The VOICE!

The acrostic VOICE (Vision; Organization; Involvement; Care; Evangelism) is A proposed model for developing the infrastructure in a church. The vision – ministry imperative - should be clear and not vague. The minister needs to confirm the vision is from God and of God. The local church can follow a leader with a clear vision for the church. An out of focus vision cannot be corrected later on without Holy Spirit involvement. Before casting the vision to the congregation the minister needs to be sure it is clear, focused, and divine.

The organization – building the body – needs to be prepared with a solid foundation based on the resources at hand and practicality of utilizing the resources for ministry. The minister needs to prepare and organize human, physical, and spiritual resources. This followed by effective plans and methods will allow the minister to schedule the ministry or else things will seem scattered.

The involvement – commitment to serve – needs to start with the minister that is casting the vision. As a minister, I should be involved and take time to work the vision into the minds of the people. The minister’s involvement should serve as an example and inspiration for the entire body to be involved in advancing the vision for the church. I can’t expect someone else to spend more time on working the vision, casting it, and sharing it because God has given it to me. At the same time I need to make the effort to motivate my leadership team to implement the vision.

The care – people factor – is a practical reality experienced by all in the body of Christ. The minister and the church must strive to meet the spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational needs of people in the church and the community. From the minister’s perspective, being driven by the vision, we must accept the fact that we must care about the vision because we cannot expect everyone to believe in it the same way we do.

The evangelism – beyond the walls – is a necessity for any church that has a divine vision. A local church without an evangelistic focus or ministry is not in tune with God’s commandment and intention of the local church in this world. The church has to reach out into the community where it is located and impact the lives of the people who do not know Christ. The minister’s primary purpose in ministry is to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I have to lift up the name of Jesus and bring honor to His name in all that I do in the ministry. When I lift up the name of Jesus, He has promised that He will draw all men unto Himself. Our responsibility is to lift Him up in our lives, our families, churches, and communities. The Spirit of God is responsible for directing the steps of the seekers into the house of God and His presence.

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil