Ripe for Harvest

S ESSION 1: S EEING THE B IG P ICTURE • 67

• “Being organized doesn’t allow for the leading of the Holy Spirit.” God had a plan and is working his plan through us. We should not be ashamed to have a plan and work that plan. • “It doesn’t matter what we do – God will bless it. We will face it when we come to it.” While there are some things that are better left later, sometimes this attitude reflects a lack of discipline. • “We can do it” rather than “we should do it.” – basing decisions on emotion, expediency, or available resources. ~ Keep a clear focus on the vision. ~ Engage activities which contribute to that vision. ~ Many good things to invest in, but only a few contribute to the vision . ~ Poor stewardship to be driven by opportunities rather than by vision. ~ Wisely consider the implications of decisions, not the easiest path. ~ Emotions can easily deceive us. “Be clear-minded and self controlled so you can pray” (1 Pet. 4.7). ~ The path of least resistance often carries a price to pay. ~ CONTRIBUTION TO VISION. • Fatigue. “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” When we get tired, we are more resistant to new ideas and anything which will tap our already-low resources. This resistance can result in missed opportunities. • Fear of failure, fear of change, fear of losing supporters ~ Mediocrity is preferable because it is safer. ~ Risk brings the prospect of personal failure and humiliation (“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control,” 2 Tim. 1.7). ~ Natural to dread change, but we are constantly being transformed (Rom. 12.2; 2 Cor. 3.18). ~ Flexibility (openness to change) is critical to exercising wisdom (God does things we don’t expect). ~ Wisdom may dictate action resulting in controversy, but if it is in the best interest of the vision, you must act courageously and sensitively.

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