Vision or Memory?

Almost 20 years ago, I had a good friend come and conduct a Sunday School teachers' training for the church where I had been pastor for a few months. As a part of the weekend of training, he asked an open ended question ... What is your vision for your church? It was surprising (or maybe not) that many of the answers given had a common theme. The vision that folks had was for the church to be like it was when they were growing up. It made for an interesting discussion of the difference between vision and memory. Now, as a teenager of the late 1970's, I can tell you without reservation that the best music ever recorded happened in that time period (ok, maybe with the exception of the disco thing). You don't agree? Must be because you are not in my age bracket. I can also look back and tell you some really meaningful and powerful connections that churches made in my formative years. It is tempting to look back and say that things would be better if we would only go back to _________________ (you fill in the blank). Here's the question ... Are you living out of vision or memory? Can you identify where God is leading you and your congregation (or ministry organization)? Or do you have to rely on memory to identify the work of God? I am reminded of the words of Philippians 3:13-14 ... But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. (Holman Christian Standard Bible). One more question ... how can your memory serve you in moving forward into the vision to which God is calling you? I would love to hear your answers. With an eye on the harvest, Gerry