Leaders are people of vision, and vision imparts life.

The words tells us that "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs. 29:18). And it's true!

Commander: What's the vision you have for your outpost?

If someone asked you "What's in your heart for Rangers?" could you give them a succinct version of your vision? Is it that close to your heart that you could "rattle it off" for them?

We need to have a vision, know our vision and be able to communicate our vision.

Having a vision.

A vision can be variously described as an idea, a plan, a big picture or just a premonition. In our context I see vision as the grand design - the final picture of what you are working towards will be like.

• With a vision - you can inspire and motivate others.
• With a vision - you can ride out the rough spots.
• With a vision - you can keep on track and prioritise your actions.

Vision empowers. Vision gives life. Vision brings energy. Vision refreshes.

Do you ever let yourself day dream about Rangers? What do you see? How many children are in the program? How many leaders? How big a facility do you use? How many souls are being saved? How many families are changed?

• Without vision, a leader stumbles.
• Without vision, a leader is lead by the whims of his followers.
• Without vision, a leaders wastes his time and the time of those about him.
• Without vision, the people perish.

Know your vision.

Do you believe, in God, the things you dream can happen?
Is your vision so large that without God it can't happen?

Know what it is that you want to achieve. Don't spiritualise it too much.
It's ok to dream big dreams.

Too many people get caught up worrying whether their vision is sacred or secular. Ask God to fill your mind with vision. Ask him to flood your heart. Use your passion to ignite your position to see the potential.

And then write it down.

Then read it, refine it, read it, refine it. Pray about it. Ask God if this is what he's called you to achieve.

Break it down into pieces.

Your whole vision may be too big for anyone but you and God to know about.
But there are steps or chunks that can be shared. And other pieces that you'll hide in your heart.

Communicate your vision.

Here's a part of my vision:

I see a large thriving outpost, with 100 boys and girls.
I see a large and strong, uniformed leadership team of 20 men and women.
I see an outpost council that acts to our outpost as elders to a church.
I see us using a large facility, with gym equipment, breakout rooms, a polished wood floor.
I see patrols lined up straight as a die.
I see uniforms complete, pressed, correct and smart - with shiny black shoes.
I see bright, eager faces of children busting to learn and achieve.
I see guides leading, advising, counselling, correcting and making decisions.
I see senior guides co-ordinating outpost activities.
I see patrol spirit by the bucketful - so much so that it's embarrassing.
I hear songs and yells reverberating off brick walls.
I read patrol histories in large notebooks, feeling the pride with which they were written.
I see great camps, co-operation, dedication, industrious effort.
I experience amazing council fires with my outpost, praising the Lord, encouraging and praying for each other - leaders to kids, kids to kids, kids to leaders and leaders to leaders.
I see myself handing out award after award - to leaders and children.
I see an honour board of Leaders medals of Achievement and Ranger Gold medals of Achievement.
I see kids growing into leaders, taking on the responsibility, accepting the batten.
I see leaders privately weeping in prayer, holding up their rangers to God.
I watch lives change, destinies unfold.
I see souls saved, brought to hear the gospel by obedient and compassionate friends.
I watch our church grow as a result of the Ranger ministry.
I see rows of church pews filled with the families of newly saved rangers.
I see streets and lanes change character.
I see our community changed.
I see the work we do in Blaxland changing the course of our nation.
I see great things.

but this is just a part of what I see.

I see a Ranger program in every town.
An outpost in every suburb.
I see a program so pervasive that every child will either be a Royal Ranger or know someone who is a Royal Ranger.

Can you see it?

How well can you communicate your vision. Do you share it with your commanders and rangers? Your pastor and/or church board needs to hear this too.

Be bold.
Seek the vision, see the vision, speak the vision.

Commander: you have a privileged position in the grand scheme of eternity.
You have been chosen to lead the leaders of tomorrow.
The future of the world has been placed in your hands.
What will you do with it?
How will the lives of your Rangers be different because your paths crossed?

Vision.