JeremyBell.Biz

Regarding the graphic, ‘Out of Strategy and Leadership, Resources facilitate Activity’. In mathematics it is possible to see all results of the ‘If -Then’ formula. I break it down into 3 resulting areas and I use this formula to perform root cause analysis and to orderly develop strategy process.

This page addresses the Abundance part of the formula, Vision, Mission, and Values. It is the crucial 1st step. The 2nd step will be to get a realistic picture of what the heart looks like and its ideal state. Expression and momentum come from the abundance, or overflowing, of what is filling up the heart. Vision, Mission and Values are the fillers, they are what directs free action. E.g. to see people love more, or listen more, these qualities will be taught regularly, on purpose, and in demonstration by leaders.

Strategy and Leadership

Abundance is what everything flows from and shapes beliefs. Strategy forms and flows out of Vision, Mission, and Values. This can be applied in infinite ways but should always be tailored according to the organization and its’ individuals. Strategy then builds plans with controlling capabilities (in management terms). Leadership requires on purpose actions with purpose. Leaders use ideal actions to help others grow from their current state towards the ideals, within the framework of the Vision, Mission, and Values. Ideally, there always exists a [ mentee — mentor – mentee ] relationship where the mentee is being trained to mentor.

My skillset and passion: Building strategy with plans and controlling (for management) capabilities.

Leadership

My leadership style connects people across the church using consistent local church philosophy. I have served as General Manager, Sales Manager, and Customer Service in the service industry and have a servant leadership style. My constant question is, how and in what way can I build others up and get them the resources they need to do the same for others?

Vision

My vision will always start with Christ. Every believer is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. In this life, we are all to become more like Christ Jesus.

My vision: Facilitate and grow the expression of each persons’ unique value true to God’s glory and purpose.

Mission

My mission, and why I exist: Position, Support, Build, Unify.

I promote transformation and growth by teaching individual positioning. A person must be saved by repenting in heart with faith in Jesus. This is worked out in community through all kinds of groups with many kinds of names, unified in Jesus as source and the Bible as authority. This includes hierarchical positions as well such as pastors, elders, deacons, members, etc.

Mission is a more specific action that will help accomplish, or grow in a greater degree, towards the vision.

Values

My values: I value most (imperfectly) learning to love God and love others (imperfectly). My desire is to know others and encourage an atmosphere of openness. In any ‘counseling’ situation, my responses to people will include anything from encouragement to rebuke, but my goal is relationship and/or reconciliation for relationship.

Values in general are beliefs and principles. The Bible lists many and these lists are not meant to be exhaustive. So, I will not attempt to do so here, only to state that they are supreme. Qualities of kindness, gentleness, self-control, etc. have no law governing them. Other things clearly do. This is an area of potential dissention and discernment as many values are subjective and descriptive in nature. It is easy to make commands and laws of things never intended to be laws or commands. Values are important but often easily abused.

I obey (imperfectly) the values taught in the Bible first. I then obey what the local church I attend teaches, irrespective of my personal convictions. Be assured, if the local church does not agree with clear Biblical values, I won’t attend. This does not mean my lack of attendance is a comment on any church, I can only engage with one at a time. Each group and individual may elaborate if there are no conflicts in the hierarchy. As a leader, I promote the Bible and church values, while considering special values for different offices and groups.

Planning and Controlling, Elements of Management

A good planner looks to its own organization to accomplish goals according to its unique placement. It is also important to remember it is an organization within a community within the body of Christ. When the Vision, Mission, and Values have been laid out, consider how the organization will demonstrate, proclaim, and lead towards an abundant filling of these things. Brainstorm, write things down, and compile lists. These will be refined as planning continues to take shape.

Additionally, consider the local community the organization is in. Are there other places close by that share enough of the same values that might be able to utilize resources with? E.g., A shared value might be to feed the hungry. If your organization can host a food pantry, great! If not, a local food pantry that is already established would not only help with logistics that your business may get distracted by, but also helps build community relationships as well.

Are there other churches close by that share enough of the same values you might be able to utilize resources with? For example, if your church does not have a marriage group, would it fit to recommend marriage events at another church? A local church cannot be everything to everyone, but churches can unite to provide Christ’s salvation when needed. Are you connected with the local church pastors? Do you know about their Vision, Mission, and Values?

Be sure you have training involved so your ‘sending out’ is strong in the faith and ready to work in the name of Christ, not simply work. If growth happens outside your church planning, equip, and strengthen with some feedback so you can continue to shepherd.  There may even be non-church efforts to get people involved. Serving in a food pantry does great in the community and provides opportunity to witness. 

Opportunities and Threats (Oh my!)

Finally, in the big picture look, consider opportunities and threats. What are the opportunities for evangelism? What are your church and body member strengths? What gaps do other churches have that you might be able to provide for? What might threaten to close your doors? How might you deal with false teachers and divisive people?

While moving on to the next stages, get a worksheet out to start getting ideas down for metrics and how to track them.

Final Strategic Thoughts

The Lord fills the heart with abundance and works through believers and leaders. From this abundance, the believers will speak, or act, enabled by the Holy Spirit.

Plan to do such and such, if the Lord wills. He gave us tools and information to see the big picture and make plans. He gave us freedom to exercise it in infinite ways with boundaries. Consider what He has written to us in His word and apply it to equip and evangelize. It starts with prayer, filling up the heart, and considering the abundance that can be shared.

Now it’s time to get more specific by analyzing the current actions with desired actions.

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