Vision and Culture
of ACOP
Vision is a Picture of a Preferred Future
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
Vision + Culture = Future
Walt Disney, the creative genius behind the Disney corporation, passed away while the Walt Disney World Amusement Park was under construction in Orlando, Florida. At the dedication of the Park someone remarked, “Isn’t it too bad that Walt didn’t live to see this.” Mike Vance the creative director for Disney Studios said, “Oh he did see it – that’s why it’s here!”
Vision is a picture of a preferable future for an organization.
Organizational culture is the basic pattern of shared assumptions, norms, beliefs, values and practices that govern behaviour in an organization.
Culture is the social glue that holds an organization together by providing language, systems, symbols, rites, ceremonies and rituals. Culture is shaped by narratives, legends and stories of the organizations founders and heroes.
NOTE: You will need two books for the reading in this course — Our Apostolic Heritage by Robert Lardon, and Streams of Grace by Linda Wegner. Both are available in .pdf format and can be purchased here.
What will I learn?
Course Objectives
Primary Learning Outcomes – After completing this course you will…
- Examine the vision & mission that have created the culture of the Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada (ACOP).
- Consider the unique beliefs and values that have shaped the culture of ACOP.
- Explore the norms, practices and perspectives of the Apostolic Church of Pentecost.
Head (Cognitive) – After completing this course you will…
- You will come to understand some of the factors and events that influence the culture of ACOP.
- You will be introduced to some of the key individuals who shaped the culture of ACOP.
- You will develop an understanding of the shared assumptions, norms, beliefs, values and practices of ACOP.
Heart (Affective) – After completing this course you will…
- You will develop a passion for the envisioned future of ACOP.
- You will come to appreciate that ACOP is not just an organization but a living organism.
- You will sense the fervor and conviction that shaped the doctrine, values and practices of ACOP.
Hands (Conative) – After completing this course you will…
- You will find your place in ACOP’s envisioned future.
- You will be able to navigate the culture of ACOP.
- You will be able to articulate the vision and help others understand the culture that shapes ACOP.
Course Ingredients
The course consists of 5 lessons
Up to 5 hours of video content
Interaction with several learning activities/quizzes
Requires completion of 1-2 assignments
(for credentialing with ACOP or for the sake of Eston College’s future accreditation of online learning)
FURTHER RESOURCES
Required Texts
Recommended Texts
- Samuel Chand, "Cracking Your Churches Culture Code – Seven Keys to Unleashing Vision and Inspiration"
- William Vanderbloemen, "Culture Wins – The Road Map to an Irresistible Workplace"
- Kenneth Quick, "Healing the Heart of Your Church – How Ministry Leaders Can Facilitate Corporate Healing"
- Robert M. Anderson, "Vision of the Disinherited – The Making of American Pentecostalism"
- Alan Hirsch and Tim Catchim, "The Permanent Revolution – Apostolic Imagination and Practice for the 21st Century Church"
- Philip D. Yancey, "What’s So Amazing About Grace"
Some of the suggested books for this course will be available on Scribd. Click below for more information.
