Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!

One of the most under-rated television shows in recent years, in my humble opinion, was Friday Night Lights.  The series followed the lives of a Texas high school football coach, his family, and players on his team.  Coach Taylor is known for his rousing pep-talks both on and off the field in the series.  One of the lines that has become well-known from the show is "Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose!"  

I don't say things like this very often, but I feel that God continues put the notion of a church visioning process in front of me.  In order for a church to do more than simply survive but to thrive, it needs a clear and compelling vision.  In the book Climb Higher: Reaching New Heights in Giving and Discipleship, authors Scott McKenzie and Kristine Miller highlight the truth that pastors, sessions, and even Presbyteries try to deny: that often times a church's vision is merely to pay the bills and keep the doors open.  For many of the smaller churches out there, this is a gargantuan task in it's own right.    These days there are so many organizations out there asking for people to donate their hard-earned money to this cause or that charity, the voice of one crying out, "In the wilderness,prepare ye the way of the Lord" is lost in a cacophony of other voices, other needs.  

Maybe, just maybe, the reason that our cries are muffled is because we aren't asking the right questions!  Anyone can ask for money, anyone can say, "this is the budget, help us meet it."  Anyone can pull off a stewardship campaign and perhaps get back a small percentage of pledge cards.  In truth, we aren't saying in our churches, "we are preparing a way for the Lord" or "we are making disciples of all nations" we are saying, "here are the numbers, help us keep the lights on."  The questions are not "How much do we need? How much do I give?" The questions are, "Why should I part with my money to give to the church? What will be the effect of my giving to the church rather than say, the American Cancer Society or Children's Miracle Network?"  Friends, do not hear me saying that these are not worthy causes, they certainly are!  My point is, people want to see their money, time, and talents transforming lives!  

Our mission is given to us in the scriptures, it is the great commission.  It is the vision portion that is difficult.  We have to put in sufficient time and effort, in work, study and prayer to discern where our strengths intersect with the needs of the community.  What is it that God is calling us to do in this place and at this time?  

It is time for our church to ponder the difficult questions:
Who are we?
What is our context or community for ministry?
What does God want?

Then, and only then, will we find the inspiration and the motivation to support the ministries of the church, the activities and the people, rather than simply paying the bills.  Clear Eyes. Full Hearts.  Can't Lose!