What's a vision? Is it just a fancy rhetorical catch-phrase or is it a sign of responsible leadership? Or, could it be both? First of all, in the context of organizational (or in this case, congregational) leadership, a vision is an idea, a picture, a dream, a visual plan of what you want your congregation to look like. In other words, a vision is what appears when you allow your thoughts to take to you to grandoise, best-case-scenario places.
Assuming you understand and can agree with that definition - is it simplistic and unnecessary rhetoric or a sign of responsible and cultivation leadership? My opinion, probably a little rhetorical and a lot responsible.
Does your congregation have a vision? If it does, do you talk about it frequently? Do your leaders pray about it? If you don't have a stated and shared vision, why not? Do your Elders not see it as an important part of the growth process? If you don't have a clear picture of how you want your Church to look, then what's the point of what you're doing now? What does it mean if you're not working towards an intended consequence?
Having a solid vision statement is the first of a four step growth plan. Following the vision statement is an explicit plan of mission or purpose. Next come umbrella goals then driver goals.
Here's a common example of not having a clearly defined vision. Some congregations have continued the tradition of having annual or bi-annual gospel meetings. Most do it out of tradition and not because it is part of the growth plan. So as a result, each year the congregations pass around the same few preachers and have (in their own judgment) unsuccessful meetings - which is generally determined by responses and attendance. Why? Mostly because there is not a strategically defined vision - or a comprehensive growth plan. So the Elders go with what they know, what they are comfortable with - which ends up being what they have always done.
When you're not sure how you want the congregation to look, how will you know if you're there?
I would like to know more about your Four step growth plan.
ReplyDeleteHow would you put ideas into successful, positive motion for spiritual growth and church growth when some like things to be like they have always been? Thanks
Glad to share: start by thinking of it as a linear equation with the Vision being on the right side of the equation or equals sign. Then on the left side there is the Mission/Purpose statement, the umbrella goals and the driver goals all added together to hopefully equal or arrive at the vision (what you want 'it' to look like). So it might look like this:
ReplyDeletemission + UG + DG = VISION
If vision is what you want it to look like, then Mission is what you're going to do to get it there. For example, Rick Warren has been successful with his brand of a purpose driven statement - The blank church exists to glorify God through worship, etc. etc. Or the Blank church exists to be Christ to a lost world by reaching the lost of our community, growing disciples of Christ, etc. The point is that if we fulfill our mission and purpose then we will begin to look like the organization/church in our vision.
Next are the Umbrella goals. I use the term umbrella because they are usually large, significant goals that would cover many ministries. These goals should be created with the intent of accomplishing the mission. So for example, if a church has as part of its mission to reach the lost of the community then a goals might be to baptize 24 people in a 12 month period of time. Or if there is a mission/purpose to grow disciples to send out as missionaries into the world, then a goal might be to send 2 missionary couples out per year, etc.
Finally is the driver goals. These goals are set up to compliment, implement and fulfill the UG. So, in other words, having a goal of converting 24 people a year is a great endeavor. But it will not happen on its own - without purposeful and intentional action. So how are we going to make that happen? We would set driver goals to work in that direction. Example might be for each small group bible study to regenerate (spawn or create because of growth) two new bible studies each year - the power of multiplicity.
This is obviously a quick overview. You asked the question, how to grow when things are stagnant because of tradition. That's a challenge that many congregations face. Obviously the Elders and Preachers have more ability to initiate change. I would start by sharing your passion and ideas with them. Take ideas and proposals to them that they can say 'yes' to. Have it completely thought out, planned out, wrapped up in a neat bow, etc. so that the elders can look at it, be impressed by you and the idea and say go for it.
I would caution you to go slow. Start slow and do it a piece at a time. For example, if you are at a traditional congregation, don't ask to stop meeting on Sunday nights to start small group bible studies. Instead, start a small group bible study at your home and grow it from there. Be prepared for some push back. As a general consensus, people do not appreciate change. Especially when it concerns religion. I deal with this daily. So I understand what you're thinking and feeling. But keep at it. Because the battle for spiritual growth is one that is well worth fighting.
Always remember to pray, pray, pray! God Bless!
Jeremy