As far as I can see.
Those five words have shaped so much of how I talk about vision. I find myself saying them often because they carry an honest confession: we can’t see everything. We can only clearly see what God has placed before us right now. But along the way, God has always been faithful to give glimpses … like flashes of lightning against the night sky. However, God promises to give us enough light for the next step or two forward.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
God doesn’t promise us stadium lights to get from one end of the field to the other. He gives us enough light to follow his lead, one or two steps at a time.
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One of the clearest glimpses I’ve had recently came during Pastor Dan and Pat Miller’s retirement ceremony last week in Michigan. The love and laughter in the room, the legacy of faith, and the spirit of unity gave me a glimpse of the future health and joy that our network will experience as we continue to grow. A moment that will stay with me forever was when Pastor Dan laid his hands on me and prayed a prayer of commissioning over this next season. The title of president is one thing, but the spiritual mantle of leadership that was passed on means so much more.
That prayer reminded me of the foundation we are building on. When Dara and I first connected with Pastor Dan and Pat, we didn’t just find leadership; we found a family. We found love. They welcomed us into this network as people first, not just as pastors. They cared for us in ways that re-shaped our understanding of the power and beauty of a network of pastors. Our goal is to care for the ministers in our network in the same way that they cared for us.
And at the center of that calling is you. Not just your title or your platform. You.
You are not a machine. You are not alone. As our network expands, we invite you to bring your whole self. We will never expect perfection. We expect every minister to stay faithful to Jesus, their calling, and to one another as we dig into relationships and support each other.
As far as I can see, our future at IMN will be guided by five values that express who we are and what we care about:
- Relationships – Christ-centered connection across race, gender, generation, and geography
- Spirit-Led Innovation – Fresh, creative responses to what the Spirit is doing in our time
- Resourcing Pastors – Tools, mentorship, and rhythms of care for every season of leadership
- Neighborliness – A commitment to justice, mercy, and love in every community
- Kingdom Collaboration – Working together with churches, nonprofits, and like-minded ministries for greater impact
Dara and I bring to this work the lessons we have learned from our journey. We have planted churches, launched nonprofits, walked through hope and heartbreak, and learned to trust God every step of the way. We know how hard ministry can be. We also know the joy that comes from walking together in community.
We are inviting you to walk with us. To honor the past, be faithful in the present, and imagine the future. To follow the Spirit’s leading with faith, courage, and imagination. To trust God for new wine and prepare new wineskins. (Mark 2:22)
You are loved, and we are in it together.
With gratitude and hope,
Dr. David Docusen
President | International Ministry Network
www.imnchurches.org
