Vision starts with purpose, not numbers.

In order for vision to be caught, owned, and carried by your church, there has to be an effective transfer of vision. That transfer takes place most effectively by first sharing the purpose behind the vision and how the vision is a solution to a problem.

Some pastors often start out by focusing on the goal instead (which many times are numbers). For example, “We want to grow by X amount”, or “We want to see X amount of people in small groups”, or “We want to raise x amount of dollars for this…” etc. By starting out with the goal, they think it’s the goal itself that will mobilize people to own it.

If you are trying to mobilize people they need to see how it relates to their purpose, and how the vision is a solution to a problem.

For example: Making disciples is a primary purpose of any church. Jesus gave us this mission in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). So, let’s say you’re trying to get more of your church into small groups to build disciples. It’s important to first emphasize that you’re not doing it just for numbers sake, but because you believe small groups are critical to making disciples. You can share how Jesus didn’t say just to reach the lost, but to make disciples, and how as the Church, that’s a part of our primary purpose. Then the numerical goal takes on much more meaning and power than just a number would.

Apply the same thing to any area of ministry or expansion and it will really help your people not just know the vision but own it.

Stovall

Celebration Church – Don’t forget, we are Framing The Future at our Wide Open service this Sunday Night, October 23rd. 6pm at our Midtown, Orange Park, St. John’s, Camden, and Hardee Locations. Don’t miss it!