The Auxano Houston co::Lab has inspired four previous posts: Pursuing God’s Vision for Technology in the Church; Finding Your Church’s Sweet Spot; Digital Missions: What Do You See? and Whose Vision is it Anyways?
In the final hours before our last session (that will be live blogged), I have been reflecting on what I’ve learned about casting vision.
Vision-casting was not new to me prior to co::Lab. Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” I’ve participated in vision planning retreats many times.
I was fairly comfortable with the process.
Where have we been? Where do we want to go? What will the future look like when we get there? Creating vision statements. Writing a strategic plan.
co::Lab reminded me that we should always leave room for continuing education on any subject.
This is especially true when God gives a leader new insights on that subject. During co::Lab, Will Mancini shared with us his original approach for discovering and articulating vision.
Here are seven things that I learned about casting vision during co::Lab.
1. God is the source of all true vision for the local church (and for individuals).
2. God’s vision is unique.
3. Activities, programs and personalities do not equal vision.
4. Discovering uniqueness requires a systematic process.
5. Preparation – praying, learning and discerning what God is doing – is more important than planning.
6. Clarity and simplicity are new imperatives for the Digital Age.
7. God’s unique vision is a lifestyle to be lived daily.
During session five of co::Lab, I journaled in real time for the first time using ScribbleLive.
The last entry from the live blog that day was “Wherever there is great ministry results you will find that people have been intentional in how they work and think.”
co::Lab gave me the opportunity to observe this principle in action.
The intentionality of the Coach and his team. Will and his Auxano team are spearheading a movement for radically changing how the church identifies and expresses God’s unique plan. This is a unified team. They love Christ. It has been a privilege to spend these months together. Participating in co::Lab was a great opportunity. I am grateful.
The intentionality of the Leaders. My fellow co::Laborers were some of the most humble, interesting, on fire pastors and leaders anywhere. It was energizing to watch these men and women focus on discovering God’s unique plan for their churches, their congregations and their own individual lives. I will continue to pray for them.
The co::Lab sessions and collaboration with church leaders provided me with an excellent education about daily church leadership. I’ve learned a lot about the importance of vision integration, particularly as it relates to my own area of focus with New Media and communication technologies.
I knew the co::Lab sessions would come to an end. Though, as I’ve learned, living a lifestyle of visionary leadership is a daily journey that is just beginning.
Postscript: God is using co::Lab and Church Unique to redefine vision with catalytic clarity. I highly recommend Will Mancini as a leader and Auxano as an organization.