7 Pre-steps to Launching Vision -- Part 1
God has given you an exciting vision for your church or ministry! You’ve been on your knees in prayer and the Holy Spirit has dropped an amazing passion into your spirit. You have urgency and the horizon of possibility is pulling your faith into something new. Here are some questions to ask:
How will you see your vision become a reality?
Do you have a strategy?
Do you have a team assembled?
Do you know how much it might cost?
Here are the first 3 of 7 Key Pre-Launch Steps for you to consider in Building your Vision
1. Call to Prayer: It is time for the foundation of prayer.
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
As a leader, take a moment and call your elders and commission them to a season of prayer. Be ready to communicate the seeds of why you believe God is calling the church to a season of change and fresh vision.
2. STEP 2: Craft a “Why” Statement
Why are you doing what you are doing? What is the overriding purpose of this campaign? Are you wanting to implement a culture shift, focus on spiritual or numerical growth, is this outreach-driven, or is it a vision or mission shift you are needing?
If you can’t define the spiritual reason why, people will not risk with you.
3. STEP 3: Form the Vision-Building Team
Team building is of paramount importance. You need the right people in the right positions.
As a pastor of a small church, it was common for me to do everything; after all, I was competent, able, and decisions could be made quickly. But the moment I begin to embrace team building, the church began to grow and excitement was palpable. Team building created a sense of shared leadership, as well as a greater congregational awareness of what was happening in the church, and why.
Team building isn’t about creating cookie cutter cultures, but God-formed freedom. Teams are the place God’s gifts begin to shine, and e effectiveness is multiplied. The Apostle Paul essentially talks about teams when he likens the church to a body — all the parts working together (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).
TEAM BUILDING CREATED A SENSE OF SHARED LEADERSHIP, AS WELL AS A GREATER CONGREGATIONAL AWARENESS OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE CHURCH, AND WHY.
Before inviting anyone onto the “Vision-Building Team” you need to have a clear grasp on the roles needed, and time demands. Although you may have clear ideas, once a team has been formed, responsibilities of each member should be agreed upon — this is part of team building, and establishes team accountability and cohesion. I would suggest 5-7 Vision- Building Team members.
Roles Needed As you begin to consider who should serve on the Vision- Building Team, think about the gifts and passions you believe are needed for a successful outcome. The following are suggested team member traits and qualifications. These members should be derived from a pool of key stakeholders in the church — those with skin in the game, and are deeply committed to the church community:
Planner/Administrator
Communications Director
Secretary or Recorder
Prayer Warrior
Elder
Council or Board member
Business Leader
Graphic Designer
Social Media Director
Take time to consult with other churches who have implemented vision-building programs and ask who was essential to their team success. Talk with business leaders in your church and community.
If you want access to the full Vision Building Master Program click the below image for more information.
Next Post will be on Steps 4-7:
A Communication Strategy
Set Up a Prayer Team
Financial Considerations
Building a Clear Roadmap
