Last year, I sat in the tree stand waiting for a deer. I saw one that might be worth taking, but something happened when I pulled my gun up to look through the scope. Everything I saw was blurry. I switched eyes to see if it was the scope, and it was okay through my left eye.

Later tests would confirm that I am forming a cataract in my right lens. I have changed the prescription on my glasses for now, but I know surgery will be required in the future. Otherwise, I will lose all ability to see clearly through that eye over time.

In Church leadership circles, it is common to speak of the “vision for the Church.” This is a picture of the future that one group of believers might have for their people. A Church in the inner city might have a vision to help the homeless in their neighborhood. A Church in the suburb might have a vision to start a Christian school or homeschooling coop program. Another might have dreams for youth, another for college students, and still another for senior adults. 

Vision is the word used to describe the direction a Church feels being led by God as it ministers to its community.

Many Churches have the problem of blurred vision. They have no idea what they are doing and where God is leading them. Four years ago, our Church leadership spent a year looking through the Bible and praying about our vision. We framed a five-year plan with the simple goal of “Making more and better disciples.” Since that vision was laid out, the leadership and I have focused our efforts on that one goal.

Before the Church can move forward confidently, we must be clear on our aim.