Vision is essential to a church. However, unlike the values, mission, and purpose, the vision is more subject to change. It is dynamic, not static. Over time, the vision must be renewed, adapted, and adjusted to the cultural context in which the congregation lives. The change takes place only at the margins of the vision, not at its core.

Historically, whenever the church of Jesus is dynamic and healthy, it grows. But healthy, missional Christians don't just clump together in larger and larger groups. The healthier the church is, the more Christians mobilize into outward-looking teams to start new groups. New churches. New missions. New movements.

Recently, I started helping with a small group for college women. I'm only a few weeks in, but I'm already in love. They're smart, passionate, kind, creative, and fun to be around. They are crazy about Jesus, and they love the church. They love deeply and care for each other incredibly well.

It was a cold December morning. My wife and I were in downtown Chicago on a weekend away from the kids. As a small-group pastor I am often able to sneak away in December, a relatively slow month. We were enjoying the time away, planning what to do with the rest of our day when my wife got a text that stopped her in her tracks.

You're investing thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours, and numerous headaches in planning a missions trip. You hope to save the world (at least the corner you'll be in) and return with photos, stories, and unforgettable memories of souls you've touched.