The gift of vision is the ability to receive and communicate a compelling image of a process, outcome, or state of being that God desires for individuals, the church or society.
Scriptural References
Exodus 3:7-8, 2 Kings 22:14-20, Isaiah 30:18-26, Jeremiah 32:1-3, 6-29, 37-44, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Luke 2:36-38, Luke 14:12-14, Acts 10:9-35
Biblical Models
Moses, Huldah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Anna, Jesus, Peter
People with this gift can
- Receive and communicate a clear, realistic image of a future for the church.
- Inspire others to volunteer to work toward the future.
- Connect the future to the immediate past and present, and to Biblical examples.
Cautions
- May not have the gifts of Leadership or Organization which are needed to realize the vision.
- May lack patience to communicate the vision.
- May not have the courage and/or wisdom to deal with conflict.
- May not be able to distinguish helpful suggestions from obstructing criticism.
- May lack self-awareness and confuse personal projects with God’s purposes.
Personal Traits
- Intuitive
- Passionate
- Inspired
- Thoughtful
- Prayerful
Tips for nurturing this gift
- Keep up to date on current social trends, developments in science, etc.
- Know your church’s present context in all its aspects.
- Have a thorough knowledge of the Bible, of God’s previous visions for God’s people at different times in history, and of God’s purposes for the Church.
Possible Tasks
Minister, long-range planning, project initiator, resident visionary for the congregation, …
Not to be confused with the responsibility of all Christians to …
Hope.
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(c) 2004, 2006, 2008 David Ewart, www.davidewart.ca
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