ML King's Vision & Bedrock Beliefs

At the recent Martin Luther King Breakfast sponsored by Crispus Attucks in Lancaster, Joyce Davis, President of the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg and noted author,   spoke about King’s vision for not only justice and peace at home but globally. Injustices aboard ultimately effect justice in America and injustices in any part of American society effects us all.

She stated that King’s vision was sustained by his bed rock beliefs. His Christian faith and his faith in the American ideals grounded his hope that the vision would one day be fulfilled. King faced many situations that would have deterred and discouraged him that the dream would not be realized. His bed rock beliefs not only sustained him, but guided him in how he would work toward fulfilling the dream (i.e. non violence.)

Do you have a vision for your church? What are the bedrock beliefs that undergird that vision? What are the core values that guide and direct what you do?  A vision without a plan is only a dream, but a plan with no bedrock beliefs can be weak and ineffective. Vision and Mission statements can be broad and general; core values help to focus and give direction—they narrow the road traveled. 

What are  the values and beliefs that give grounding for  your congregation? Is your vision growing dim because you are frustrated; ready to quit or move on? How do your values and beliefs sustain you and your vision?