1 simple step to reach thousands more with vision
I am grateful for Paul Pettefer — a pastor and missional entrepreneur who has applied the principles of Church Unique and God Dreams with great skill. As a natural visionary, Paul wants his focus to be a clear as a possible. As a natural evangelist, Paul wants to spread the word every day. He is totally in touch with God's vision for his life. As a result he reaches thousands more with vision than the average guy in ministry.
Paul lives for the "city to be different" in Lake Charles, La. He wants to see the gospel invade his city. He does this through initiatives like his laundry business, a job-finding ministry, and by cooking the best BBQ in the city as an excuse to talk about Jesus. Spend time with Paul and you will never forget his vision.
Paul recently wrote a review of my new book, God Dreams.One principle popped into my mind as I read his review:
Vision casting is fundamentally a transfer of enthusiasm.
Sometimes it's hard to get excited about the concept of vision or practice of planning because we have lost touch with a passion for the future. Paul reminded me that it's not that hard to pump up your enthusiasm. Reaching more people doesn't start with reaching more people; it starts with cultivating deeper personal passion about what God has called you to do. Increase the wattage and more people will see the light.
What's the one incredible simple step to reach thousands more with vision? Start by dramatically increasing your enthusiasm. It's actually not that hard. Follow Paul's recommendation. Grab a tool and grab some friends. Learn from Paul's experience:
WhileGod Dreamsis great for every influencer in the church, I'll tailor this encouragement for the senior pastor. Leading a church and being the guy at the tip of the spear, it's not for the faint of heart. I congratulate you on following Jesus thus far! Your job requires a lot from you. The urgent needs are pressing, relentless. I know you have established rhythms that bring you joy in ministry and others that foster productivity.
I am here to urge you to make a rhythm for visionary planning.
I've had your job, as a church planter, and I've worked for you, as a college pastor at a large church. I know the pressure you are under to have all the answers. Breathe in the provision that our Heavenly Father has for you in this resource. I give you permission to not prepare all the vision plans on your own. Maybe vision is your best thing, and you coach others in your circles on vision. God Dreams will help you, your team and your entire church discover the narrative God is creating within your church to propel them toward a compelling picture of your future.
 | Will Mancini emerged from the trenches of local church leadership to find Auxano, a first-of-a-kind consulting ministry that focuses on vision clarity. As a clarity evangelist, Will has served as vision architect for hundreds of churches across the country including leading churches within Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran and non-denominational settings. |
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