Think about someone who is an example of a visionary leader. Describe his or her personality. What is an example of a vision that he or she has cast that comes to your mind? 

Most of us are familiar with the biblical verse, “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV) or as it is translated in the NIV, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint.” 

A leader’s vision comes from “one part foresight, one part insight, plenty of imagination and judgment, and often, a healthy dose of chutzpah” (Burt Nanus quoted in Kindle locations 1261-68). Kouzes and Posner say that visions “flow from the reservoir of our knowledge and experience” (locations 1268-75). 

The authors make the point that Christian leaders cast visions but also that they function more by revelation than by vision. Or, that the visions that they cast are grounded in revelation. When they use the word vision they are revering “to what God has revealed and promised about the future. The visions that drive spiritual leaders must be derived from God” (locations 1337-43). Christian leaders move their groups forward in ways that are intentionally grounded in biblical foundations. 

There are two methods by which leaders communicate vision: by using symbols and by telling stories.Examples of leaders who used symbols are Mahatma Ghandi who used the spinning wheel as a symbol of how people became economically self-sufficient and Winston Churchill who used and upraised hand making the sign of a V for victory. The Bible is an entire book of stories about and for God’s people. Good public speakers also, always captivate us with their stories. 

“The role of spiritual leaders is not to dream up dreams for God, but to be the vanguard for their people in understanding God’s revelation” (locations 1599-1607). 

What kinds of dreams or visions have been on your mind lately? How might these visions be understood to be expressions of God’s revelation for you and others? 

The purpose of this blog is to review excerpts from books that I view as making an impact for improving leadership in church ministry. The link below is to encourage readers to Buy the Book: Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God’s Agenda (Broadman & Holman, 2001). Quotes are referenced to Kindle locations rather than page numbers. The blog format begins and ends with questions that are suitable for use by accountability and discussion groups. You can buy this book by clicking on the following link.     http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Leadership-Moving-People-Agenda/dp/0805418458