Why Vision Matters In Ministry

If you had asked me early in my ministry what success looked like, I would have given a vague answer—something about “creating community” or “giving young people a place to belong.” But if you pressed further and asked, “How will you know if you’re successful?” I wouldn’t have had a clear response.

For years, I saw churches try different things—Saturday night gatherings, pizza nights, packed calendars—hoping that something would stick. But despite all the activity, there was no clear direction. Volunteers weren’t engaged. Families didn’t see the value. And ultimately, young people didn’t experience lasting transformation.

This is why vision matters.

When our ministry lacks vision, we end up busy but ineffective. We pour time and energy into programs without a clear understanding of why we’re doing it or what success looks like. But when we define our vision and make it clear, three things happen:

• Ministry becomes efficient. We stop wasting time on things that don’t move the mission forward.
• Ministry becomes effective. We measure progress—not just by attendance, but by impact.
• Ministry becomes engaging. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Andy Stanley, in 7 Practices of Effective Ministry, talks about clarifying the win. In sports, a team knows they’re winning by looking at the scoreboard. But even beyond the score, you see the small things—a strong pass, solid defense—that show the team is moving in the right direction. Ministry is no different. If we don’t define our wins, we won’t know if we’re actually making progress.

A Biblical Approach to Vision

If you think this is just a business principle, think again. The prophet Habakkuk writes:

Write down the vision; Make it plain upon tablets, so that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is a witness for the appointed time, a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint. (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

Habakkuk teaches us three things about vision:

• Write it down. Clarity is key—your vision should be simple and compelling.
• Give it to others to run with. Vision isn’t for one person; it must be embraced by the whole team.
• Wait for it. Vision doesn’t happen overnight. God works in His time, and we have to trust that process.

The bottom line? If you don’t have a clear vision for your ministry, it’s time to take a step back and define one. Because when vision is clear, momentum follows.

If you are not sure where to start, consider this exercise:

Three years from now your ministry is thriving. It's so amazing that the local news wants to interview you and your team. Start with the headline, and then write the testimony of a person impacted by your ministry. Have them share what has changed in their life in the last three years, and what components, and characteristics have been a part of it.

Share this exercise with your team, and have them give you feedback on what they would agree with and what they would add. Use that as a starting point for creating that vision.

If you want to explore youth ministry’s future with others? Join us at "Dreaming Youth Ministry’s Future" (Sept 29 - Oct 1, 2025)—a boutique, collaborative event where we’ll explore theological reflections, emerging youth culture trends, and practical strategies for ministry. Learn more and register for just $150.