By Ken Williams
ROCHESTER, New York--You may already understand the vision God has for you and your congregation.
Or, perhaps you have been like me. Two years ago I felt that our church leaders at headquarters were responsible for providing vision for our congregations. This had been our church tradition.
It hadn't occurred to me that God would give me, as a pastor, and the other members, his vision for our local congregation.
Some in our fellowship may be waiting for our president, Joseph Tkach, to explain where we are going. If asked, he may explain that we are on our way toward God's kingdom in its fullness, just as we have always been. But, what part is your congregation supposed to perform in this journey?
Mr. Tkach has explained that we must seek God's vision for each of our congregations. Headquarters provides resources to help us follow the vision God gives each congregation.
God has given us in the Rochester region a vision for the work we need to do. Our vision statement is "Equipping members to the ministry."
Our pastors are preparing members to do the ministries Jesus Christ has given them to do.
Pastors need not feel threatened by this. When a pastor is not attempting to do all the ministries in his congregation, he is freed to focus on the specific acts of service God has empowered him to do.
Since God has helped us to understand this, our regional training seminars have focused on the leadership development of all in whom the Holy Spirit is working--ordained or not.
Last September we divided our region into thirds. We chose three locations that would provide relative ease of access for most of our members to attend our leadership development seminars.
Our pastors agreed that we could meet every four months, on Sundays, and share the training we receive in our in-service training given to us by Church Administration.
I also share information I receive from our regional pastors conferences. We have had three rounds of regional meetings, three in September; three in January; and three in May 1998.
Mr. Tkach visited our area May 16-17 and led off this round of leadership seminars by participating in the Batavia, New York, conference.
Mr. Tkach explained that we need to be listening to God, who wants to help us understand what his vision is for each of our congregations.
Mr. Tkach pointed out that in the past everyone in the WCG shared the one vision given by church headquarters. He said he will not attempt to determine the vision of each congregation.
He pointed out that in time each of our congregations will take on its own personality. God is the Potter, and we are the clay. He has a purpose for each congregation.
Mr. Tkach explained that each congregation needs to remember that the WCG is a denomination.
While we are to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in doing the work God would have us do in our local areas, we are to remember that we are not independent congregations. We also have denominational responsibilities.
During last year's ministerial conference, Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, advised elders to encourage the leaders of the congregations to replicate themselves.
If a gifted leader would ask God for someone to mentor, he or she could replicate his or her ministry. As leaders replicate themselves, we are strengthening our interdependent ministry. Ever increasing ministries and leadership could make growth possible for our congregations.
Each month pastors in our region meet for prayer and to plan leadership seminars. Planning is easier now that we have a vision to guide us.
We believe that the ministries of congregational worship, small care groups and personal evangelism are vital to the health and growth of our congregations.
In addition to the training given at each seminar, we conduct regular praise and worship sessions. We conclude our seminars by taking communion and praying for each others' ministries.
We want to fulfill the vision God has given each of our congregations. We want to support our church, the Worldwide Church of God.
Ken Williams is regional pastor in Rochester, New York.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998