Ripe for Harvest

66 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

Benefits of Using Wisdom in Ministry Tasks

• Clear vision helps everyone clearly see if the team is doing well or not. • Clear direction minimizes confusion giving a sense of confidence and hope. • Everyone knows their assignment . • People can decide if they want to stay and help fulfill the vision or move on to something else. You do not want people on your team who are not supporting the vision. If they stay they will either become inactive or will cause problems. • Wasteful activities are minimized (stay focused on vision, not opportunities). • An environment is created where you can say “no” to opportunities that do not contribute to the vision. • Opportunities that contribute to the vision can be anticipated and recognized quickly. Nehemiah was ready when the opportunity arose to explain his vision to the king. • Clarity and direction minimizes hurting or discouraging the troops. Soldiers die from lack of clarity and direction. • Wisdom demands a balance between vision (faith) and reality (prudence). • Clear direction inspires people and sets them free to innovate. • It provides the tools to be pro-active, minimizing becoming a “victim of circumstances.” • The principles can be applied to many areas of the team’s activities . Developing a habit of using wisdom will make every activity, large or small, more effective.

Barriers to Using Wisdom in Ministry Tasks “. . . we are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Cor. 2.11)

• “We’ve never done it that way before.” God has no use for traditions that block his progress. Just because it has been done a certain way does not indicate it remains a wise option (Acts 10). • “We’re doing fine.” Apparent (or real) success can keep you from greater fruitfulness (John 15.2).

Context Values/Vision Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter