That Vision Thing

Over the last few weeks I have been talking to several churches about vision and direction. The common theme in all of these directions is that the churches don't have a vision, or at least one that can be articulated by their leaders. You can be sure that if the leadership of your church can't state its vision, then the typical member can't either, and that is a big problem.

A companion to no vision, or a fuzzy vision, is a vision that is generic. Tim Stevens, of Granger Community Church, had this to say about vision:

If someone hasn't left your church recently,

you vision is probably too broad.

It's great for a church to say "We want to reach the world", and "Our vision is to glorify God." Sounds great, but doesn't impact your community with life-changing actions.

Will Mancini, in Church Unique, challenges the church to identify its Kingdom Concept in order to be a powerful force for God's work in its community. The 3-part Kingdom Concept is all about vision, and it starts with "The Local Predicament." What are the unique needs and opportunities where God has placed your church?

Geography is a starting place for narrowing your vision. Yes, your church should have the concept of reaching the world in its heart, but if you don't have a focus to reach your specific community, then your efforts will be diluted.

Stevens goes on to suggest these directions for a church that's just starting or one that's going through a major change:

• Start very focused - Have a laser-targeted vision for your church as a whole, and then for each event or outreach as well. Who are you trying to reach with your weekend service? with your web site? with your children's programming?
• Do a few things well - don't try to be all things to all people. Figure out your core competencies, and knock the ball out of the park.
• Add slowly - Take on one major new outreach or ministry each year that helps you reach your target. Raise up leaders, but don't launch ministries until you have identified a trained leader to run point.

If you begin to narrow your focus, someone in your church will probably leave because you aren't meeting their specific needs. It's OK. Free them to follow God's directions for their lives; encourage them in seeking a church that provides what they're looking for.