1. Proper Planning is Essential for Effective Visioning and Vision Implementation.
It is critical that the watchperson-priest have help from persons who are able to give critical thought to the task at hand and to the outcomes that are expected.
2. Keep the People Informed.
It is of vital importance that the congregation be kept abreast of the elements of the vision, the progress that is being made, and the manner in which the life of the church, collectively and individually, is being changed.
3. The Pastor (Leader) Is Central to the Vision-Casting and Buy-In Process.
Every vision cast before the church must be couched in ministry terms, or it will suffer the criticism that the vision is self-serving.
4. The Congregation Sees the Person Before They See the Vision.
We would like to believe that the vision and the visionary are separate. In reality, however, they are often perceived as one in the same. When casting a vision, the visionary’s perceived level of integrity is a primary concern. In fact, the watchperson and the very integrity of God are both at stake.
5. Competing Voices within the Church Make It Difficult for the Congregation to Hear What Is Truly Being Said.
While the watchperson-priest may be the only visionary who is acknowledged within the congregation, he or she certainly is not the only voice that is heard.
6. No Matter How Precise Your Language, It Will be Difficult for the Congregation to Conceptualize the Vision.
For most persons, visions are difficult to define and therefore difficult to grasp.
7. The Casting of Vision Implies Customized Change.
No matter what we are told, the last thing churches want is change… (change) disrupts their lives and removes them from their comfort zones.
8. The Visionary Must Avoid Distractions.
The watchperson-priest must always avoid distraction. Distraction is Satan’s tool; he tries to get you to take your eyes off what God wants in order to satisfy what the people want.
9. Vision Casting Takes Time.
No matter how necessary, clear, and compelling your vision may be, a significant period of time must pass before understanding, acceptance, and buy-in occurs.
10. The Congregation Has a Responsibility.
The congregation must be ever encouraged to remain open to receive the vision God has given.
11. “Everybody Talkin’ ’bout Heaven Ain’t Goin’ There!”
As with any struggle for institutional change, there will always be tragic losses along the way.
12. The Struggle Will Continue.
As the church continues to change and grow, its transitional phases do not come to an end, but continue from one stage to the next.
No comments:
Post a Comment