Does Your Vision Stick?

Do others share in your vision?  Unfortunately, not enough people in my church do.  It’s not that they disagree with it, it’s just not clear to them.  The other day a friend of mine shared with me that a parent told her “I wish there was something for my teen at this church.”  I felt like ripping out my hair and screaming, “SERIOUSLY?”; but, then I found myself wondering, “Is that really a surprise?”

Courtesy of C.P.Storm/Creative Commons License

It’s easy to blame low numbers and lack of engagement on the parents, teenagers and church members.  While there is responsibility on their part to get informed, it’s our job to make sure that the information is available.  The way you make them aware of your programs is through CASTING VISION and MAKING VISION STICK. (To learn more about vision click here)  

The vision statement for your ministry enables people to see why it is you exist.  When they understand that it’ll become easier for them to invest in it.  However, to make your vision contagious you need to make sure you are:

• DROPPING IT EVERYWHERE: Whether it’s in your email signature or on a poster in your office you need to make sure your vision is visible.  Work your vision into messages, trainings and conversations.  Do not be content with saying something once.  Vision needs exposure in order to grow.

• SHARING IT WITH YOUR LEADERS: Your biggest advocates are the people who serve with you in the trenches.  They are meeting with the teenagers and parents, so make sure they know the vision.  Give them ownership of it by allowing them to contribute and share ideas on how to reach it.  When you share vision with others you can create an energy and enthusiasm to make your ministry a movement.

• MAKING IT MEMORABLE: Sometimes the problem with your vision is that it’s too hard to remember.  While you want to make sure you don’t rely on cutesy sayings you do want to make it simple, concrete and clear.  A memorable vision statement is one that everyone will want to work towards.

• REVISITING IT CONSTANTLY: You might have your vision statement memorized; however, living it is another issue.  As the leader of your ministry you need to schedule in time when you are asking, “Are we working towards the vision?”  If you can’t answer that question you might want to revisit how you are doing ministry.

Encourage your leader to help you spread the vision.  When others can advocate on your behalf your capacity extends even further.  Make your vision’s exposure a priority and you’ll see your ministry grow.

How do you make your ministry’s vision stick?