Paul: The Visionary

[Strategic] LeaderCase Studies in Biblical Leaders

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man with a dream. In his famous speech on August 28, 1963 at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, his use of the phase, “I have a dream,” was indelibly branded on the heart of the nation.

Introduction

The nature of leadership presupposes vision.

Visionary leaders define the task, not by what could be done, but by what should be done.

Then they develop effective strategies to accomplish that vision.

They often accomplish more than they thought they would.

Introduction

Visionary leaders are growth-oriented leaders in every context in which they lead. Common visionary leaders include:Entrepreneurs who see a product

before it exists.College Presidents who see trends and

develop courses accordingly.Church planters who see a church with

people no one else is reaching.Pastors who see the possibility, even in

a declining church.

Introduction

Visionary leaders face challenges: A world happy with status quo They are ahead of their time Dream bigger than people think

possible Initially find themselves standing

alone They often see the answers before

others see the question

Introduction

The downside of visionary leaders: May take on a task beyond their

baility and flounder Dream too far ahead of the followers

and cause them to feel overwhelmed May struggle with their attitudes

toward followers Greatest danger is the tendency to

pursue the dream before they develop the strategy.

Introduction

Paul has been described as the greatest Christian leader of all time.Why do you think some people have

that opinion of Paul?Paul developed strategies still found effective in missions today.Paul developed and used strategy to accomplish goals that grew out of his vision.

Paul’s Example

Authors James Kouzes and Barry Posner write: “Every organization, every social movement begins with a dream. The dream or vision is the force that invents the future.”

Paul’s Example

Paul’s strategy was two pronged: First, he believed the gospel was for

both Jew and Greek, saying that the gospel “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). So he usually started first by reaching out to the Jewish people in various cities.

Paul’s Example

Paul’s strategy was two pronged: Second, he developed his unique

ministry to the Gentiles: “Inasmuch as I am apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them” (Rom. 11:13-14).

Paul’s Example

Paul adapted the message (without changing it) to the audience. When speaking with Jews he had a common point of reference with OT Scriptures. However, when speaking to Gentiles he had to find the common spiritual connection through creation (Acts 17:24).

Paul’s Example

Paul also understood the principle of reaching key people in communities. This was God’s plan for Paul Who described Paul as “a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15a)

Paul’s Example

Another key was Paul’s geographic strategy: He reached large centers as the

base of a broader regional ministry

He established new churches in cities that were regional centers with an influence beyond their city bondaries.

Paul’s Example

Paul had a “bridge building” strategy to reach as may diverse people as possible:19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

(1 Cor. 9:19-22, NKJV)

Paul’s Example

Paul developed a strategy to ensure that all who were under his spiritual care were taught the Scriptures. He told the Ephesians, “I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:31)

Paul’s Example

Despite his commitment to developing ministry strategies, Paul never allowed his strategy to change or alter his message in any way. He said, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2)

Paul’s Example

Effective long-term leaders know how to develop and implement a strategic plan.There are essentially seven steps to developing a strategic plan:

First, identify the goal you hope to achieve in a clearly written goal statement.

Building a Strategic Plan

Second, identify those things that may help you achieve your goal.

Building a Strategic Plan

Third, take time to identify those things that are likely to hinder you in the pursuit of that goal

Building a Strategic Plan

Fourth, list the steps that need to be taken to realize that goal.

Building a Strategic Plan

Fifth, prioritize the steps by listing them in the order they need to be achieved

Building a Strategic Plan

Sixth, it is helpful to identify a logical scheduling sequence. A PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) chart can be helpful with this.

Building a Strategic Plan

Seventh, once the plan is developed, implement it.

Building a Strategic Plan

Erica Olsen, COO and Co-Founder of OnStrategy HQ illustrates the full strategic planning process in less

than five minutes.