The Power of Vision: Discover and Apply God's Plan for Your Life and Ministry Paperback – January 2, 2009

Used for studying visions and the importance of having one.

Becoming the pastor of a newish, small church, the vision we lived by was "gather everyone you can!" That only takes you so far. But when you're the pastor, youth pastor, secretary, worship leader, and janitor of that same church, getting time to pray and think about a better vision becomes one of those items on the to-do list that keeps getting moved down by more pressing, although less important, matters.Barna gives a quick, to-the-point lesson on getting and developing and sharing and living by God's vision for your church. No time-wasting chapters here; just simple, east-to-read pages that are completely helpful.Have a place to write down thoughts as you read. I found that just thinking through what I was reading enabled me to start hearing what God has been saying for a while about our church's vision. And, pastor-who-thinks-you're-not-a-visionary, this book will help you dispel that lie. If you're listening for God's voice, you'll find vision. This book will help you get there.

The name Barna is often associated with market research, specifically for Christian consumers. In developing his firm, George Barna had worked as a consultant and trainer at large corporations, specifically guiding them to capture a vision for their business. Thus, he is well-equipped to write such a book.Unfortunately, despite the use of Christian terminology, Barna does everything he can to deny biblical authority in his book. At one point he laments that Christians do not have a worldview or philosophy of life to guide them and help them make decisions. The truth is, they do; it's called the Bible. Barna seems to forget its existence throughout the entirety of his book. His very lament (found on page 149) denies both the sufficiency and authority of the Bible.He does not stop there though. He goes on to deny God's message. At various points, he gives examples of various people and praises them for not compromising the gospel. However, the people he praises are individuals who do not understand the gospel message at all, as noted by their own writings (an example of this is Mother Teresa).Finally, he denies God and his work. While often saying one needs to know God and turn to God for a vision, his conception of this is nothing more than personal feelings, sentiments, and impressions.We need a redefinition and reorientation of vision that is defined by Christian principles. George Barna had the opportunity to do that. First, he is seen as an authority in this discipline. Second, he has put together a book to address that very issue in order to instruct others. Yet, he fails to appropriately address the problem. This is a terrible book, and not only can I not recommend it, I would do my best to encourage others to not even read it. It is secularism thinly veiled as Christian in nature.I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purposes of review. However, my review was not influenced in any way by the author, publisher, or anyone else associated with this book and is the result of my own reading of it.

For a young pastor like myself with a young church, this book has definitely opened my eyes as to the importance and signification of obtaining God's Vision for the ministry He has called me to. I have always agreed with the Bible's position, that "where there is no vision the people perish", but how one comes to that vision has always alluded me. This book answers many of the questions that have lingered in my mind. I would recommend it to any Pastor or Church leader who is serious about fulfilling the mission of God for their life and assembly.

George Barna certainly accomplished his purpose for writing The Power of Vision, in providing a guide for effective vision development and implementation. This book should be in the hands of every Christian leader who wants to see long-term growth and impact in his ministry (personal or corporate) as a resource and step-by-step manual, regardless of where he is in the visioning processes. I believe this book can be used by God to completely change the direction and future of a church or ministry for good, to accomplish His purposes.

Practical and Biblical insights on being a godly leader. Encouraging to be reminded that although all leaders face adversity while implementing a new vision, it is worth it all in the long run.

Book is wonderful

I found this book to give great insight. I used this book when I was in ministry school and found myself buying copies for the core group. Step by step instructions will give the vision in your mind and spirit a home on paper. It is a model for ministries within a ministry and church planting.

A thoroughly challenging book worth spending time on.

The book helped me to articulate my vision statement and the marketing strategies and tactics all focused on the vision

I have always been confused between vision and mission, but now I finally get it. A vision is unique to each church provided by its God appointed leader