The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. (Rev. 1:20)
A pastor friend recently asked me, “What is your favorite activity in church planting?” Without hesitation, I shouted, “Vision casting!” As a church planter, one of the things I enjoy most is gathering with the individuals who make up the launch team to hash out where we are, where we're going, and what it will take to get there.
During the vision casting process, the selected future leaders on the launch team work together to prayerfully share and thoughtfully structure a compelling vision for the new church. As a part of the process, the team develops and attains a corporate sense of what the church will be and do. The character of a vision is that it reveals the desired outcome. Vision guides, and without it, people cast aside restraint. Vision protects, and in its absence, the church’s potential is limited.
The universal church of God will experience difficult times in her earthly existence. Trying moments will come, and her faith will be tested. Persecution and possible death will come from the enemies of the church. However, did you know that God has cast a vision for us as a body of Christ? And Jesus Christ is the ultimate foundation for that vision. Furthermore, it is to the advantage of the church of Christ to stay focused and encouraged, and rest assured in God’s faithfulness.
Rest in the God who knows the past, present, and future.
Jim Machuku is an ordained minister, resident pastor at Mc3, and an educator. He is passionate about leadership development in Africa.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
