"Today I believe that the hardest task for the pastor is theoria rather than praxis, vision rather than activity." ~William Willimon, What is Right with the Church, p. 98.

I think Willimon is right. It is easy to have aimless activity in a church. It is easy to be putting out fires constantly without having a clear vision of what is causing things to combust into flames. Without vision, people perish. We need to provide a desirable picture of the future for people to focus on, so that together the church would strive and work toward accomplishing tasks that fulfill the vision.

It is hard to articulate visions. I think it takes conviction, boldness, passion, and clarity to do this well. Perhaps we can be clear on our own (or maybe not), but we can get the first three things only from God. May God give me these four things as I am in seminary. I need a vision from God of what he has called me to do!