To continue my posts on leading turnaround churches, let’s discuss the cost of your vision. In my previous post, I wrote about the idea of establishing your end goal as a church. What is your ultimate vision? Then taking that vision and making in memorable.
The thing that often be lost with vision, though, is that most leaders have a price on their vision. What I mean is that there are certain boundaries either they or their setting place on that vision. As a lead pastor, or point leader, what are the boundaries to the vision you feel called to lead your church towards?
- Is it tradition? Vision can be accomplished as long it doesn’t interfere with tradition.
- Is it acceptance? You will lead your church toward the vision as long as there is NO opposition from those in your church.
- Is it fear? Vision toward ministry can be pursued only to the point that the outcomes are completely controlled and understood.
- Is it resources? Vision and progress can only become a reality when all the resources are in hand before you start your pursuit.
I could go on, but regardless of what the boundaries are, it is very important to be honest and identify them. If you have a price on your vision, I can guarantee you will soon be met with an opportunity to sell it. Additionally, knowing what these ‘guardrails’ for vision are will allow you to establish a more effective strategy in accomplishing it.
For example, if tradition is a major guard rail for your church, you cannot just disregard it, you will have to work around it. Guard rails can be diminished over time, but change takes time. Strong-arming change through doesn’t usually work out too well. Be patient and be honest with your guard rails. In my final post on this subject, I’ll hit the next step of establishing a clear strategy within your guard rails toward your end goal.
Nick Poole 