Identifying People Of Vision

God’s design for Antioch, apostolic, visionary kinds of leaders

 

I was recently sitting in an interactive training session, listening to two colleagues talk about their convictions and how those convictions had worked their way into thousands of new churches planted, and tens of thousands of people coming to saving faith in Christ. The longer I listened, the more I was struck by the feeling that I had heard this before. Not that I had heard their exact story, but that I had heard the underlying story many times before. Indeed, in our travels all over the world, I have heard it dozens of times.

 

All of a sudden, I was caught by the sameness of such people, even while we all acknowledge the extraordinariness of how that sameness is applied.

 

It seems to me that it is a sameness of foundations that sets these people apart within the Kingdom of God. When I say “sets them apart,” I do not refer to them as “stars” in the worldly sense of the word. Rather, I refer to that gifting, role, and calling from God—along with His empowering—that allows them to embrace expansive things from Him. Some would call these people “leaders.”

 

As one who believes that leadership is a role, not a person, and that such a role requires multiple, diversely gifted people to be effective, I am uncomfortable with the designation “leader.”

 

However, it is clear that God uses these people to galvanize action in others. When they have solid biblical foundations about God’s people, the Church, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through the Gospel, they move people to exceptional levels. What caught my attention that day was how often I see this sameness in such men and women around the world. That sameness can be described in twelve key characteristics.

 

They each express these characteristics differently—most in another language and always with differing structures—but the effect is always the same: people are galvanized to extraordinary action. The results vary, depending on the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but people moving in fullness and effectiveness is the common result in all of these men and women.

 

What did I see?

 

1. They are people of vision.

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They see something that must be done. In the case of my friends around the world, this “must” is connected to the truths of Scripture, especially about the nature of the Church and the ministry of the Spirit through people.

 

But this descriptive is also true of people of other persuasions. There is an itch about something that must be done that animates their lives—they cannot let it go.

 

It is important to emphasize that such vision does not come from trying to have one. In all of these people, it simply comes. In those who are believers, God has so demonstrated Himself that they are filled with a picture of something that must be done.

 

At a recent conference, I asked one of my colleagues, who was giving me a tour through a building that would house part of his vision, “Can you see what it looks like?” He said, “Yes, and for some time I have seen it!” In his mind, it was already fini

 

2. They are people filled with conviction.

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Some might say I am repeating myself by referring again to vision. But vision—about what must be done—is different from the convictions about how it can and will be done.

 

In my friends, centered as they are on the Kingdom of God, those convictions take two important expressions:

 

First, they are convinced about God Himself. Talk to any of them and you will find this reality—often unappreciated by others—that God is able to do what He has asked them to do. You may find moments of wavering, but when they close their eyes at night, they once again see and feel that “must vision.” Soon, the rekindling of the vision drives them back into action.

 

Second, they have a deep-seated conviction about people. They believe—sometimes against or in spite of the prevailing context—that people will follow if they will lead. This is not a dreamy idealism that ignores the realities of moving people. The younger the visionary, the greater the risk that idealism is untested. But for the mature person of vision, steeled by experience and taught by God’s Word, there comes a conviction about people deeper than the reality of people themselves.

 

These men and women have learned through life and Scripture that God has placed in His people a divine restlessness to live out the unseen nature of how He has created them—to know Him, be indwelt by Him, empowered by His Spirit, and represent Him. These leaders are convinced that God will move His people if they will join with others in leading them.

 

Does this mean everyone will act? Of course not. But in most cases, enough will act to enable them to accomplish far more than many other “leaders” ever believe possible.

 

Whatever receptivity the Spirit of God is working in the surrounding culture, these people take full advantage of it—mobilizing God’s human resources, the incarnated stories of His grace, into a harvest greater than those around them imagine. They believe in the power of God through His people.

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3. They develop a decentralized delivery structure.

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These people understand the fundamental nature of the Church and its relationship to the world. Their goal is to make “it” accessible—not merely user-friendly, but accessible in the truest sense.

 

By “it,” I mean not only the Gospel but everything people need to come to faith, grow in faith, incarnate the faith, and extend the faith.

 

Accessibility means people do not have to build extraordinary life patterns to reach what they need. This is why cells or small groups are so effective worldwide. People do not have to go far geographically to find friendship, community, and accountability. Nor do they have to go far culturally to see the Gospel lived out in transformed marriages and families, or far linguistically to understand the message.

 

Even when these visionaries gather thousands or tens of thousands for worship, there is always something more fundamental behind the scenes: the power of accessibility through decentralization. Evangelism, discipleship, and multiplication are all founded on the principle of taking the Gospel to the people, rather than bringing the people to us.

 

4. They empower others.

 

The older they get and the more they learn from experience, the more you see tens or hundreds of others leading with them—not for them.

