Vision Collector
In a recent meeting, a friend used this phrase “vision collector.” I can’t remember what he was referring to specifically, but that phrase really stuck with me. Here’s why:
When you read stuff about leadership, you often hear that “the leader” is to cast vision for “the people.” It’s very stratified. If you’re the big dog, you get to determine what all the “troops” will be doing to accomplish your vision.
What if my job as leader isn’t to always be the one who comes up with the vision, but the one who collects the collective vision of everyone in the church? What if my job is to listen to stories and hear different people’s passions and then figure out how all those visions, put together, create THE vision.
It seems like it would be hard work — but, I wonder if it’s much more faithful to this verse, than one leader as the “vision creator.”
Now, I’m not saying that my vision for the future in inconsequential…obviously, as the lead pastor at Imago, my dreams/desires/vision for the future is a significant piece…I’m just trying to say, I don’t think it’s the only piece.
brilliant!
i couldn’t agree more wholeheartedly!
david
January 25, 2008 at 10:21 am
i like this.
a lot.
eric
January 25, 2008 at 10:32 am
I agree – and give you so much kudos for your surrender.
The position of “Leader” is so often sought after with the best intentions that turns to ego, and pride at the end of the day. To surrender is a huge step – and so simple a concept.
Give it up for the Easter Countdown……
Jason Schifo
January 25, 2008 at 11:03 am
I would argue that if your church is based on human vision, it is doomed.
I think the church should watch for people in the congregation who are living out the vision that God has given them, and it should reflect and magnify that obedience as an example for others to follow.
Conforming a group of people to one vision is not as important as getting a group of people to be obedient to the vision that God gave to each of them.
Josh R
January 25, 2008 at 11:08 am
I’m not sure about collector… I think that it may be one important aspect of leadership…
But Vision Filter would be another one… the person who filters out the small visions that distract from the main vision
Plus… Vision Reminder… The person who brings it back to the vision when we drift…
But at the end of the day, I do think someone, or a team, have to look at all the small human visions, hopes and dreams that could be pursued, and help a “church” to focus on the ones that are the best use of their resources…. Without micro managing the HS in peoples live..
brandon
January 25, 2008 at 11:26 am
Brandon has a good point.
aprilberardi
January 25, 2008 at 12:45 pm
how about “tribe manager?” how’s that for a title?!
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/01/tribal-manageme.html
eric
January 30, 2008 at 1:56 pm