Church leader, you are at a serious disadvantage when it comes to church vision clarity.
Let me be clear, it is not about your competency or the mission of the church. Both of these are secure. But there’s an obstacle that often goes unnoticed but I tackle every day when I consult with churches – the vision statements of the past don’t support the ministry of the future.
To understand why, we need a little background to see where this problem stems from.
- In the 1980’s church leadership experienced a powerful breakthrough moment in its history. Church vision, strategy, and approach took on new models in what we called the contemporary church movement. Saddleback Church created the four bases and purpose-driven philosophy while Willow Creek was built on being seeker-driven. This was then followed by the simple church movement and organic church. One of the many results would be churches beginning to formulate vision in well-articulated statements, paragraphs, and taglines. The often unstated goal was getting our people to memorize and repeat the vision statements.
- Pre-9/11, churches had a strong drive for global missions. This was driven by the perception that the U.S. was healthy and stable. But since then, our nation has been rocked by tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina, the Great Recession, and the pandemic. These events have shifted our focus to helping needs in our local communities that memorized vision statements of the past are not solving.
- As a response to the many societal pains we face, there are more nonprofit organizations in your communities than ever before. Nonprofit organizational growth is strongly driven by a clear, focused, and compelling vision. A local nonprofit is squarely targeting a clear problem (like poverty affecting children), telling a great story, and showing obvious tangible results. This needs to be contrasted with church vision statements like, “Knowing God and Making Him Known” or “Loving God, Loving Neighbors.” While being biblically true, they are not specific enough to measure or solve a local problem.
Sorry, for the negative tone, but, I need us to see the issue clearly and know it is 100% solvable.
As I mentioned before, church leaders face one very big obstacle – the memorized slogans of the past are limiting the church’s future. Yes, they served us well years ago, but times are changing. Typically, they do not compel or engage people as powerfully as a very specific nonprofit cause.
However, the opportunity is right in front of us. The local church possesses the greatest mission on planet earth. The church could be the most generous organization in the community, collectively solving the most problems with a reputation of being the go-to place for real help. If you need a few inspiring Bible verses to further stoke your fire take a look at Proverbs 11:10-11 and Acts 4:32-37.
Now that we have an understanding of the vision problem many of you are facing, what’s the practical solution?
People come to church services because they desire something they cannot get anywhere else. They have tried. We may be their first choice or their last, but on Sunday we can be confident that the worship service is their priority. So let’s lean into what God is already doing and what they are desiring.
Do not feel pressured to create a new vision statement today. Let’s just practice with some ideas to see what sticks. It’s a simple solution, but it works. This practice will help you refine your future vision statements as you experience the results. When you are ready, invite your staff into the process.
Give the following sample statement some thought. The specific words may not fit your style, but seek to grasp the purpose or meaning. Feel free to restate or come up with some fun slogans of your own that roll more naturally off your tongue.
“We will invest in our community in a way that our mission is clear and resounds from the lips of those who do not actively attend our church.”
What would be different if this was your known value? Would your staff lead differently? Would your ministry offerings take a new shape? Would you measure a different result beyond attendance, building, and budget size? What could your future look like?
Today, people want to be difference makers in their local context. Unfortunately, they do not default to see the church and its programs as the best place for that activity to occur. However, we know it is actually the most powerful place for it to happen for all eternity.
It is time to redirect your church vision, language, and path. I promise your people are ready and are longing for it.
Want to discuss some of these topics with generosity expert, Todd McMichen? Request a meeting and gain invaluable insights and personalized guidance to inspire generosity within your congregation.