6 Keys of Effective Vision-Casting
Vision is a key component of leadership. However, as author Ray Pritchard once said, “Good leaders have a vision; better leaders share a vision; the best leaders invite others to join them in spreading this vision.”
This idea of vision-casting prompted me to do some research on how to handle this effectively. I came across a great article by Stephen Blandino that gave some solid tips. Giving him credit, allow me to share some thoughts that you might embrace as a pastor or in your area of leadership.
Blandino suggests that there are five stages for effective vision-casting.
1. CELEBRATION
Vision casting doesn’t start by looking at the future; it starts by celebrating the past. That might sound counter-intuitive, but one of the best ways to create buy-in for the future is to first acknowledge what has already been accomplished.
Celebration sets the tone. It focuses on the wins of the past and recognizes those who helped make those wins possible. Moreover, it reinforces the organization’s ability to influence positive change and the difference made over the years.
2. PROBLEM
After highlighting the organization’s impact and progress, you have to introduce a problem. Every vision meets a need or solves a problem, so at this stage, you need to introduce the problem you hope to solve.
To make the transition from “celebration” to “problem,” on one occasion I used the following phrase when casting vision: “We celebrate what God has done, but there’s a problem.” On another, I said, “For all that’s been done, there’s so much more that needs to be done.”
The problem may be one of inadequate space to accommodate recent growth. Or it might be a fading of evangelistic zeal. Or it could be the need to launch a small group ministry. Or it could be a lack of volunteers to maintain the ministry.
3. SOLUTION
Once you present the problem you need to share the next steps toward solving that problem. It will be important to base this solution in Scripture. That’s where credibility is found.
For example, one of the greatest visions that I cast was that we needed to engage in a major building project to handle our growth. But the solution I offered was a unique one: to do so without borrowing.
That idea came out of a multi-day prayer retreat that I took where I was arrested by the words of Ps. 20:7 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
I told the congregation that this idea of building debt-free had gripped me deeply. And that I’d shared it with the elders who also sensed this was God’s word to us.
I then transitioned into the question everybody was thinking. I said, “So, what will it take to see this vision fully realized?” That set up the fourth stage of vision-casting.
4. PRICE
Every vision comes with a price tag. The bigger the vision, the bigger the price. And the bigger the price, the more intentional you have to be about what it will take to pay that price.
The price might be seen in the intentional training and mobilizing of volunteers. The price might be seen in learning how to see that our mission field is not only across the seas but across the street.
In our case, the price would be seen in enduring cramped conditions for an extended period of time until the resources to build would be in hand.
5. PARTNERSHIP
The fifth stage in vision casting is to invite people to participate. In our case, we clearly communicated that our biggest priority was not a financial goal, but rather a spiritual goal.
Yes, we made the financial price tag very clear, but we emphasized that as we were committed to seeing God move in power for our church, we were also looking for Him to move in power in our lives – praying for His provision, helping us give more sacrificially, looking for Him to mature us more dramatically.
I let the congregation know that everyone could participate in the realization of this vision. Though the amount might differ, the sacrifice would be the same.
I appreciate Blandino’s keys. However, I would add a sixth key for effective vision-casting. Call it…
6. PROGRESS
Andy Stanley put it well: “Vision leaks.” That being the case you need to regularly report progress being made toward the vision’s realization. It might be a report that celebrates. It might be a report that challenges. Often, it’s both.
For example, “We’re pleased to report that we now have 25% of our adults in small groups. We’re looking for 75% participation.” Or, “We are thrilled that our volunteer base has increased by 30%. We need another 20%.
In our case, we had regular building expansion video updates – some quite sobering and many quite humorous – which kept the vision alive.
Moreover, we celebrated little wins along the way. For example, “We now have enough money in hand to pour the foundation.” (Everyone cheered.)
And we presented some short-range goals. “We now need another $100,000 to begin the framing process. We hope to have that money in hand within the month so we can begin.”
By the way, we not only raised the money for that building expansion but for four more. All were accomplished without borrowing.
In conclusion, casting a vision is more than just presenting a long-term plan. It’s about inspiring, motivating, and engaging the congregation in the church’s purpose while aligning their efforts to fulfill God’s mission.
Kingdom Win = Personal Win
God’s mission being fulfilled is not only a “win” for the Kingdom. It’s a “win” for those who are part of the Kingdom. When you cast a worthy vision, those who embrace it are often surprised to realize personal gain. For example…
“I joined a small group to share in the vision of deeper community. Little did I know how much I would enjoy it.”
“I responded to the vision of increasing the volunteer base. In the process, I discovered my spiritual gift and put it into action by serving. Little did I know how fulfilling that would be.”
“I determined to give towards the debt-free dream. Little did I know that in so doing I’d be convicted to deal with my own indebtedness and live within my means.”
When people see that there’s a personal benefit in the vision as well as the corporate benefit, they will participate even more enthusiastically.
Vision is indispensable for the maturity of a church. Proverbs 29:18 reads, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” So make sure that it’s a part of your church.
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