A Godly Way to Achieve Your Goals 
​
In Practical Wisdom for Building your Vision Dr. Jonathan C. Carey offers a Christian perspective on ways to turn a vision into reality.

Christianity has always been seen as a solution to spiritual dilemmas. But where does a Christian turn when faced with the more material concerns of implementing a strategy? In Practical Wisdom for Building your Vision, Jonathan Carey shows that the Bible is as good as a Harvard MBA when it comes to developing a vision and turning it into a reality.

Although mainly aimed at church leaders this book contains advice that is as relevant to leaders in any field where objectives need to be realised. Divided into four parts, Practical Wisdom for Building your Visionaddresses this question from a number of angles. Part one examines the notion of ‘vision’. The second part looks at the attributes needed by a Christian leader. In the third part Carey examines organisational structure. And the fourth part provides a workbook – the ‘5RCircle Process’ – aimed at helping an organisation develop and implement a complete vision. 

While business and government would find much in this book that would be of help, its Christian ethic is never compromised. Carey draws on both the Old and New Testaments to glean lessons that are as applicable today as they were in Biblical times. One fascinating element is Carey’s ability to use some of the less well-known stories from the Bible to provide lessons, wholly relevant to a contemporary audience. As a pastor himself, Carey describes situations during his own ministry that he has been able to solve using a Christian approach. A judicious use of metaphor adds another way of illustrating important points and offering solutions.

Dr. Jonathan C. Carey’s many activities make him well-placed to write about wisdom. Among other things he is a Justice of the Peace, and a Clinical Pastoral Counsellor. He has served as a Pastor, Bible School Principal, National Youth and Sunday School Director. He has also served as a member of the Bahamas National Crime Commission, and as chairperson of the National Youth Advisory Board.

Practical Wisdom for Building your Vision offers an original and insightful framework for both church leaders and lay people alike to turn their visions into a workable reality without rejecting any of the fundamental principles taught by Christianity.

Forword

Vision is key to succeeding; after all, it is vision that enables us to see opportunities where others see only challenges, and that allows us to see victory where others see defeat. Vision reaches into the nothingness of the present circumstances to grab hold of a possibility that is not so apparent. One does not build pyramids, a great wall, a great company, or a great religion without vision. What is true in these big areas of life is also true in individual lives; vision is critical.

Practical Wisdom for Building Your Vision, by Rev. Jonathan Carey, is a work by someone who is uniquely insightful and practical. In this useful prose, Rev. Carey provides clear instructions for all to follow in building a vision for success in almost any area of life. Using powerful biblical references and practical illustrations of the process that leads to vision building, Rev. Carey provides for his readers a good guide for a meaningful achievement in life. Not only does he present the positive opportunities that vision building presents, he also speaks to the challenges that those seeking to do so must encounter and provides wisdom for overcoming those challenges.

This work will be useful to leaders in all kinds of organizations, be they church, business, school, or government. It will also be helpful for those simply seeking to gain a clearer focus in life. I recommend it to readers as a useful work by a truly gifted and insightful teacher.

Zhivargo S. Laing
Former Minister of State for Finance 
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Interview With Jonathan

1. Can anyone benefit from Practical Wisdom for Building Your Vision?

In, essence, we are all leaders and have the potential for leadership greatness, be it, in our homes, ministries, workplace, leisure places, therefore ‘practical Wisdom for Building Your Vision” will be useful to all. Even those simply seeking to gain a clearer focus for there lives will benefit from the book.

2. Are there currently problems insofar as there are church leaders who may be spiritual but do not know how to run a ministry on a practical level?

Yes I think so. Many church leaders are called upon to multi task because of the very nature of 21st century ministry trends. A great number of them lack adequate exposure in administrative matters and are overwhelmed with their current responsibilities. My book is one of those tools that will assist leaders in developing a team and strategy for establishing not only a practical foundation but a well defined vision.

3. Could there be resistance when you talk to religious people about such worldly concerns as funding, for example?

There could be resistance, however the responses so far to the “worldly concerns” addressed in the book have been well received by readers and seminar participants. I believe because of the practical approach and biblical references the worldly concerns are presented in format that lends itself to thought and discussion. 

4. Although the book can be used by non-religious businesses, do you think that there are many businesses that take into account Christian principles?

I think there are. I believe some knowingly and others un-knowingly employ Christian principles. As I work with companies I stress business principles that are biblically based and have discovered an emerging group of clients that are respective and supportive of this business mind-set. I have found this trend to be especially true among young entrepreneurs.

5. How has the book been received so far?

The book was released in 2008 and so far has been well received in The Bahamas, North America, and judging by sales in the United Kingdom is making inroads in Europe . The book needs more wide-spread exposure.

6. Are there many more areas of business (or other day to day situations) that can be illuminated in the same way, with a Christian approach? Do you intend to write about these?

Yes, the areas are endless. I have started on a few areas already which will comprise the Practical Wisdom Series. Practical Wisdom for Entrepreneurs, Practical Wisdom for Understanding Your Life, and Practical Wisdom Building Your Family are the next ones in the series.