Time, Grace and Vision
by Jay Gamelin, Pinnacle West Associate
I once worked with a church that had a strong group of dedicated servants exploring a new idea. They wanted to shift their summer VBS into a multi week arts camp. When the team brought the idea to leadership, they were energized and hopeful. They talked about deepening student commitment, building relationships, and working toward a shared goal: a one act play written, directed, acted, and staged entirely by the kids.
Most of all, they wanted to reach a nearby mobile home park where many children could not afford camp. Their hope was to serve that community by offering a safe, free place for kids during the summer and supporting working parents along the way.
They were honest from the beginning that it would be a big undertaking. They would need twice as many servants and people with specific gifts like building, painting, writing, and music. Still, they felt ready, and the idea moved forward.
As launch day approached, the response amazed them. Nearly one hundred students signed up. Then registration day arrived.
The turnout exceeded expectations. While one hundred students registered, nearly one hundred thirty showed up. Some arrived without permission slips, and tracking down guardians proved difficult. Children of all ages and sizes filled the building. Many were unfamiliar with church spaces and routines. Kids ran through pews, explored every room, and often had no idea where to go.
The day was exhausting. The team had imagined a calm start with students listening and following instructions. Instead, nothing meaningful was accomplished. It was fair to say the first day felt like a failure.
The next morning, several team members asked to meet early. Sitting in the pastor’s office, they shared their disappointment and fatigue. Some wondered if they had anything left to give. A few even suggested canceling the camp after the first week. The vision suddenly felt distant and overwhelming.
I have seen this pattern many times in ministry. A good idea sparks excitement, and people jump in without realizing how much they do not yet know. Energy is high until reality sets in. The work is harder than expected. Obstacles appear. Support feels thinner than hoped. In a moment, confidence gives way to doubt.
At that point, the temptation is to quit. I have watched communities move from idea to idea, abandoning each one when it reaches this difficult stage and chasing the excitement of something new.
This is where leadership matters most. Leaders bring three essential gifts: time, grace, and vision.
First, we give time. Few things succeed immediately. Growth requires space to learn, adjust, and improve. Time allows a good idea to become what it was meant to be.
Second, we give grace. These moments are hard. Expectations and reality rarely match at first. Teams may feel discouraged or even misled. We remind one another that we are not called to perfection but to progress, offering forgiveness, patience, and encouragement.
Finally, we return to the vision. The original excitement was not misplaced. If the vision is sound, it is still worth pursuing. We do not abandon meaningful work simply because it is difficult. We practice resilience and trust.
The story of Israel in the wilderness reflects this pattern. Again and again, the people wanted to turn back. Moses reminded them of the promised land and encouraged them to trust the journey, sustained by provision and guided by hope.
Before the second day of camp, the team met and remembered why they began. They acknowledged how hard the first day had been and chose to learn from it. They prepared differently, welcomed the opportunity to serve new families, and stepped forward with cautious but renewed energy.
It took time to find their rhythm. Slowly, the students engaged. Excitement grew around the play they were creating together. By the end of the third week, they presented a joyful and silly performance for parents, friends, and neighbors.
In the end, many servants said it was one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives. Strong relationships formed. The surrounding community began to see the church as a place that genuinely cared. Because the leaders stayed committed to the vision, they experienced the fruit that comes from perseverance.
Every new program carries risk. Things will go wrong. But when we offer time to grow, grace for the struggle, and a steady reminder of the vision, we find our way through the hard days in the wilderness.
