Rev. Jason Mackey, Director of Connecting MinistriesVision, it’s the watch word in industry and corporate planning. It seems fancy and abstract, but it’s not that complicated. Put plainly, we have to give our churches a clear picture of what they’re supposed to be doing. With our kids, we teach them how to worship. We teach them about the Bible and Jesus. We teach them how to follow Jesus. We might call it Sunday School or Children’s Ministry or even Discipleship, but at its core it’s vision casting. We are giving them a clear picture of what they’re supposed to be doing.
For that past six months, I’ve found myself in a very different role. I cannot tell you how strange it is to go from being a pastor serving a local church for the past 10 years, only to one day wake up and find yourself on the other side of the pulpit. I no longer call the shots. I no longer know all the work that went into every decision. I no longer am asking people to follow me, rather I’m trying to follow others. And I’m finding out every day how important it is to cast a clear vision.
I have sat in worship and wondered, “What’s going on? Where are they reading those hymn lyrics? And are we supposed to be standing or sitting?” Other times I’ve been amazed at the skill with which the pastor has handled sensitive prayer requests or created such a welcoming culture by their very presence. At the end of the day, I believe our successes and failures come back to our ability to communicate vision. What is it that we want people to do and how are they supposed to know to do it?
As leaders we must show them, we must tell them, we must teach them. Sure we could host a workshop or a Saturday morning training, and that might help, but vision leaks. They’re only going to learn so much and they’re likely to forget 80% by Sunday morning.
We could produce great newsletters and bulletins and other church communications to tell them about it, but vision leaks. The average person needs to see or hear something seven times for it to register. The bulletin and worship announcements are only two. Where are the other five?
We could even model it for them. By our own example and participation, we could show people what they’re supposed to do and that’s great for those who come in close contact with you, but then the church will only grow as far as you can reach.
All these strategies are important, and they are all vision casting, but for me, the approach that I come back to the most is, “You replicate what you celebrate.” If you make a big deal out of something, people are naturally curious to learn more and see how they can be part of it.
Some of us hold annual membership classes and the new members all join on the same Sunday. It gives a little bump in attendance and a little momentum from the excitement, but what if you could spread it out over a few weeks. When people see new members joining week after week, it builds excitement and they wonder how they can get in on the action. You replicate what you celebrate.
If we are trying to recruit new liturgists, you could call around and get one person to commit to reading every week, or you could line up six people who would each be willing to read one week. Then during worship, you can make a big deal out of “Patti” who is serving as liturgist this morning. “We are so blessed to have her share with us this morning, thank you Patti. If you’re interested in serving, please see me after worship this morning.” You replicate what you celebrate.
It works with worship, missions, giving, small groups—everything we do in the church! It’s vision casting. If we show people what we want them to do and celebrate it, you will replicate what you celebrate. Go celebrate disciples building the kingdom!
