On the one hand, if I expect people to be caring and intelligent and honest, my expectations will have a positive influence on them. They will be a little more caring, intelligent and honest. If I expect people to learn and grow, they are a little more likely to learn and grow. On the other hand, if I think people will never learn, then they are less likely to learn. Expectations play a role in communities as well as in individuals.
Expectations even play a role in churches.
We are in the process of establishing a long-range plan for this church. Meetings will be held this week and next, inviting your input. I fully expect this congregation to come up with an exciting long-range plan that will result in this church better serving this congregation and the wider community. To put this in religious terms, I am talking about the power of faith. I have faith in the potential of people to grow and learn and heal.