 

“For” is a uniquely Western idea, captured most powerfully in the concept of staff: “I help you do something.” “With” means that both have found something greater than either of them alone.

 

Even in cultures with hierarchical structures, these people find appropriate ways to release power, responsibility, and leadership to others.

 

They understand, often innately but increasingly from Scripture, that only people can truly fulfill the vision. Yes, money, opportunity, and resources matter—but none of these can substitute for the power of God working through His people.

 

Followers sense this deep-seated belief and expectation, and they move in concert with it.

 

5. They have a plan of action.

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Even when not fully formed, these people always have a plan in mind. With maturity, experience, and a willingness to listen, their plans become more defined.

 

Because the vision is engraved into their being, they are equally committed to finding the path of fulfillment.

 

They may not always be highly organized, but they value the diversity of gifts in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians) and rely on others’ organizational strengths when needed.

 

Many of them keep demographic facts about their sphere of ministry—maps showing where churches have been planted and where work remains. They often have written goals and objectives, expressed in ways consistent with their own cultures.

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6. They are persistent.

 

Time, money, obstacles—even failure—are ultimately irrelevant. Where most would not begin, they begin. Where others quit, they continue.

 

This persistence can become a weakness, but when the Spirit of God originates the vision, persistence is essential.

 

These people do not define success by worldly standards. Success, to them, means seeing God’s people grow in intimacy with Him and fulfill His designs, especially in the expansion of His Kingdom.

 

7. They value accountability.

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They possess a tenacious, sometimes ruthless sense of accountability. Some call this demanding, but that ignores three things:

 

They are more demanding of themselves than of others.

They expect much because they believe deeply in the value and fulfillment people experience when they join in God’s work.

As they mature, they learn to balance expectation with mercy and patience for the growth process.

 

 

They are not easily deceived by appearances. A full house or large building does not necessarily mean the Kingdom of God is advancing.

 

8. They study history.

 

These people are fascinated by men and women of faith who have walked similar paths before them. Perhaps it is pragmatism or innate curiosity, but they continually study those who have gone before.

 

They engage in what I call disciplined “Z thinking”—an interaction of past, present, and future. Insights from history inform their vision, which they compare to present realities to shape future direction.

 

9. They give generously.

 

They give away more than is humanly reasonable. This, more than anything else, may set them apart.

 

The more they mature, the more they use their resources to see the Kingdom grow. New churches planted and lives transformed matter more than building personal empires.

 

They are happiest when the Kingdom of God explodes in their city or nation. Movements, not institutions, are their priority.

 

It is not unusual to find them giving away what others carefully protect—if it means the Kingdom can expand. Truly, they “live with their hands open.”

 

10. They understand primary foundations.

 

As they mature, they act out of foundational truths and are not easily swayed by every new program or method.

 

This ability, combined with their understanding of the Church, leadership, and the Holy Spirit, positions them at the center of many national movements today.

 

They not only do the right things—they understand why they do them. This enables them to adjust wisely and effectively as God fulfills His vision through them.

 

11. They are adaptable.

 

It is precisely this ability to adjust that makes them so effective. Nothing, except the inspired Word of God, is sacrosanct.

 

Since God gives the vision not for their sake but for His Kingdom, they strive to do it in the most effective way possible. If something is not working, they do not protect or justify it—they adjust.

 

This is not cultural relativism, but sensitivity to what God has asked of His people. If believers are not growing in intimacy with Him and the Gospel is not spreading, they have not done their job. They adjust until those things happen.

 

12. They start.

 

They realize that getting started is more important than getting started perfectly.

 

Many are paralyzed by the fear of failure or the sense that not everything is in place. But these people recognize and embrace the seed principle.

 

Nothing grows unless it is planted. The seed may not look like much at first, but with nurture and time, it produces fruit far beyond its beginnings.

 

The Western Church, conditioned by wealth and event-driven culture, tends to launch events rather than movements. But events rarely launch movements; they often consume time, money, and people with little lasting fruit. Seeds, however—planted well—produce harvests.

 

What if you are not this kind of person?

 

You may be asking, Am I this kind of person? The reality is that God gives only a few such men and women to His Church. Few are needed for the Body to do what God has designed it to do.

 

This does not make them more important than others. Every role and gift is necessary. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12, the gifts are given for the Body, not for individuals or denominations.

 

Recognizing that the Body’s future depends on releasing such people, what do you do if you are not one of them—especially if your role requires more of their kind of vision than you naturally possess? Four suggestions:

 

1.  Thank God for who you are.
It is the Spirit who determines your gifts, the Lord Jesus who decides your role, and God the Father who determines your influence. Your job is to embrace who God has made you to be. Our collective task is to work in concert so that His full purposes are revealed in the world.

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2.  Build a team.
You will go further with a diverse team than with your own giftedness alone. One of the great weaknesses of the Western Church is the belief that the “pastor” has the most important gifts. Leadership must conform to the Body’s nature—diverse and whole. What you are not, someone else has been gifted by God to be. Learn to lead with others, not for them.

