In literature about church leadership today, the term “vision” is inescapable. The rector (or senior pastor) must “cast a vision” for the parish; the vestry (or elder board) must “safeguard the vision” of the parish; every parish needs a “vision statement”; bishops and synods must be “visionary.” I think we all understand what is meant by such language—an institution that lacks a clear sense of its identity and mission will drift, make incoherent decisions, or perhaps abandon faithfulness and orthodoxy. Insisting on a vision, for this discourse, means insisting on a clarity of purpose and planning wisely for the future.
Login to read more
Sign in or create a free account to access Subscriber-only content.
