The Five Cultures Of The Vision

The Five Cultures of the Vision

Habakkuk 2:2-4 NKJV

Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.

Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

I. T.E.A.M.S.—principles of success

A. Developing a culture of success

1. The principle of twelve has a culture in which it thrives and grows. T.E.A.M.S. is an acronym for this culture.

a) T—teamwork

b) E—excellence

c) A—authority

d) M—ministry

e) S—service

2. These five principles form the backbone of the vision to win, connect, train, and send. If these principles are missing, the mechanics of the vision will not be effective.

B. Understanding the culture of the Cross

1. The culture of this principle is a culture of the Cross. The Cross must be at the center of everything we do to expand God’s kingdom.

2. Understanding the Cross and how it relates to the five principles of the vision is essential.

II. Teamwork—the cross in our leadership—1 Corinthians 1:12

A. “I am of Paul. . .”

1. Satan loves to cause division. He will always try to get us to fight against one another or to compete with one another.

2. Division will destroy the vision. The Cross must be at the center of a “TEAM” so that no one person is exalted and competing with others.

B. The work of a team

1. The work of a team is the sum total of all the efforts of the individuals in a group.

2. Teamwork may be defined as a group of people who are working in unity striving toward the same goal.

3. No one should be the only person who can do a particular task. In every phase of the vision, we must be training others who can do exactly what we can do at a moment’s notice.

III. Excellence—the Cross in our motivation—Daniel 6:3 NKJV

Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and

satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king

gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.

A. The Cross as God’s best

1. In the Old Testament, a sacrifice was not acceptable unless it was excellent. In the New Testament, Christ was the perfect sacrifice and became a pattern for all ministry.

2. Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, Paul, and many others typify this commitment to being excellent.

B. Excellence defined

1. Excellence means that everything the team undertakes is done to the very best of its ability.

2. From soul-winning to cell meetings to Encounters to Discovery Classes, the team commits to do their very best for Jesus Christ.

IV. Authority—the Cross in our obedience—Hebrews 5:7–8

A. Submission to authority

1. The Cross demonstrates submission to authority. Christ learned obedience from the things He suffered. To obey those who are over us in the Lord is not easy, but it is essential.

2. A rogue, rebellious spirit that constantly challenges and second-guesses the leadership will never be blessed.

B. Submission to the will of God

1. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ asked God, “If it is possible, let the cup pass from Me.” However, He continued, “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done” Luke 22:42

2. We must always submit to the will of God and acknowledge His absolute authority in our lives and ministries.

V. Ministry—the Cross in our character—Philippians 3:13–18

A. “I count not myself to have apprehended. . . .”

1. Everyone needs ministry. Not a one of us has arrived at a state of perfection where we no longer need personal ministry.

2. Our team meetings, retreats, and individual times should all be times of ministry.

B. “Live according to the pattern. . . .”

1. We must be open, transparent, and able to receive ministry as a part of the culture of growth and multiplication.

2. As we model openness and transparency to our team and cell members, they will in turn model it to those they are helping.

VI. Service—the Cross in our attitudes—Philippians 2:5–7

A. “Took upon Him the form of a servant . . .”

1. Paul warned against a spirit of pride and ambition. We can easily become fascinated with titles, positions, and recognition.

2. Jesus’ disciples constantly allowed this spirit to influence them, and Jesus had to correct them by example.

B. “For I have given you an example . . .” John 13:14–17

1. Serving others is the highest form of ministry. Jesus demonstrated this to His twelve disciples when He washed their feet.

2. Humble, menial service to one another and to the lost will bring greatness in the kingdom of God.