Apr 26, 2019
By Rob Appel
On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a speech where he was heard saying, “I have a dream.” What followed this speech was a vision that changed a people and changed a nation. That famous speech is a dramatic example of the power that can be generated by communicating a compelling vision for the future.
A clear vision is an essential component of an organization for them to be effective in their united tasks. So, what is a vision and how do Seventh Day Baptists get one?
A vision is a statement about what we want to become. It should form an alliance with all the members and help them feel unity, excitement, and a part of a grander cause. A vision should stretch our Conference’s capabilities and give shape and direction to our future ministries. A vision is a guiding image of success formed in terms of contributing to the total cause. It is a description in words that conjures up a similar picture for each member of the Conference of the finished work we can accomplish together. A vision should require the Conference’s members to stretch their collective expectations, aspirations and performance.
How a Vision is Used
A vision is an important guide to implementing new ministries. It is used as a measuring stick for future work together. Any new ministry would need to follow the guidelines of the vision of the Conference. Our mission statement answers the question: Why does our organization exist? Our mission is to equip our churches to actively advance God’s Kingdom. However, a vision is more encompassing. It answers the question, “What will success look like five years and ten years from now?” It is this unified image of a goal that really motivates us to pursue this work together. What is our Focus?
What We Do
Our focus is to develop and support new and existing leaders who will work through healthy churches. Leaders include pastors, as well as people who have served, are serving, or desire to serve in local churches.
How We Do Things and How We Want to Be
Our core values include being Bible- and Spirit-led.
Our membership is made up of local churches who have the freedom and responsibility to worship, educate and share the Gospel. We are a people who lovingly observe the 7th day Sabbath. And we exist because our forefathers were faithful in preserving our unique heritage.
We are striving to be compassionate in our Biblical living. We endeavor to be generous in our giving. We desire to invite and include people into our family. We attempt to be great stewards of all that God has given us. And we are an organization that is volunteer- focused.
I Have a Dream
Even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the Seventh Day Baptist values.
I have a dream that one day this Conference will rise up.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”
This is our hope, and this is the faith of the Seventh Day Baptist people. With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together and to struggle together…knowing that we will be doing God’s work!
I have a dream!