You have vision to start a wilderness ministry and have thought through some foundational aspects of launching your ministry such as Should I create a non-profit or develop a church ministry? Why? and What are the very first steps to take toward starting my ministry? Now, it is time for exposure! How do you get church leaders to understand your vision, get excited about the impact it will bring, and give you their support? Here is some powerful wisdom from Juan Carlos Cevallos, Latin America Regional Director for Wilderness Ministry Institute.
Thy Will Be Done
How Do I Get Church Leaders to Understand Vision for Wilderness Ministry and Give Me Their Support? As I think about how to answer this question, I have had to go back in time and take a good look at what the Lord has done in my life and the favor I have found in the eyes of older and wiser men who are in leadership. One thing I know is that we are people of God’s will and His will will be done. That is the ride of my life!
Most times this question of how do I get my leaders to support my vision, comes with the frustrating baggage of our leadership. As people of God, our role is to simply seek His will in everything we do, inviting people who are in leadership over us, and people who are under our influence to do the same. So, even before we talk about this I would highly suggest for you to take a moment and pray for your leadership.
A River Knows It’s Way
Throughout my years in the mountains around South America, I have had the privilege to see numerous rivers. Maybe the most impactful ones are:
1. the beginning spring of the Savegre River – up 8000 ft in the mountains of Costa Rica,
2. the powerful Pastaza River crashing down from the Andes in Ecuador on its way to the Amazon, and
3. one of the many rivers that snake slowly but powerfully through the San Martin basin into the Amazon River in Peru.
Each one of these rivers knows where they are going. Some of them are very small and seemingly insignificant. Others very powerful and fast where it seems like nothing could stop it. While others seem gentle with no hurry, yet powerful, carving into the ground taking its time to get around obstacles. All these rivers will end up in the ocean. The little river will accumulate more water and rush faster where it can so that when the land flattens and cannot go fast, it has accumulated the strength needed for the long journey and keep on moving.
Lessons that Will Gain Support
I would like to suggest for us to see these rivers and do 3 things as we grow in influence with God’s church and our leadership as we continue making disciples.
- The spring of water: Be anchored in the Lord: at least two things happen in your heart when you are in the Word and pursuing God. One, you will see the importance of intercession for your leaders (1 Tim 2:1-3), and two, He will show you more of Himself (2 Pet 1:1-11). This is a small step, but where everything starts. it is where vision starts and draws passion.
- The rushing river: Prepare yourself: Nehemiah 1 gives us a perfect picture of what happens when God-given passion invades our life. When the Prophet Nehemiah hears about the problems in Jerusalem, he hurts so much that he enters a time of fasting and prayer, where he pursues God’s will and His time. It was several months later, and after the king had seen Nehemiah’s service and pain that he asked what was going on. Then Nehemiah prayed and responded to the king with vision. Nehemiah knew that when the king asked, he had to give him the whole picture. It is not a surprise that the king gave Nehemiah everything he needed to pursue his passion. The king was all in with Nehemiah and there was no stopping it.
- The big river: It takes time and consistency: After 20 years of ministry, I know I am not the most patient guy around, but I have experienced the fruits of waiting for God’s perfect timing in my life. As I have been getting older, things have started to slow down. Just like the river in the flatlands, it may appear gentle and not going anywhere, but the vision and preparation of my ministry are actually powering through the land. Just like in the river, the accumulation of water and the speed and force of passing down the mountains has collected strength and power to get to its goal.
The Short Answer
How can I get my leaders to understand and support the vision I have? Walk with the Lord, prepare for the moment to put all in practice, and remember it takes time. It is in His timing that His will will be done. Do not lose hope and intercede for those in authority over you.
Reflect
3. Do a heart check with yourself. Is the calling and timing of your ministry in line with His will?
4. Consider taking your leaders on an expose trip in order to show them the full picture of your vision.
