Articulating Vision is Leadership’s Essential Task

One of the essential tasks of a leader is articulating the vision of the congregation. Yet the congregation’s vision arises from God’s call for the congregation and is not an invention of the leader.

So a second essential task of a leader is listening to God speak through a congregation. This requires teaching a congregation how to listen to God speak and how to share the Spirit’s insights collectively. Listening, gathering information and assembling the information into actionable ministry are the basic steps for discerning to what God is calling the congregation.


The Spiritual gift of “wisdom” is knowing God’s word for a congregation. The Spiritual gift of “counsel” is giving direction to a congregation that derives from God’s word. They are essential qualities and tasks of leaders. And by the Spirit’s grace they are gifts that can be learned.


Discerning God’s Mission: Trust-building and Teamwork for Collective Insight is training in leading congregational listening to God, identifying a congregation’s calling, building congregation trust so as to act on their calling, and organizing ministry to carry out God’s calling.


It is training, practice and practical tips on collectively listening to God. The course goes beyond the usual management techniques of common leadership training. It is about eliciting group wisdom as God gives it and then organizing congregation action around God’s vision.