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3.  Find a visionary and relate to them.
The book of Acts is instructive here. F. F. Bruce cites at least 25 people who worked with Paul to spread the Gospel among the Gentiles. Each played an essential role. God still calls such future thinkers and actors; our task is to relate to them and contribute what keeps our ministries on the cutting edge.

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4.  Start with biblical convictions about the Church.
Nothing begins perfectly. Start with what you know and what you see needs to be done. Let God grow the seed.

 

Copyright Dwight Smith

May 2001

 

Study guide for leadership 

 

SESSION 1 – Foundations of Vision

 

Reading

 

Introduction through section 1

 

Key Themes

• Vision comes from God, not human ambition

• Vision creates a “must” in the heart

• Visionaries see what others cannot yet see

 

Discussion Questions

• What stood out to you in the introduction about “sameness” among visionary people?

• How does the author define vision differently from ambition?

• Have you ever experienced a “must” from God? Describe it.

• Why do you think vision cannot be manufactured?

• What dangers exist when people try to create vision on their own?

 

Application

• Ask God to clarify any vision He may already be placing in your heart.

• Write down one burden you cannot seem to let go of.

 

SESSION 2 – Conviction About God and People

 

Reading

 

Section 2

 

Key Themes

• Confidence in God’s ability

• Deep belief in people

• Leadership rooted in faith, not fear

 

Discussion Questions

• Why is conviction about God essential for leadership?

• How does conviction differ from optimism?

• What does it mean to believe in people “deeper than reality”?

• How have disappointments shaped your view of people?

• In what ways does your leadership reflect trust in God?

 

Application

• Identify one area where you need to trust God more fully.

• Consider how you can encourage someone you lead this week.

 

SESSION 3 – Accessibility & Empowerment

 

Reading

 

Sections 3–4

 

Key Themes

• Decentralization

• Making the Gospel accessible

• Leading with others, not for them

 

Discussion Questions

• What does “accessible” mean in your context?

• Why are small groups so effective worldwide?

• What is the difference between “staff” and “shared leadership”?

• Who are you currently empowering?

• What fears keep leaders from releasing others?

 

Application

• List one responsibility you could delegate.

• Identify someone you could begin mentoring.

 

SESSION 4 – Planning & Persistence

 

Reading

 

Sections 5–6

 

Key Themes

• Vision requires action

• Learning through experience

• Redefining success

 

Discussion Questions

• Why is planning important even when the path is unclear?

• How do these leaders define success differently?

• What obstacles have caused you to quit in the past?

• How does persistence reflect faith?

• What is God asking you to persevere in right now?

 

Application

• Write one practical step toward your vision this week.

• Ask someone to pray with you about persistence.

 

SESSION 5 – Accountability & Learning from History

 

Reading

 

Sections 7–8

 

Key Themes

• High expectations

• Healthy accountability

• Learning from past leaders

 

Discussion Questions

• Why do people sometimes resist accountability?

• How do these leaders balance grace and expectation?

• Who from church history inspires you?

• What lessons from history apply to your current ministry?

• What does “disciplined Z thinking” mean to you?

 

Application

• Identify one area where you need accountability.

• Read about a historical Christian leader this week.

 

SESSION 6 – Generosity & Foundations

 

Reading

 

Sections 9–10

 

Key Themes

• Open-handed living

• Kingdom over institutions

• Acting from biblical foundations

 

Discussion Questions

• Why is generosity such a defining mark of visionaries?

• What are you tempted to hold tightly?

• How do you distinguish methods from foundations?

• What “programs” distract from Kingdom priorities?

• How can you live more open-handed?

 

Application

• Pray about one area where you can give more freely.

• Identify a foundational truth guiding your ministry.

 

SESSION 7 – Adaptability & Starting Small

 

Reading

 

Sections 11–12

 

Key Themes

• Willingness to adjust

• Seed principle

• Movements vs. events

 

Discussion Questions

• Why do leaders resist change?

• What have you had to adjust in your ministry?

• Why are seeds more powerful than events?

• What “small beginning” are you delaying?

• How can you move from events to movements?

 

Application

• Start one small initiative this week.

• Journal what God might grow from it.

 

SESSION 8 – Your Role in the Body

 

Reading

 

Final section

 

Key Themes

• Every gift matters

• Team leadership

• Partnering with visionaries

 

Discussion Questions

• What gifts has God given you?

• Why is comparison dangerous in ministry?

• How can you support visionary leaders?

• What role do you sense God calling you to play?

• How can your team become more balanced?

 

Application

• Thank God for your unique design.

• Commit to serving faithfully in your role.

 

Closing Reflection

• Which characteristic impacted you most?

• Where do you see growth in your leadership?

• What will you do differently because of this study?