Vision is essential because it defines and directs. It tells people who you are, and guides ministry formation. An irresistible vision is centered on the Great Commission. It should be brief, and either directly state or tightly align with the phrase, make disciples of all nations. It should include the idea of multiplication. The following are helpful principles about Vision.
1. Share it every week.
Share the vision at every celebration service. It should be part of each gathering event. Don't skip it due to time. It's too important. Vision Time can begin right after Inspiring Praise. Read the last point of Inspiring Praise to learn how Guided Prayer is used to transition to Vision Time.
Vision time might start by welcoming people and sound like this, "Greetings, my name is…. I'd like to welcome you to our church. Our vision is..." or "Our strategy is…" or "We exist to…" or "Our purpose is…"
Vision time might start by welcoming people and sound like this, "Greetings, my name is…. I'd like to welcome you to our church. Our vision is..." or "Our strategy is…" or "We exist to…" or "Our purpose is…"
2. Share it simply.
There are three telescoping elements of an irresistible vision: the statement itself, a simple strategy, and specific ministries. Developing a vision statement should not be a complicated process. The church does not have to search for its vision, it just needs to carry it out. Consider using the vision statement from the Great Commission; make disciples of all nations.
Many churches use the following statement, "We exist to glorify God by making disciples of all nations." It covers the vision (glorify God), the mission (make disciples), and goal (of all nations) of every church. The vision statement should be stated so often, and be so memorable that the congregation should be able to complete it when they hear it.
Follow up the vision statement with simple wording that describes the strategy. For instance, "We carry out our vision with a strategy that is summarized by the words Gather, Grow and Go." Some add, "We Gather in, Grow up and Go out." A tree is a good symbol for this.
Focus on one ministry associated with vision at each Gathering event. Highlight one of the ministries outlined in The Big Picture.
Many churches use the following statement, "We exist to glorify God by making disciples of all nations." It covers the vision (glorify God), the mission (make disciples), and goal (of all nations) of every church. The vision statement should be stated so often, and be so memorable that the congregation should be able to complete it when they hear it.
Follow up the vision statement with simple wording that describes the strategy. For instance, "We carry out our vision with a strategy that is summarized by the words Gather, Grow and Go." Some add, "We Gather in, Grow up and Go out." A tree is a good symbol for this.
Focus on one ministry associated with vision at each Gathering event. Highlight one of the ministries outlined in The Big Picture.
3. Share it in multiple formats.
People should encounter the Vision several times at the celebration services. Put it in the bulletin, on the screen (before and after services), and on the walls of the facility. Develop a logo that communicates the vision. Just make sure it isn't mysterious. The website should align with the vision. People should encounter it on the landing page and navigate through the site based on the vision words. Consider putting it at the top of the message notes each week.
4. Share it creatively.
Land on one area of the vision each week and talk about it. It may be a short video, a live interview, or a scripted story. They can come from the Sr. Pastor, leaders, staff, and the congregation. It should be first-person. It is inspiring for people to hear the staff share stories of how they are actively carrying out the vision in their own lives.
5. Share it well.
Use someone good at being an MC. It doesn't have to be the Pastor and should not be rotated among the staff by default. This position requires a person who has an excellent public persona, is concise, upbeat, passionate, and winsome. The MCs may be a separate Ministry Team.
6. Share it invitingly.
Use it as a trail head for involvement in ministry. Don't just tell people who you are, invite them to get involved. Encourage them to join. A winsome vision causes listeners to ask, "Where do I sign up?" (Isaiah 6:8) Use the vision to get people involved in the ministries associated with Gather, Grow and Go.
7. Share it as a priority.
All other informational elements should be relocated or minimized.
Announcements.
Many churches no longer make announcements during the service. Instead, they appear in a printed or electronic bulletin, or are displayed before and after the service on video screens. They are made known between weekend services in several formats (subscription, email, social media, etc.). Remember, this is vision time, not announcement time. It's not sacrilegious to shift announcements to another source (bulletin, screens, emails, texts, etc.). Doing so enhances the vision.
Announcements.
Many churches no longer make announcements during the service. Instead, they appear in a printed or electronic bulletin, or are displayed before and after the service on video screens. They are made known between weekend services in several formats (subscription, email, social media, etc.). Remember, this is vision time, not announcement time. It's not sacrilegious to shift announcements to another source (bulletin, screens, emails, texts, etc.). Doing so enhances the vision.
Offering.
Consider a plate-less offering. Many churches have moved this direction. Designate offering locations where people can make an offering. These can be secure, giving boxes, kiosks, or online giving stations. Be sure to explain this concept in the bulletin if you use it. There are several reasons for considering a plate-less offering.
Consider a plate-less offering. Many churches have moved this direction. Designate offering locations where people can make an offering. These can be secure, giving boxes, kiosks, or online giving stations. Be sure to explain this concept in the bulletin if you use it. There are several reasons for considering a plate-less offering.
- There are no guidelines in the New Testament that dictate how to make contributions.
- It does not reduce the amount collected or the worshipful nature of the offering. People are not less inclined to give generously, and don’t feel as if the act is void of spiritual significance.
- It removes the awkwardness newcomers feel about the offering. There is no need to explain each week that it’s not for them.
- It privatizes giving. There is no longer an uncomfortable scramble to dig out a dollar bill and place it on a plate in full view of others.
- It aligns with how people make financial transactions. We are a cashless society. One in five carry a checkbook, and of those who do carry cash, research shows most don't have more than $20. Most people bank online and can give via a device.
Provide multiple giving opportunities. Facilitate online giving by providing a number to text, and website locations. Remember, the offering plate was introduced because there was no other way to give not because it's a mandate of Scripture. Plate-less offering frees people to give in a manner that fits their preferences.