1. A Training Presentation on Vision: Based on the book Visioneering by Andy Stanley

2. We are all on a journey. “Everyone ends up somewhere. A few people end up somewhere on purpose.” Arnold Stanley (1999)

3. Stanley (1999)

4. Stanley also reminds us that we are part of God’s vision. We are not to have a vision apart from His parameters and plan. “God has decided what we would be and should be.” 1 Cor. 6:19-20 Eph. 2:10 (p.13)

7. ( p. 17)

8. “A Vision begins as a Concern” Nehemiah was burdened He was consumed He wept He prayed and fasted (Neh. 1:4-11) He waited (p. 19)

9. The Birth of a vision: What “could be” “Not all burdens are visions. But every vision begins as a burden.” Not accepting status quo Contains a moral component – what “should be” (p. 17-20)

10. The Birth of a Vision: Sense of urgency A preferred future A destination Necessitates someone to take up the cause (P. 19)

11. We have many visions for our lives Visions take time to develop or be discovered Examples of visions Organizational Personal Family or marriage related Finances (p.27)

12. Principle #2 : “A Vision does not necessarily require an immediate response” A premature start can lead to failure God is working behind the scenes God is working in you (p. 19)

13. A vision from God… “Will feel like a moral imperative” Will be in line with what God is already doing Can be confirmed by inquiry (p. 25-26)

14. Ask yourself: what is my vision for my organization? How do you believe it should be? Get into groups Share one of your visions Using questions based on Andy Stanley’s worksheet for project 1, answer the questions in writing.

15. Share your sentence among your small group. What is your role in the church’s vision? Share with the entire group

16. “Pray for opportunities and plan as if you expect God to answer your prayers” (p. 38)

17. Helps keep faith in vision Prepares us for the future time God has ordained for it to be put into motion Pray for opportunities to labor side by side with God (p. 29-38)

18. Praying for key figures to support the vision Nehemiah’s plan for rebuilding the wall In faith, plan and prepare ahead of the vision Praying and planning helps keep the vision alive (p. 29-38)

19. Answer the questions based on Stanley’s worksheet from project 2.

20. Discuss: In light of what you see as a vision for this church, what changes need to occur? In light of your role as it relates to this vision, what changes in your life need to happen?

21. Discuss: Who could support you in your vision and what changes in their thinking need to take place? Write your plan (See worksheet). Prayer in small groups based on worksheet.

22. “ …if I am on the brink of something divine, why am I stuck here, doing something not remotely related to what I feel God has put in my heart to do?” (p. 42)

23. “ God is using your circumstances to position and prepare you to accomplish His vision for your life.” Although Nehemiah’s leadership skills initially seemed wasted, he was perfect placed for just the right time. Success = “faithfulness to the process.” (p.42-47)

24. Worksheet from Project 3 Discuss question 1 within your group Whole group sharing Prayer

25. Good ideas are limited by our resources God’s vision is not limited (Luke 1:37) God wants us to be dependent upon Him We cannot accomplish anything eternally without God (John 15:5) (p. 56)

26. Answer questions 1-3 for Project 4 Discuss questions 2-3 within your group Whole group sharing for question 3

27. Read Project 5’s instructions and questions Question from Stanley: Think about your prayers and how you can ask for God’s divine, specific involvement in situations connected to the vision for your own family and the church.

28. Have one group member write your prayer requests for your family and church. Pray within your group Homework Project 5- take home

29. “ Embracing and owning a vision is an act of faith.” “Acting on your faith is the ultimate expression of your devotion, admiration, and adoration.” (p. 63)

30. “ Before making the vision public, must thoroughly investigate the environment. (Nehemiah 2:11-17) Three aspects that prevent full inquiry into visions: impatience, pride, and fear. (p. 63)

31. Project 6 Question 1: Share within group Homework: Question 6

32. Four aspects which must be shared: problem, answer, why action is needed, and why its urgent (Nehemiah 2:17) Communicating a vision helps others to “see” something they may have previously ignored. (p. 86)

33. Project 7 Questions Small groups: answer questions 1-2 and take turns discussing (Stating the problems and solutions) Whole group sharing

34. Ask “What difference will it make?” Ask “Why should I attempt this?” Words have power: Eph. 4:29 Notice the strengths and potential of others. (p. 123)

35. Project 8: Answer Stanley’s series of questions related to why the vision must be completed and why it is urgent. Share in your small group answers to Q.1 and Q.2 Large group sharing by a representative of the small group.

