If you’re leading a group of people, you can attest to the fact that vision must be stated over and over. It’s been said that “vision leaks,” and “doesn’t stick.” For an organization to flourish, the vision must be attainable and understood. Everyone should know the “why” behind their part in the work.
I just re-read Making Vision Stick, a small book by Andy Stanley (2007).
Here are two big things you need to do with your vision:
Simplify
Complexity can be a vision killer. What started as your main mission becomes overwhelmed with extra stuff. You began with a focus on one thing, but soon started juggling two, three, then twenty-five balls! If your vision is going to be a powerful force, it must be simple. It should be easy to remember. It’s better to have a simple sentence (even if it may not cover every aspect of your mission or ministry) than to have a huge complete statement that no one can remember.
It must be simple enough to carry with you each day. It must be memorable enough to motivate and shape your daily life.
Pray for a clear and concise vision – and a way to make it simple and powerful. As Howard Hendricks said, “if it’s a mist in the pulpit, it’s a fog in the pew.”
A clear vision must be discovered and a complex vision must be simplified.
Repeat
Vision isn’t something we share once. It’s woven into every aspect of the ministry or organization. Pastors and leaders can share it in their messages. A leader can highlight the places where the vision is being lived out effectively. Share the stories of how the vision is working, changing lives and setting new directions. Invite people into the vision by systematically sharing it in writing, stories, videos and conversation. Equip your leadership teams to carry out the vision in their areas. What gets celebrated, gets repeated. Celebrate the ways you see the vision being lived out.
How can you repeat the vision for your church today?
Pick up a copy of this book here!
I write with church leaders in mind and I would be honored to have you join me by subscribing to the blog. You can take a look at the top posts here. The posts are categorized: pastors, worship leaders, student ministry and kids ministry. In case we’re just meeting, here’s little about my life.
LATEST POSTS
- Three Driving Needs In The Life Of Every Child
- Wrong Answer
- Ducks Quack, Eagles Soar
- Interesting Question
- Nails