Musings on Spiritual Matters

The number one theme through most leadership books is the leader’s ability to cast vision. A leader can picture a positive future, an Active Follower can mostly participate in the tasks of an organization. This dynamic separates the two groups.  Since there is an abundance of material on casting vision in a congregation, this comes with many misperceptions and much error concerning this process.  Often, the idea of a leader casting a vision is found in a singular voice.  The leader pronounces a vision that is supposedly from God himself, and calls the rest of the congregation to this future.[1] While this is unwise, another mistake that a congregation might make is becoming a wishing church.  A church might come together to formulate a vision for the congregation.  Much time and attention is given to the process, but ultimately the statement that is developed merely remains on the bulletin letterhead, and perhaps on some congregational materials, but in reality the vision statement is far from the hearts and minds of the members.  In the realm of vision, the leader does more than develop a vision; rather a strong leader can root the vision within a body of people.  A good leader can create a desire to “buy in” into the future.

There are four important steps to communicate a vision to the congregation.  1. Identify the constituents in the congregation.  Special attention should be given to those who are most influential in the church.  If these individuals do not “buy in” to the process, the rest of the congregation will reject the vision.  A wise piece of advice for members is “if you cannot sell the elders on the idea, more than likely, the congregation will not accept it either.”  2. Find common ground in the needs, aspirations, and dreams of the congregation.  If the vision is so far removed from the thoughts of the church, rarely will it take hold.  It must be connected to some of the tangible needs of the church. 3. Articulate the vision in concrete and positive terms.  The vision must be clear, and memorable.  Often the use of metaphors, images, stories, analogies, and examples can be used to educate the congregation on the vision.  4. Model the vision in your own behavior and be genuine.  Regardless of the message that is presented, actions are going to speak louder than words alone.  Members will not follow a leader’s vision that is inconsistent with his or her personal behavior.[2]

Related posts:

1. A Person of Vision
2. The Truth Behind Vision
3. A Person of Peace
4. A Person of Initiation
5. A Person of Influence

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This entry was posted by Matthew on Thursday, June 14th, 2012 at 10:38 am and is filed under Church News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.