Elder Epley, or Scott Pitta, A Question...

[votivesoul]

I am wondering about a specific point of Pentecostal history, and I thought either of you might be able to give some insight.

I am wondering about "casting a vision" for a church. You know, how the pastor of a church, usually at the annual business meeting, will tell the church his vision for the coming year.

My question is: has this always been a part of the modern Pentecostal church, was it a carry-over from another source, or did it begin sometime later, after the early Pentecostal outpourings?

A side question:

Is it a widespread practice in/among Pentecostal circles?

Others of course can chime in if they have some info.

Much appreciated! Thanks.

[Esaias]

It's a charismatic thing, from Word of Faith/New Apostolic Reformation/Kansas City Prophets/Latter Rain movement, I do believe.

Possibly also connected to secular marketing/business concepts.

[Steve Epley]

This is not part of the church culture I am associated with? I have always been associated with the ultra conservative end of the Oneness movement. Wish I could help sorry.

[Sister Alvear]

I don't remember the term, casting a vision....in business meetings have heard my husband say, I have a vision for next year....let's pray about this....

[good samaritan]

Not sure of the source by which most derive the terms cast a vision, but the scripture says that without a vision the people perish. I think by casting a vision it is not meant as visions of prophecy. Instead it is more about goal setting in local church venues. I don't think that it is a bad thing, but a church must make sure their goals align with God's for their local church. What are your feelings, Votive?

[houston]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I don't remember the term, casting a vision....in business meetings have heard my husband say, I have a vision for next year....let's pray about this....

same thing

[houston]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

This is not part of the church culture I am associated with? I have always been associated with the ultra conservative end of the Oneness movement. Wish I could help sorry.

You don't make and/or discuss plans for the next year?

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by houston

You don't make and/or discuss plans for the next year?

No. Just being honest. Never have.

[Esaias]

http://herescope.blogspot.com/2005/1...n-casting.html

"Rick Warren & Vision Casting
The use of the term "visioning" and all of its variants is part and parcel of the futurists' method of operating. They believe that "vision casting" is a way to transform Earth's future and man's destiny. Just before his death, Willis Harman (see previous posts) served as co-editor for The New Business of Business: Sharing Responsibility for a Positive Global Future, a publication of his World Business Academy (Berrett-Koehler Pub., 1997). Part Five of the book, entitled "Discovering the Spiritual Dimension of Business," details how to integrate spirituality (not Christian!) with the business domain. An example of this is given in a chapter by Taoist Diana Whitney,"Spirituality as an Organizing Principle," in which she explains "visioning."

"Shared vision and common values are said to create organization meaning and to provide the impetus for organizational change. Leaders at all levels of the organization are guided to inspire (to fill with spirit) rather than to motivate. Visionary leadership, . . . is said to make the difference between successful and unsuccessful organization change. 'Visioning,' or conversationally projecting the organization into the future, and creating alignment among organizational members about the desired future are essential organizing endeavors." (p. 193-194) [emphasis added]

This type of language has entered evangelicalism like a flood. It came into the church via the business gurus and consultants. Churches have been feeling pressure to define their "mission, vision, and values." Pastors have been told they should strive to become "visionary" leaders. Rick Warren holds himself up as an example. He wrote:

"I know my leadership style. I am a big-picture, vision-casting leader. . . . There is nothing inherently right or wrong about being a vision-casting leader. It is simply the way God wired me." [http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/2004...0_pastors.cfm]

"Creative Visualization" is said to be the "process of using mental images in order to acquire what one desires or produce changes in one's attitude, thus creating one's own reality. . . ." according to the Seeker's Handbook, an occult dictionary by John Lash (Harmony Books, 1990). Envisioning is being widely used by neoevangelical leaders, both individually and corporately, as a way to "name it and claim it," "declare" something into existence (United States Strategic Prayer Network), or bring about desired transformative results."

[Esaias]

https://graceparadise.wordpress.com/...ision-casting/