Expatriate Missionaries as Vision Casters

Jesus was a visionary leader who cast an inspiring vision of life in the Kingdom of God.
Missionaries should follow Jesus' example and cast vision for the future of their cross-cultural ministry.
Without imparting vision, missionaries risk ineffectiveness and minimal lasting impact.

Missionary Ministry that Reflects Christ

"Your daughters will prophesy... Your young men will see visions." — Joel 2:28

Jesus was a vision caster. Early in His ministry, He challenged two Galilean fishermen to leave their nets and become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). His words were so compelling that Simon Peter and Andrew immediately followed Him.

Jesus cast a vision of Kingdom life to multitudes. His Beatitudes (Matthew 5) painted a picture of God's design for humanity. He modeled ideal relationships, good choices, and missional living.

Three other examples of Jesus casting vision include:

“Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.” — John 14:12
“If you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.” — Matthew 21:21
“These signs will accompany those who believe...” — Mark 16:17–18

Jesus’ vision sometimes felt unreachable, but it wasn't fantasy. He believed transformation was possible through the Holy Spirit's power.

Even after His Ascension, that vision endured. Millions have responded in faith to the future Jesus described.

Leadership expert Burt Nanus described a vision as a “realistic, credible, attractive future... better or more desirable.” That captures Jesus’ approach—and what missionaries should emulate.

"Casting a vision" means presenting a clear and powerful picture of a desired future state or goal. It involves articulating an idea, dream, or direction in a way that inspires and motivates others to work toward achieving it.

Missionaries should cast visions that captivate. Like Jesus, their time in a culture may be limited. If they fail to cast a vision, their ministry could become what Italians call “sticking a finger in the water”—something that leaves no trace.

Vision casting matters.

Reflection Questions on Being Vision Casters

How can missionaries cast an inspiring vision for the future of their cross-cultural ministry?
What might result from missionary work that lacks long-term vision?
How did Jesus’ vision challenge societal norms of His day?
How can missionaries balance present realities with visionary hope?
What strategies ensure that a missionary’s vision endures after they leave?

-- Howard Culbertson, hculbert@gmail.com

This article on Christlike vision casting is part of the Missionary Ministry that Reflects Christ series, published in Engage, a monthly online magazine.

Acrostic: Vision

V – Viewing possibilities with an open mind
I – Interpreting clues the present leaves behind
S – Seeing beyond the present day
I – Innovating where new paths turn
O – Open to change, embracing the unknown
N – Nurturing wisdom as foresight is grown

Enjoy acrostics? Explore more here.

Afterword: What Could Be

Jesus spoke of hope and redemption, offering a vision of justice, love, and peace through God’s Kingdom.
His miracles demonstrated what life filled with compassion and justice could look like.
He challenged injustice, modeling a society built on dignity and equity.
Jesus' parables inspired faith and imagination—vital for vision casting.

When we cast vision, we emulate Christ: inspiring hope, fostering transformation, challenging injustice, and nurturing faith.