7 Pre-steps to Launching Vision -- Part 2

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This is Part 2 of a 7 Pre-steps to Launching Vision (Here is Part 1)

Here are the final 4 Key Pre-Launch Steps for you to consider in Building your Vision

RE-STEP 4: Set up a Communication Strategy

Vision fails, both in the corporate world and in the church, because it lacks a clear communication strategy. 

Powerful communicators master the art of story telling. More than numbers, ideas, charts, and surveys, the calling of the church is to become Jesus incarnate — Imago Dei, the image of God. Jesus left the comfort of heaven and came to the lost, hurting culture of earth, to bring hope. The reminder that Jesus put on the clothes of humanity with one compassionate goal in mind — redemption, is a powerful defining force. Webber (2008) says, “Jesus comes in human skin to reverse the human condition and reconcile humanity to the Father” (pg. 32).  

Communication Plan.

Clear and consistent communication about the “why, when, how, and who” behind what is happening if fundamental to success. Make sure to clearly communicate the strategic plan and the ongoing story.

Here are 6 Key Aspects of a Communication Strategy:

  1. Purpose: Know the goal, or reason you are communicating. (Example: The goal of this communication is to assess church awareness of our missional culture). 

  2. Medium: Where will you communicate your message? Church social messaging, verbal messaging, print media, video, etc.

  3. Tools: Electronic newsletter, church bulletin, pulpit, twitter, facebook, etc.

  4. Action Assignments: What needs to get done, and who needs to do it? (Example: Bill will formulate and write copy for all mediums of communication).

  5. Timetable: Start dates and completion dates

  6. Feedback: Online surveys, in-church survey, all-church meeting. Feedback is important if you are to objectively understand how the message is coming across. As a pastor I was always convinced that my message was coming across clearly, but once I dug a bit deeper, this wasn’t always the case.

PRE-STEP 5: Setting Up a Permanent Prayer Team:

Don’t go if God isn’t leading the effort! I’m a firm believer in the power and necessity of prayer. You have prayer warriors in your church. Earlier I had you connect with the elders and key leaders of your church to ask for their prayer. Now it is time to set up your permanent prayer team. This team will be active to the end.

Once the general purpose of this process is understood and easily communicated, it’s time to establish a prayer team. The team doesn’t need to be large, two to three people would be fine. The purpose of the team is to pray for specific needs, issues that arise, and to come against any enemy activity. If you are like me, you will probably want to communicate a more in-depth purpose for having a prayer team.


PRE-STEP 6: Financial Considerations

It is always a wise practice to count the cost before beginning a project. The following are some budget categories you want to considers.

  • Surveys

  • Team meeting materials

  • Planning software

  • Promotional material (print, social, video)


PRE-STEP 7: Strategic Steps & Roadmap

It is time to develop the steps will you take to accomplish your vision. Once strategic steps are clear, it is time to create a roadmap and timetable to follow. The strategic steps I detail and walk you through in the VisionBuilder Masterclass are:

  1. Discover: Where has the church been and who are you now?

  2. Dream: Where does the church envision themselves being?

  3. Develop: Creating the strategic plan to get there!

  4. Deploy: This is the launch phase. How will you launch your vision?

  5. Deepen: Once the plan is launched, how will you identify and deepen the most powerful and impactful portions of your launch?


MORE THAN A MASTERCLASS, VISION-BUILDER IS A MASTER-PLAN FOR YOUR CHURCH TO DEVELOP, LAUNCH, AND CAPTURE YOUR GOD-GIVEN DREAMS!

Tim Johnson