36. A vision requires sacrifice and risk Leave the familiar, comfortable Lead by example (Nehemiah) For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:21) (p. 132)

37. Project 9-10: Homework: Project 9. Think about your answers to Project 10 questions regarding sacrifice and obstacles to sacrifice.

38. Principle #11 “Visions are refined-- they don’t change; plans are revised—they rarely stay the same” (p.156, 158)

40. Project 11 Think about your answers to Stanley’s series of questions 1-7. Share in your small group Q. 3-5

41. Control rather than serve Promote own agendas Don’t want to resolve conflict face-to-face Want to think the worst about others View other’s failures as their own successes (p. 169)

42. Division can be caused by A crisis A gradual shifting of priorities, agendas, or distractions (p. 169)

43. Leader s should work to realign and lead by example Nehemiah deals with disunity: Nehemiah 5:6-9 (p. 169)

44. Project 12: Complete Stanley’s Questions 1-12 Discuss Q. 5 in small group Q. 7 Homework

45. ‘ Every great leader, every successful father and mother, anybody who has received and followed through successfully with a God- given vision has possessed a form of authority that rests not on position or accomplishment but on an inner conviction and the willingness to bring his or her life into alignment with that conviction.” (p. 185)

46. ‘ This moral authority or alignment between convictions and behavior, is crucial to sustained influence Moral authority can take years to earn but can be lost in an instant Nehemiah had moral authority (p. 185)

47. Homework Reflection and Personal Prayer Time: Q. 1-4

48. Nehemiah’s distractions and his responses 6:1-13 Potential Distractions: Good opportunities Criticism Fear “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.” (p. 201-216)

49. Project 14 Discuss Questions 1-2, 4-5 within your small group. Personal reflection for other questions. Whole group discussion Question 2

50. God is in the “nuts and bolts” of our doing Nehemiah recognized it was God’s work (Nehemiah 6:15-16) Our vision is meant to glorify God, bring salvation through Jesus Secular doings have greater potential than religious ones. (p. 225)

51. Peace Keep Perspective Submit to the Holy Spirit Healthy Relationships Character “Direct correlation between integrity and kingdom potential of your vision” (p.226-232)

52. “ Let your light shine so shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

53. Project 15: Question 1: Small group discussion Question 2-6: Homework- Personal prayer and reflection

54. Nehemiah 8:1-9, 16-17 He works in us and others in His vision Sanballot recognized God’s hand Israel recognizes it’s spiritual condition Israel responds spontaneously with contrition, repentance and renewed devotion As God made Himself known, focus shifted from the work to Him. (p.237-242)

55. Project 16: Discussion

56. God blesses those that obey Him Do not sacrifice morality for the vision Key beliefs and behaviors must be predetermined, written. (p.252-256)

57. Stanley’s Questions What actions provide for greatest potential for achieving the vision? What actions would almost insure vision would not happen? (p. 257)

58. Project 17 Homework: Prayer and personal reflection

59. The situation in Jerusalem: Levites in temple left because had no food allotment This led to failure to maintain the Sabbath Men marrying foreign wives and being influenced by pagan customs (p. 259-266)

60. Brought back Levites Chastised leaders and setup allotment again Chased off merchants who had moved outside the gates to profane the Sabbath Fought with those marrying foreign wives and made them take an oath (p.259-266)

61. Address those things that can disrupt the vision Refer to previously agreed upon standards and code of behaviors Jesus driving out the moneychangers (Matthew 21:12-13) (p. 266-267)

62. Project 18 What is going on that can hinder or cripple the vision for the church? What is a proper response? Questions 1-6 for homework: Prayer and personal reflection

63. Summary