Vision, Leadership and Ministry Pt. 2

I'll break this post down into two seperate sections. I'll first respond to my previous post and the comments then I'll catch you up to what's been happening in my life as of late.

Thanks JC for your comments about this topic. To be honest, I had a much better answer a month ago when I posted it than now, but Ill tell you all what I think now. As for Vision we are often quoted "without vision the people perish" as if this were the call of all to follow and must have. It's been used for everything from starting a new program to raising money. I'm come to the conclusion that there really is only one vision that we all must see and try to obtain. It's the vision that God has for mankind which is to be in relationship with Him. Within that vision are many different aspects of living it out. Putting flesh on it I guess. I'll try and explain. God's overall purpose for man was to be in relationship with him. That was and is the vision of God. He desires relationship with us. All of recorded time is in pursuit of that vision. God has pursued man and man him (at times). Within that vision God calls us to move toward that "goal" or pursuit. At times this is communicated through dreams and visions in the lives of people, but often it is communicated through those moments in time we really cannot explain. ie. quiet voices, thoughts, others, etc. (I don't know if I'm explaining this good here) That part of the vision is then lived out by individuals, groups, and communities. It's within these lines or peramiters that leadership is thus demonstrated or lived out. Leadership has been written about for decades and there are thousands of books about it, but leadership in Christ is simply Leading within the vision of God. In reality it may or may not really be the act of leading, but rather living within God's vision. The definition of leadership encompasses leading something, but reality within God's vision we are followers. We may have those who will follow us, but we may be on the path completely by ourselves. As for ministry, it used to be full of meaning and substance, but breaks down to the simple definition of "creating any movement toward God" Ministry has become this complicated formula of programs, design, titles etc. but when we break it down it simply is the process of getting people to move toward God. If, for instance, if I say "hello" to the same grumpy man each day as I walk past him on the way to work and each day he ignores me, but one day he acknowleges me. I've succeeded in ministry to this man. Why, because he just made one move toward me thus one move toward God. Success in ministry is not the ABC's (Attendance, Buildings, Cash), but simply helping people move towards God's vision for mankind. (I kind of thew all that out there, but I hope you caught a glimpse of what I mean)

Part 2: Life
You can now visit my "professional" site www.butlermohr.com/scottwilliams to see my glamour look and the properties that I now have listed. I just listed two more the past two days that aren't on there yet thus making my total listings of 9 right now. I'm hoping to close on my first buyers house in two weeks and Praying that I get a contract on one of the houses in the morning. I'll keep you posted on that. I knew that I was starting a "business" when I got into all of this, but for some reason I didn't realize I was starting a BUSINESS. It's really been nuts. I've been driving all over Northwest Ohio showing homes, listing homes and getting training. I'll need to sell a dozen homes simply to pay for what I've already spent. It's been tough, but I think I'm pretty good at this (for a guy who hasn't actually sold a house yet). I can see in all this, however, how God has allowed and directed us down this path. I can see how this can open up to so many new opportunities for God's vision and our direction in that vision. I've met people left and right who are in such dire straits yet have no understanding on how to get out of there situation. I've begun re-learning what it's like to try and work a "real" job and try to minister to people outside of the church walls. And it's been exciting. God has continually provided our financial needs throughout this process, as well as, our spiritual needs. We have been leading a small group in the church that has truly been a blessing as we have gained new deeper friendships, and ministry partners. We spent a Wednesday night together a couple of weeks ago serving meals at another church for those who needed it and we've gotten excited about finding new ways to reach into other's lives. Dawn's been picking up more hours at work which has been good for the bills, but harder on us as we are trying to adjust to our new schedules, but our marriage and family is stronger that ever thanks to God's grace and our growth during the past couple of years.

Well that's a long/short version of our life for now. I'll try and do better with the blogging and posting on your blogs. You all know me well enough to know that it's gonna take a little time for me to get this new life half way organized so I can function well. Continue to pray for us and we will for you!

Blessings!