Biblical Insights on Visioning

God is creating in Portland, bringing His Kingdom and establishing His Power and Presence in the city. It is our responsibility to see our personal and corporate visions, hear the call to respond to them, and to move on this vision with our spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit is both the Envisioner and Enabler. As the Envisioner, the Holy Spirit shows us with Spiritual eyes what God is doing. As the Enabler, the Holy Spirit gives us the power (Dunamis) to bring the vision to pass.

Vision and Prophecy go together. Without a vision, there cannot be prophecy. For example, look at Israel when Samuel was only 12 years old:

"The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions." 1 Samuel 3:1 NIV

There was no vision in Samuel's time, neither was there prophecy. By the end of the chapter, Samuel is a man and there is both vision and prophecy.. City leaders must work together in unity to define this vision for the city in clear terms, and then sound this vision from the church pulpits so that all can hear.

"Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?" 1 Corinthians 14:8 NIV

The visions are carried by God's people in many ways: as a city we carry God's vision for the city. There are also visions for parachurch organizations, networks, networking organizations, churches, ministries within our churches, and as individuals. There are three differences in the city today, however, in this visioning process:

1. God is moving much faster today to accomplish his purpose. Christian leaders are recognizing that the visions we carry will almost always happen within our lifetime, not passed to another generation. Prayers are answered in hours, not months.
2. Networks, consultations, electronic communication (Internet) and tracks are more important than hierarchial structures, conferences, and intentional groups. Structures are failing us more and more because of this accelerated time. Networks, consultations, and tracks permit more ownership of the vision by everyone and permits the emergence of servant leadership.
3. Servant leadership is the only method of managing the networks and tracks. When there is too much control at the top, there is too much inertia and lack of ownership by those of follow.

At the same time, however, the visions we are running on must be clearly and boldly sounded.

"Write the vision on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it with a glance (or while running) and rush to tell others. But these things won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not delay. Behold, he whose soul is not upright in Him shall fail, but the righteous will live by his faith." Habakkuk 2:2-4

To quote Robert Greenleaf in Servant Leadership:

"The real enemy is fuzzy thinking on the part of good, intelligent, vital people, and their failure to lead, and to follow servants as leaders. Too many settle for being critics and experts...In short, the enemy is strong natural servants who have the potential to lead but do not lead or who choose to follow a non-servant."

Both International Renewal Ministries and Mission Portland have emphasized the important of servant leadership in their work and have minimized structures in accomplishing their goals. In part for this reason, both have become models for other cities.

Jack Dennison with DAWN, in his April (1995) visit to Portland, spoke clearly and prophetically to the local leaders that a clear vision for the city needs to be sounded so that the churches can move specifically in response to that vision. An important aspect here is to define who gives the vision in the city and where it is given.

• May not have full vision now - that is OK. God has given pieces of that vision. Run with what you have; God will provide the other pieces as you go.
• Focus on the vision and God will take care of the meantime.
• God's vision speaks of the end and will be genuine.
• Look beyond difficulty and what is happening now to ruin the vision.
• Let faith be focused on promise (vision).
• You can live victoriously in the meantime.
• Sometimes the meantime can be mean.
• Be faithful in the meantime when we don't understand; go through difficulties trusting God.
• Vision is for those not puffed up.
• It will happen only by God's means and faithfulness.
• Who shall separate us from the love of God?
• Elements: Laying Foundation, Waiting, Doing

The five Biblical Marks of Genuine Revival, as defined by Jonathan Edwards, are:

• it exalts Jesus Christ
• it attacks the powers of darkness
• it exalts the Holy Scriptures
• it lifts up sound doctrine
• it promotes love to God and Man.

Christianity Today, September 11, 1995, PP 30-31