Position or Vision?

I have had this thought for a couple of weeks and really wasn’t sure how to write it out, but let me try and write I am thinking. In the last 6 weeks we have made a lot of changes at Revolution in regards to people’s roles. We have moved several of our staff around into positions they were better suited for, positions we had holes in, and positions that would enable us to reach more people. We have also moved around a ton of our volunteers into different roles. Again, this was to put them in position they were best suited to serve in and to enable us to take the next steps as a church. Not only have we moved around some staff and volunteers, but I myself have changed my role here at Revolution. I realized I was becoming a huge bottleneck in many areas and I stepped aside and am allowing our incredible team do what they are here to do and that is lead. Transitions are never easy and I’d be lying if I said I have enjoyed everything that I have changed. However, I understand that Revolution is NOT about me and I have made the necessary changes in my role to allow us to continue to grow and reach more people.

We are already seeing the results of these moves as we are having the largest crowds we have ever had, putting on some of the best services we ever have, and there is a buzz in the church that is insane. Changes are life. The day we stop changing is the day we will start dying. As things grow, as new people come on board, as individuals figure out their calling and passion the simple fact is that leads to change.

I have sat back over the last month and observed how people handle change and I have learned it really boils down to what you love. What you love determines how you respond to change. Some people love the position they hold at Revolution and some people love the vision of Revolution. There is a huge difference between the two.

Those who love their position won’t make it through transitions and change. Now, I am not saying you shouldn’t be sold out to the area you serve in because you should be sold out, passionate, and consumed with the area of service God has given you. However, if you love the position more than the vision, you won’t navigate through times of change. When you love the position more than the vision you can’t see the big picture, you can’t see how the church is improved by the changes that are being made, you can’t see that someone else might be able to do your job better and more effective. All you see is YOUR desires, YOUR wants, and what makes YOU happy. When you love the position more you take it personally when you are asked to move to another area. Instead of seeing vision all you can see is YOU are being punished or how YOU are being effected.

When you love the vision over the position, all that changes. When you understand that everything we do at Revolution is about reaching those that are far from God, you could care less where you are asked to serve because it doesn’t matter. When you love the vision over the position all you care about is seeing those far from God come to know Him. Whether it means you are in the band or you are a greeter, you could care less because you know every move that is made is to further the vision. When the vision comes first, you don’t take things personally. You rejoice in changes because you know it is enabling us to reach more people.

We have volunteers at Revolution who have had 10 different areas of ministry and don’t care because they understand the vision. They just want to be part of making it happen and if it means they are carrying crates after the service, they are happy to do it. We have also had volunteers who loved being in charge, loved being in a “cool” position, and loved getting credit and praise from everyone. When those people are asked to change areas just once, they pout and take their ball and go home.

A church cannot, will not, and isn’t able to grow if it is full of people who love position over vision. I have watched over the last few weeks those who have moved around on our staff, with our volunteers, and even myself and I have never been prouder of Revolution as I have watched. For every one person who has loved position first, 25 have loved vision first.

That is why God is moving right now at Revolution!