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Writer's pictureKeith Haney

Does Your Church Have a Clear, Compelling Vision?


Wrigley Field in the Chicago Skyline
Wrigley Field

 

Some people hate the term vision, and I get that. So, call it whatever you like: vision, ministry direction, ministry plan, but do you have a clear, compelling direction? You must find a clear path through the fog if you don't. Your people and leaders need a clear, compelling direction. A vision that inspires people to action will also solve engagement and financial problems. Someone once said money follows a vision.  


Some Definitions

Core Values define, “Who are you?

Core values are fundamental beliefs or guiding principles that individuals or organizations hold as central importance. They serve as a compass that directs behavior and decision-making, helping to distinguish what is right from wrong.


Vision asks the church, “Where are you going?”. That future is focused on how you connect with your community. Vision is thinking about or planning the future with imagination and Godly wisdom. It’s about setting a direction.

An aspirational description of what an organization wants to achieve. It is a clear guide for choosing current and future courses of action.


The Mission is based on Matthew 28. "16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”


It tells you, “How will you get there?” A mission statement is a concise declaration of an organization’s purpose (Go therefore and make disciples of all nations), identifying the scope of its ministry (make disciples of all nations): what kind of community and local service you provide, its primary members or local community, and its geographical location. It articulates the church's objectives, its approach(baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you) to reach them, and the values guiding its daily operations.


 

The Chicago Cubs Story

 

Having spent 12 years living in Chicago, I share this example with organizations. After 108 years of frustration for Cubs fans, the team finally breaks the Billy Goat curse. This so-called curse of the Billy Goat was a sports-related curse supposedly placed on the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise in 1945 by Billy Goat Tavern owner William Sianis. The curse lasted 71 years, from 1945 to 2016.

 

On October 12, 2011, Theo Epstein agreed to a five-year contract as the new President of Baseball Operations. He was hired to bring the Cubs a World Series Championship. Earlier, Theo had helped the Boston Red Sox break their own World Series curse. The Red Sox had not won a World Series since 1918.  

 

When Theo came to the Cubs, everyone in Chicago knew why he was hired. We all knew the prize, the World Series trophy. Everyone in Chicago knew the plan. Get rid of older players with expensive contracts and rebuild the farm system, which means losing 100 games for a few years. The club drafted players with high upside positions and made intelligent trades with young players with potential. Once they got closer to winning, the team would have the money and flexibility to add free agents or make trades to get them over the top. The plan came together two years early, and they won the whole thing in 2016.

 

The Chicago Cubs had a clear, compelling vision. This vision ignited an entire city and a fan base that was used to losing. When I visit with organizations, I use this example and ask them one probing question: What is your trophy? Most organizations can’t tell me what they are trying to achieve or, worse yet, why they even exist. Vision provides clarity, creates engagement, and drives the mission forward. I will leave you with this great quote.

 

Why A Compelling Vision?

 

Vision: the capacity to create a compelling picture of the desired state of affairs that inspires people to respond; that which is desirable, which could be, should be, and attainable. A godly vision is right for the times, the church, and the people. A godly vision promotes faith rather than fear. A godly vision motivates people to action. A godly vision requires risk-taking. A godly vision glorifies God, not people. - Bob Logan.

 

If you need help with vision, reach out, and we can chat more. If you are in Iowa District West, I can meet with your congregation and help you identify ways to be a better neighbor in your local community. Pray that God reveals His will to you clearly and compellingly. 

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