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The Vision of a Tour-Guide Pastor

A clear vision statement is essential if a church hopes to simplify and focus on discipleship. Most pastors have a vision for their church, but that vision often remains unarticulated. The authors write about the numerous times they have asked pastors what the church’s vision and have been met with nothing but stuttering (71).

In defense of the pastors, it should be noted that the authors assume that a clear vision is always a short, catchy motto. Not all pastors have adopted this model of mission statement. Perhaps it is premature for the authors to assume that if a pastor hasn’t adopted a memorable phrase or saying, he has no articulate vision for the church. After all, people have united behind visionary leaders without such phrases for thousands of years. If Nehemiah or Ezra had a short, clear vision statement, the biblical authors did not choose to include it.


However, there is something to be said for the authors’ suggestion. World history shows that many of the movements and churches that have adopted short, memorable phrases to articulate their goals or beliefs have spread faster or seen tremendous growth. One can think of the five solas of the Reformation as an example of a movement with a motto, or the evangelistic mission statement of Willow Creek as an example of a church with a strong mission statement.

In this regard, Rainer and Geiger are helpful in advising the “stuttering” pastors to better communicate the vision that God has given them (72). When a pastor effectively communicates in a memorable way his vision for how the church can do what God has called it to do, people are more likely to grasp the vision and become involved in its implementation.

Rainer and Geiger are also right to assert that the articulation of an informative vision is not enough to see substantial change. A pastor must be familiar with the territory, much like a tour guide knows the route. The authors conclude the chapter on Clarity by pleading for pastors to be tour guides and not travel agents. Travel agents give you information and then send you off. Tour guides accompany you on the journey (132-134).

A vision statement will not resolve the complex issues of a church drowning in a sea of congested programs and needless activity. If a pastor truly wants to lead his church through a simplification process of making disciples, he is going to have to show the church that he knows not just what needs to be done, but how the vision should be accomplished. The example of Ezra in the Old Testament backs up this understanding. Ezra 7:10 describes this man of God as one who first obeyed the Law before teaching God’s will to the people.

written by Trevin Wax  © 2007 Kingdom People blog

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