Warren Bennis writes that vision, passion and integrity are caracteristics that set apart true leaders from others. I chose to briefly delve into the topic of integrity earlier. I approach vision different than Bennis does because as a christian leader I realize that God has already cast the vision and that he has given me responsibility in casting it towards others and pursuing it through mission.
Before a christian leader can truly lead they must have a grasp on integrity and in order to do this they must know who they are and have the discipline to be authentic individuals. Once we have a grasp on this we should begin to direct servant-folowers towards God’s vision. God’s purpose for His people is to bring us back into restoration and communion with Him. This is the vision that christian leaders pursue. We do this through the act of directing.
The concept of leader in the new testament comes from that of someone who steers a ship. Leaders are steerers who navigate the waters of ministry and help to guide followers along in pursuing the vision of restoration. That is what the christian faith is supposed to be pursuing and this is why leaders of integrity need to fulfill their part.
Some definitions are in order. There is this misconception that vision and mission are the same thing. Note that they are un-separable but they are not the same. Mission should be used to describe how we go about achieving and pursuing the vision. Vision is what is in store and what we hope to achieve. In the christians case, God has already cast the vision and leaders have the responsibility in delivering this vision and directing followers in pursuing it.
A leader’s integrity and authenticity are vital to pursuing the vision that God has cast before us. If a leader does not know who they are then they cannot possibly know where they are going, let alone begin to lead a group. If a leader cannot be disciplined enough to take control of themselves, how can they exercise authority over a group of followers and begin directing them towards God’s vision of restoration.
In summary, vision is God’s in the christian leaders case. We have been blessed with the responsibility of a mission that points towards God’s vision. We as leaders do our part by directing and steering others towards this vision with the particular mission that God has placed in our hearts to pursue. God will give us passion as leaders that will help us discover the mission that God has blessed us with.