Big Picture...Little Details

A picture of our four grandchildren is on my desk. Because they are scattered in different geographical areas of the world, it is not often that we can have them all sitting on our couch at the same time. To have this recent picture (6 months ago) of all four is a blessing and a reminder of the “big picture.” But when you look closely at this picture, there are several details that come into focus. The two oldest grandchildren are looking at the camera and are gently touching the two younger grandchildren sitting between them. The youngest (1 month at that time) is sound asleep. The sister of the youngest has her eyes looking to the right while holding tightly to her young brother’s hand. Her eyes seem to say, “I’m going to wake my brother up for this picture.” These “little details” make the “big picture” come alive.

Your ministry in the local church and our combined ministry in the association are no different than the family picture that I described. In order to accomplish our mission, all of us must have a “big picture” or vision of who we are and what our purpose or intent is to be. This visionary picture is grand and challenging. It enables us to see a dream for the future. In ministry, a staff, a leadership team, or a select group of insightful people usually have the responsibility of seeing this picture in their minds and hearts, transferring it to paper, and presenting it to the congregation. This enables everyone to embrace the “big picture” or vision.

The difficulty most often associated with a visionary picture is that the dreamers are often only dreamers. They speak words like “I am

only a big picture kind of guy. I don’t do details.” The problem that results is that a picture without details has no life. A vision within a church that is never translated into strategies and actions is only a framed sign on the wall. The little details bring the big picture to life.

May I pry for a minute into your church and our association? In recent years it has become the accepted practice to write down our mission, vision, and core values. It is such a relief when we complete that big picture task. But far too often, we never take the time to allow others to bring life to those important statements by detailing the steps and actions to take to accomplish the mission, to embrace the vision, and to exemplify the values.

Several years ago before the emphasis on the big picture came into vogue, the accepted practice was just the opposite. Actions were planned and work took place without too much thought as to what was the purpose. Details were of greater importance than the big picture. The negative of this approach was a lack of coordinated effort to move forward in accomplishing a task greater than just the isolated event or project.

It is true that almost all of us could be classified as big picture people or detail people. But neither group of us can successfully lead an organization or accomplish God’s purposes without the other. Both groups are vital to the expansion of the Kingdom. I encourage us all to include both in our planning; to celebrate both in our efforts; and to give thanks for both in our praying. The big picture lets us see who we are; the little details bring life and accomplishment to who we are.