Worship Leaders by John A. White Contributing Writer February 26, 2009

As I drove home from church the other night the question hit me, "what is my vision for my worship ministry?" As I pondered I realized my vision was too nebulous and incoherent to write down even though I previously thought I was clear and concise. I am writing this article because I assume that some of you, like myself, are equally challenged in gaining, casting and executing worship vision in tangible ways. Here are some examples of tangible vision:

1. 25% of the people in the congregation will be arriving early to assure they don't miss worship.

2. During worship, Christ will be revealed with such clarity that 25 people this year will make decisions for Christ by the witness of the worship alone.

3. As a worship leader, I will create a mature congregation of worshippers so that there will be 5 less notes to the pastor regarding the musical genre.

4. Our worship ministry will write original music for the congregation and produce a CD of the 10 most influential original songs.

Here is a test to see if you should keep reading this article: Write down your vision in its tangible expressions, how you will get there and what help you will need in less than one or two paragraphs. OK then, if you are still reading, we are alike; both needing to sharpen our spiritual leadership.

Let's define Godly vision as a compelling image of a better future that goes beyond our abilities and available resources that is empowered and directed by God. There are two important principles in this statement. First, vision compels. The difference between a slogan and vision is that while a slogan states something in a catchy phrase or a slogan it lacks the power to compel people to strive toward a goal. Vision does just that. Martin Luther King's statement is rather unimpressive but when he said "I have a dream today..." people thrusted themselves behind his vision. Today, nearly 30 years later, people still do. His vision is empowered by people wishing to see civil reform in the United States of America. How much more powerful and compelling is vision when God empowers it?

The second important principle of vision is it goes beyond our current abilities and resources. A good example is Joseph. He was the least in his family yet had big dreams that exceeded all expectations and certainly his resources and abilities. When we consider vision, we must remember we serve God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above what we ask or think in accordance to the power that works within us. There are limitless possibilities with God but we tend to limit what we are willing to commit to when it come to vision. Have you ever downplayed your expectations to guard against possible failure? Most of us have. What does this say about us? When we downplay a God given goal, we should realize that we are revealing our fear that God won't come through or our fear we will be considered unspiritual if it does not happen like we expect. If we learn anything from David it is spiritual maturity and leadership is not the lack of mistakes but the commitment to believe God and reveal what He promises to do through us. Risky – Yes. Faith building – You bet! Scriptural? Absolutely. We can have confidence in what God promises as Ez. 12:25 says, "For I am the Lord: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged for in your days... I will say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord God" (KJV). Let's ask ourselves if our confession of the future magnifies (a Greek origin word for worship) God.

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