Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out - "Get a Vision - Go For It"

For the next issues of the Historic Trinity "Messenger," The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard will do an article called "Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out". He will challenge us with his thoughts and experience as a leading churchman in America. While we may agree, or not agree, he will share with us what he has learned that works in the local parish. Over his forty years of experience in the ministry, he has always tended to be ahead of the current curve of church practices and is always "pushing the envelope" to get us to expand our thinking.

Too often, we see churches that are in the blahs, frustrated, or depressed over the circumstances in which they find themselves. It is so sad to hear of parishes on the verge of closing. Worn out facilities, burned out members, finances drained, and lackluster leadership. Discouraged, tired, and no energy to carry on the ministry, too many are giving up. Others feel trapped. They have only had 45 members or 75 members yearly for the past five years. No baptisms, no confirmations, just funerals.

Prov. 29:18 says "Where there is no vision the people perish", or some would say "Or go to another parish". Success breeds success, failure breeds failure. No one wants to be on a losing team. Lift up before your people a vision - a hope - something they can latch on to invigorate their faith and life. Think of where you want the parish to go - to close - to be stagnate - or to flourish. Be innovative, seeking the best integrative solutions to problems. It takes people and money. Away with - the thoughts , "we have always done it this way", "we will never be able to that", or "everybody is against it". It takes a lot of prayer, a lot of affirming the members, a lot of work to get up and move out of the rut of doom and gloom. Are the people willing to pay the price? There are sacrifices to be made, but, just think of the great rewards! Vision is the bridge to take you from the past to the future, it is the eye of faith to see what does not now exist, but what it takes to make the ministry happen. Others have turned dying parishes in flourishing ministries and you, too, can also accomplish great things. Continue to lift the vision before the people no matter how small it may be, now. Someone once said, "if you only paint the restroom - you have at least done something!" Share your vision of the ministry, show how catching this vision will lead to a heightened future, beyond their imagination.

Visionary leadership - needs to tie into a vision, but it must be believable, an accessible dream, where people can buy into the dream, and then they will buy into your leadership. Remember God will continue to do His miracles amongst you. So, go forth boldly in faith, knowing that with God all things are possible.