Includes bibliographical references (pages 241-244).

Firsthand testimonials -- Introduction -- Let God come down! : a burden for God's glory -- Value the Bible : a passion for God's Word -- Value the Great Commission : a heart for God's world -- Value the heart of the Gospel : a commitment to God's grace -- Seeing souls safe in the arms of Jesus : a vision that is out of this world -- Seeing Christ triumphant in our generation : a confident vision for a great harvest -- Transforming vision : an optimistic ministry -- Gathering : his last words, our first work -- Growing : what is a strong disciple of Jesus Christ? -- Sending : called to be taught, taught to be sent -- Expository preaching : the marks of biblical preaching -- Living worship : longing for the courts of the Lord -- Loving fellowship : the church must be a place to belong -- Compassionate outreach : becoming the hands and the heart of God for a world in need -- The ministry of prayer : it's all we have, but it's all we need -- Appendixes. The implementation of a vision and ministry plan for a local church -- The vision and ministry statement.

The church is more than a building -- it is an assembly of people joined together across distances and even through time to fulfill God's purposes in the world. Each local gathering of that assembly needs a vision to help its members accomplish the work God has called them to do. But how do you inspire your church to create and follow through on a vision? Mike Milton provides tested, biblical ideas to get everyone in the church involved in a plan to help the congregation grow. Each chapter develops an awareness of what needs to be done, provides questions for review, and includes prayers by elders and ministers of churches that have put these ideas to use. - Back cover.