Several years ago, I was hiking with my family through a desert in 90-plus-degree weather. It was grueling, to say the least! The redeeming feature of this hike was the promise of a beautiful, shady oasis at the end—the vision of a few palm trees and water. Yet that simple vision initiated and sustained the hike, even when I wanted to give up several times along the way. It kept me from taking detours. I wanted to get to our goal as efficiently as possible! It’s amazing how having an end goal clearly in mind can sustain our spirit and efforts in a task!
Do you and your church have this same kind of “vision” mentality for children and youth? What is your end goal? Is it a goal that is worthy of every ounce of energy you possess? Are parents and ministry volunteers being sustained and encouraged along the way?
In my experience talking with many parents and ministry volunteers over the years, one of the top frustrations they express is the lack of vision—What’s the big picture? Why are we adding this particular program? Why are we using this curriculum instead of an easier one?
Vision matters. It shapes what we do, how we do it, when we do it, and why we do it. Keeping that vision always before us will sustain and encourage us along the way, as long as that vision is worthy of our greatest efforts.
Our vision is that the next generations know, honor, and treasure God, setting their hope in Christ alone, so that they will live as faithful disciples for the glory of God!
At Truth78, we love helping parents and churches develop a more “vision-oriented” ministry to children and youth. As a first step, we invite you to print and share this short overview, which will also give you questions to consider from your own ministry experience, help getting started, and additional free training resources.
