The Power of Vision [Paperback]

George Barna (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2003

"Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). What is vision, and why is it an essential element of any effective ministry? This relaunch contains updated material and a new introduction to introduce the truths in this book to new church leaders. Learn how € God has shared His vision throughout history * how vision is different than mission € common practices and beliefs that inhibit true vision € practical steps toward discovering God's unique vision for you € ways to share and promote congregational ownership of the vision.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

In this new edition of a modern classic, George Barna defines vision as the “clear mental image of a preferable future imparted by God to His chosen servants based upon an accurate understanding of God, self and circumstances.” The writer of Proverbs adds that without this clear image of the future, people suffer—wandering in circles and in desperate need of a Godappointed leader to point the way forward. But how exactly do leaders catch the clear vision of God’s future? In The Power of Vision, Barna offers practical, proven tools for capturing, casting and implementing God’s vision for your ministry. Pointing to the examples of visionaries both ancient and modern, he uncovers patterns and principles that will help you understand, communicate and accomplish the unique vision God has in store for your life and church. In the process, you will gain insight into your own giftedness and motivations, get perspective on your ministry’s history and condition, and draw closer to the God who has chosen you to catch His vision.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

George Barna is the founder and Directing Leader of the Barna Research Group Ltd., a marketing research firm located in Ventura, California. Since 1984, the company has provided research and assistance to thousands of churches, parachurch ministries, non-profit organization and for-profit businesses. An award-winning author of more than 30 books, his work includes best-sellers such as The Frog in the Kettle, User Friendly Churches, Evangelism That Works, and A Fish Out of Water.He lives with his wife, Nancy, and their daughters, Samantha and Corban, in Southern California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Regal Books; Rev Upd edition (May 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830732551
• ISBN-13: 978-0830732555
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #898,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

George Barna was raised and educated on the East Coast before moving to California in the early 1980s. He held executive positions in advertising, public policy, political campaigns, and media/marketing research before beginning his own company, the Barna Research Group (now The Barna Group), in 1984. The firm analyzes American culture and creates resources and experiences designed to facilitate moral and spiritual transformation. Located in Ventura, California, The Barna Group provides primary research as well as developmental resources and analytic diagnostics. The company has served several hundred parachurch ministries and thousands of Christian churches throughout the country. It has also supplied research to for-profit corporations such as Ford Motor Company, The Walt Disney Company, Visa USA, and Prudential, and has assisted the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army as well.



To date, George Barna has written more than 40 books, predominantly in the areas of leadership, trends, spiritual development, and church health. Included among them are bestsellers such as Revolution, Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, The Frog in the Kettle, The Power of Vision, and Pagan Christianity? Several of his books have received national awards. He has also written for numerous periodicals and has published various syndicated reports on topics related to faith and lifestyle. He also writes a bimonthly research report, The Barna Update, which is accessed by hundreds of thousands of people through his firm's Web site (www.barna.org). His work is frequently cited as an authoritative source by the media. He has been hailed as "the most quoted person in the Christian church today" and is counted among its most influential leaders. In 2009, George initiated Metaformation, a new organization designed to help people maximize their potential. More information about his current projects is available from www.georgebarna.com.



Barna is a popular speaker at ministry conferences around the world and has taught at several universities and seminaries. He has served as a pastor of a large multiethnic church, has been involved in several church plants, and currently leads an organic church. He has served on the board of directors of various organizations. After graduating summa cum laude from Boston College, Barna earned two master's degrees from Rutgers University. At Rutgers, he was awarded the Eagleton Fellowship. He also received a doctorate from Dallas Baptist University. He lives with his wife and their three daughters in Southern California. He enjoys spending time with his family, writing, reading novels, playing and listening to guitar, relaxing on the beach, visiting bookstores, and eating pizza.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best work I have read on the subject of vision., November 10, 1999

By 

Todd Hudnall (Colorado Springs, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Power of Vision How You Can Capture and Apply God's Vision for Your Ministry (Paperback)

To this point the, The Power of Vision is the best work I have read on the subject of vision for ministry. Barna does an outstanding job of defining vision and explaining its importance. Along the way he gives many valuable insights concerning the crafting and casting of vision for ministry.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars must-read, must have for everyone, especially ministers, June 27, 2001

By 

Abraham (BROCKTON, Morocco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Power of Vision How You Can Capture and Apply God's Vision for Your Ministry (Paperback)

Of the thousands of books written on the subject, Barna's is at the very top of the pack. This book powerfully, succintly, grippingly presents what a vision is, where it comes from, how to capture it, how to apply it, how to deal with myths and vision killers, and much more. If you want to be an effective minister, or an effective, purpose-filled human being, read this book, then read it again. Every seminary and every Church ought to present this book as a gift to graduating students or at ordination. The vision comes from the Lord, the resources come from the Lord it is impoosible to fail.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Need Vision- Read this book, July 22, 2003

By 

Robert Wynkoop (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Power of Vision How You Can Capture and Apply God's Vision for Your Ministry (Paperback)

This book is an invaluable addition to any pastors library. Though brief, it gives a concise and pragmatic look at what vision is and how to implement it. Barna chips away at our misconceptions concerning vision and argues persuasively that it is the one indispensable ingredient for a growing church. Pastors who have a well-defined vision and who are able to articulate it to their congregations grow their churches, those without it do not.

The books greatest strength is Barnas lucid style. I appreciate his way of dealing with each objection that is raised to vision he destroys each with irrepressible logic. Barna disarms the reader whose preconceptions about vision would have torpedoed anything he was trying to communicate.

But the books greatest strength is also its greatest weakness; it left me hungering for more. Although I can understand why he wants us to go to extraordinary lengths to know yourself (pg. 80 ff) the series of forty-one essay questions that each pastor should ask himself is a little much. It would take an extraordinary person not to become lost in the process before discovering the end.

The book gave me hope. I have always known that the reason one church grows and another does not is because of pastoral leadership, rather than congregational indifference. What I did not know was why. Was it merely that some pastors have a natural charisma that others do not? Or was it something more fundamental, namely vision? It also helped me overcome the old enabler model of leadership I was taught in seminary. Vision comes from an inspired pastor and then trickles down from the top and not from committee consensus. It is an outstanding book.