Vision

I am intrigued with this concept of vision. It is the difference between the status quo and excellence! For company that has a clear vision- they are focus and growing. For the company who does not have a clear vision – they muddle in mediocrity.

I was reminded of this during the Today Show this morning (July 13, 2009). They featured a company who’s vision was clear – “to caffeinated the world.” This company is the largest fast food chain in Canada surpassing McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy’s. This company is also the fasted growing fast food chain in the United States right now. I am speaking of Tim Hotons. In the 60’s Tim Horton was a Canadian hockey player who started this restaurant with this simple vision. He died in 1974, but the expansion of his vision continues in 2008. That is the power of vision!

Now translate this to a community of faith – a church. Vision is elusive in most churches in North America in the 21st Century. You can tell what churches that do have it. Look at the list to the right – these churches have vision and they stand out above the rest of the churches in this country. Sadly, most churches would rather remain in the status quo because this is a safe place to be. Frankly, churches need to be safe places they do not need to play it safe. Ironically, churches that play it safe are not really the safest places to be for a hurting world. Huge difference but definitely a defining mark in the life of a church.

This is also hitting a mark for me as I start to lead Grace Church in the vision process. My prayer is for wisdom and also that we continue to lean into excellence and that we stand out as we make a difference in the Downriver Community and beyond. God is up to something amazing – I am privileged to be a part of it. BTW – I write this while drinking an extra large, double cream, best coffee in the world. I am being Caffeinated, now lets have a vision to share Jesus.