Old Man Dreaming: A Theological Essay on Vision

The most fruitful and most profound understandings of vision and visioning processes are not in organizational theories or management techniques. They are instead in the Bible and Christian theology claims the author of this book. To explain his case the author analyzes and challenges the views of management experts and consultants regarding vision and visioning processes in secular and church organizations. He interprets key biblical stories and texts about vision and explores a theology of vision and place of vision in theology and the church. On the basis of his experience and studies the author shares his vision of his own Presbyterian Churchs present realities and its pathways to the future. As Christians and churches desperately seek revitalization and a redemptive engagement with the world John Willams new book Old Man Dreaming is a breath of fresh air. He draws on . . . a profound understanding of Scripture and its relevance for our time and on a deep understanding of vision not just from a secular management point of view but rather from the rich treasury of the Bible. This book offers real hope for the future of the PCUSA and I eagerly recommend it to all. --Clifton Kirkpatrick Louisville Presbyterian Seminary Stated Clerk Emeritus of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Williams has been a keen observer of American culture and churches for decades. His informed views on visioning and vision statements in both business and church provide needed perspective for a bracing look at the present state and possible futures for the Presbyterian Church (and other mainline Protestant denominations). --Joseph D. Small former director Office of Theology and Worship Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Williams borrows biblical imagery to describe himself as an old man dreaming. His dream is that in the midst of a secular age the contemporary church--from local congregations to the highest judicatory levels--can see an anxious present future and even past with faithful vision. Such vision comes perhaps unexpectedly from fresh engagement with our own biblical and theological beliefs and values. This book will inspire pastors seminarians church members and leaders as it points toward new insights from ancient sources. --Theodore J. Wardlaw Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary John L. Williams is a retired Presbyterian minister. He is a graduate of Davidson College Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and McCormick Theological Seminary. He served the Presbyterian Church (USA) as a pastor in his home state Texas and as an executive in South Louisiana Presbytery North Alabama Presbytery and the Synod of Mid-America. John and his spouse Linda live near Princeton New Jersey.