IMPORTANT
Here it is guys...one of the number one things I see happening with church planters is they give away their vision. This often happens before they even have a chance to launch the very first service. Other times it happens over time as a result of multiple vision assaults from well intended people. If we are real honest it also happens when we as leaders experience vision drift and over time we find ourselves running it right into the ditch.
Regardless of the reason when we begin to lose the vision it is our fault. That's right as leaders we have to "man up". Our primary role is to clarify and cast vision. If you don't know where you are going you are in trouble. You may be leading, but you are leading NO WHERE!
Here are some thoughts that might keep you out of the vision graveyard...
1. Get your vision from God! That's right! "Where there is no vision the people perish". Bad translation! "'Where there is no revelation the people go unrestrained". Better translation! Do the hard work of vision up front and ask God to reveal Himself to you. Once you get your vision from God...lock and load. Unfortunately many people seek cool over clear. Other go to the latest and greatest websites or conferences and rip off their vision. A few months later they go back and find something cooler...the people they are leading are whispering and some times shouting, "Just tell us where we are going and we will follow."
2. Communicate your vision clearly! I just said it but let me say it again...choose clear over cool. Make sure people understand your vision. Reduce it down to a few words, but only after you understand the big picture. Chances are you are not communicating your vision enough. An annual vision message is for the birds. Try a weekly vision message. People are motivated by vision and passion. The only people who are content with just sitting there and listening to verse by verse teaching are already going to heaven. Get out there and cast vision for changed lives and a better world.
3. Deal with Vision Busters Quickly! Visions are a name a dozen. We all have our own set of religious preferences. If your vision is from God you have a responsibility to be mean about it. Now guys I didn't say be mean as a person. I know church planters and you are already mean enough. Be mean about your vision. Let your "yes" be "yes"' and your "no" be "no". Maybe the reason people challenge your vision is you are unclear or you don't have one.
4. Don't be fickle about your vision. Vision is not like ice cream, don't offer a different flavor every month. As we often say at MLC, "No plans perfect, work the plan." I really believe this. If there is any thing I did early was bounce around when it came to vision. Don't be fickle. Do the hard work and go.
Guys, I don't know anything any more important then this vision stuff. If you struggle here you are going to struggle in your plant. Make plans now to attend our "Best Practices" Practicum where we are going to work with you on this practices and more. For more information or to register visit www.churchplanters.com. I can't wait to see you.
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