on

46 e. Taking one step at a time e. Taking one step at a time f. Have experiences – be a “good shot” already from practice and experience f. Have experiences – be a “good shot” already from practice and experience g. Having your sling shot ready g. Having your sling shot ready h. Gathering your “stones” h. Gathering your “stones” i. Go in faith, believing that God is leading you i. Go in faith, believing that God is leading you

, revised 2009 john m. dettoni, ph. d. © 2007, revised 2009 john m. dettoni, ph. d.