The Power of Vision

Finished reading "The Power of Vision" by Barna. I give it a big thumbs up. Made me realize 2 things:

(1) In regards to our youth ministry (www.highpointyouth.org), I've been using our Mission...

  "HPY exists to connect students to each other, believing adults, and to God--to provide an environment enabling them to grow faith and friendships--and to send them out to go live a life for Christ." 

...as our Vision statement. But in reality, I need to create a vision that is much more specific, empowering, and people-oriented. For example, what age of student? What type of adult? What will be used to grow faith? How will we send them to go? What will they be doing? 

Be praying as this process will not be that quick or easy. If you have any input on this (or have questions), feel free to leave a comment, call, text, email, or tweet.  

(2) As a believer in Jesus, I need to come up with my own personal vision statement of how I will always live my life. Something separate from my role as the youth pastor at HighPoint Fellowship. I believe I've been living it (very imperfectly), but I need to clarify it so that it can better be used as an ongoing guide to everything I do as a guy, husband, father, pastor, friend, neighbor...everything.

Thought o' the day:  I'm in Africa with Jeanne-Mari (wife) and Melissa (daughter). Since I'm on the topic of vision, it's amazing what I can "see" over here that the locals (of all colors) don't. Assumed stereotypes. Accepted actions and speech that is common but that makes me--as an outsider--look twice. Most of it is just "different" but sometimes it makes me cringe. It's called being in a different culture. 

But the BIG thing it makes me wonder is...What am I not seeing when I'm at home?? What am I accepting that maybe I shouldn't??  I know there must be some significant stuff. I'm praying about this as we continue our trip. 

South Africa Trip Update: We're still in Johannesburg...hanging out with family. Lots of sun, great food, and great company (got to spend several hours hanging out and walking around with Jeanne-Mari's 85-year-old dad yesterday...I'll be blogging about what I learned from that later). We leave for Krueger Park (Big game reserve) on Sunday or Monday and will be there about 5 days...totally out of touch. Looking forward to lions, elephants, antelopes, and plenty more. Not a good place to go jogging!  :)