Dreams and Visions

This Sunday in our study of Extravagant Generosity we are considering heart cards that ask about our dreams and visions for our church. Last week I talked about our tendency to consider the word Stewardship as maintaining the status quo. From that perspective, the request for dreams and visions may challenge some of us. How does stewardship relate to dreams and visions. Can we be good stewards if we don't consider ourselves the author of dreams and visions but rather one who is the hands and feet to carry out dreams and visions given to us by others? The Bible stresses that the church is one body with many members, each of whom brings their own unique gifts. It also says that each of the gifts is equally important. If I am a facilitator, and enabler, then I am a good steward if I create environments in which those who are given the gift of vision can be inspired to have visions. If I am given the gift of organization, I am a good steward if I create the infrastructure that enables the dreams and visions to be carried out. Being a good steward consists of many facets, and no one can define for anyone else what one's stewardship call may be. Certainly that call will change over the years as our experience, wisdom, knowledge, and physical strength change. What never changes is the need to be in prayer to discern our gifts and the best way to make use of them. John Wesley goes so far as to pray to God that he should be "put to work for you or set aside for you."

So my fellow members of the circle of stewards, what is your dream, what is your vision? If you don't come up with one, take a look on the website and on the Extravagant Generosity bulletin boards at the main building,or the wall at the Family Life Center. Maybe you will find a vision that calls to you to claim for your own.