If you feel like the cracks and fractures within your church are getting in the way of your goals, your collective vision probably needs more work. Keep reading for tips on how to cast a vision that your community agrees with and transform your church’s success.
Concentrated Efforts are More Effective
Why is alignment important? Without a collective vision, people pursue their own vision of what they think your goals should be. While they are probably acting according to their personal principles, it can harm the work your ministry is trying to do.
If everyone acts out alone, community efforts become diluted. And as much as personal growth and development are important, the church is a collective entity. Jesus led the disciples as one — they were aligned in thought. The importance of teamwork is written in various Scripture passages on vision and goals.
1 Corinthians 1:10:
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
Write a Coherent Mission Statement
A church mission statement shares the reason why your church exists. It is a public statement that anyone can read. It should help people understand your ministry. Keep it clear and concise so the core message is easy to remember. When properly aligned, each subsection of your church ministry will have the same overarching mission.
The difference between a vision and a mission statement is that a vision consists of a plan. It is the details of what your community strives to achieve and how they will get there. Using collective planning to cast a vision ensures everyone is on the same page. Give your statements a freshen-up if needed to ensure they are still relevant to the heart of your church.
Luke 4:18:
“The spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor.”
Plan Using Strategy and Vision
Once your mission statement is clarified, it’s time to cast a vision. Ask your church leaders to dedicate extra time to Bible study and prayer during this period for clarity. Think about what is important to your people, community, and congregation to find the vision that aligns with your church.
Strong church leadership requires decision-making skills that guide the people who need it. But don’t be afraid to send some questions out to a wider audience. Use social media polls and record data on which events attract the most visitors to ascertain what matters to the people you serve.
Psalm 20:4:
“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.”
Assess Your Current Projects
Take a step back and review the different projects in your church. Each section, from kids’ ministry to international outreach, should have the same vision and mission at its core. Cultivating a unified church environment is vital for this to work. Otherwise, internal competition or misaligned goals can dilute the core of your cause.
Reconnect with the different leaders of your church to discuss and review. Ask important questions like “how did this contribute to our goal?” and “what purpose did it serve?” when conducting the assessment. Don’t set it up like a workplace review, but more as a dynamic discussion on how to align goals. Give projects a chance to adapt and change.
Matthew 4:19:
“Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Prune What No Longer Serves You
Pruning is an essential part of church management. It is a sign of growth and a message that your church is ready to let go of the old and welcome in the new. Church members may feel reluctant to accept change, as it can feel uncomfortable. But as a church leader, knowing when it's time to let go is essential.
Create space for new projects by cutting back on those that no longer have a place in your ministry. If a program is only around because of sentimental reasons or doesn’t have any real value for your community, cut it and send your resources elsewhere. Refresh ministries to keep them relevant, impactful, and thriving.
John 15:2:
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
Just as Jesus led the disciples, church leaders must guide their congregation. Ensuring your people are aligned is essential when maximizing the effect of your church. Cast a vision that makes a difference by studying Scripture and listening to His Word.
Be open so that when a vision of God does appear, you are receptive to its meaning and can follow His guidance with certainty. Cultivating an environment that supports your mission alignment will do wonders for the success of your ministry and the satisfaction of your community as a whole.