I am often asked by pastors and church leaders about what is necessary to cast effective vision. The following is a working document that I have written for many leaders. I am glad to share these talking points with you.
An effective leadership style is the desire to communicate information ahead of the “congregational buzz”.  Communications then should TRUMPET ACCOMPLISHMENTS and orchestrate DECISIONS.  Let me elaborate.
Announcing The Decision
The objective of announcements is to inform the congregation simply so you can stay ahead of the speculation (rumor) mill. Given that objective, this initial announcement needs to be low key on the importance scale but enticing on the interest scale. This is an announcement like the interruption on TV with the 3 quick teasers towards “News at 11:00.”…more ‘exciting details to follow’ type communication. I suggested that church leaders should consider couching the announcement within a brief exciting communication.
Sunday Outline – Talking Points
- Vision with Substance
- Future with Hope
- Plan for Success
“Friends, listen up. In the next 5 minutes I want to give you a quick update on the things that capture my attention. Things that I am passionate about.
(Vision with Substance)Â
1. Â Folks, think with me for a second.
I am driven by things that have not happened but that I passionately want to see happen.
I am driven by the vision of seeing people’s lives transformed (changed) that are not yet transformed.
I see the day when our worship service is overflowing with people who are worshipping, when the Sunday School and small groups are packed with people who are learning, and when our community is touched by people who are truly living
When I fast forward 3 years I see 2,000 people (ex,) worshipping and serving right here. Will you see it with me? Will you be passionate about these things with me?
I am driven by things that have not happened but that I passionately want to see happen.
(Future with Hope)
2.  Folks, here at _________ Church, all of us invest some measure of our time, energy, talent and resources. We give our all, because our dreams are greater than our memories. We have a great ministry but we are willing to invest so that we have an even greater ministry in the future . Will you go there with us? Will you help us get there?
(Plan for Success)
3.  Let’s make it practical. We are not planning to get to the future without a plan. We are not just ‘hoping it happens!’ I update you frequently on our plans, but you also know that we are frequently updating those plans.  Listen to me, our decisions are driven by this thought and prayer. What are the decisions that we need to make NOW that will help this great church get from here to there? What assistance will add value to our journey and help us achieve our dreams?  Throughout our series of meetings and discussions, your leadership team felt very strongly that their passion for the local church combined with their expertise in leadership and generosity will add value and assistance to our journey.
We have always been excited about what God is doing here and we are even more excited as the days unfold.
Let’s go on this journey together.”
Pastors and church leaders, I hope these talking points have helped you. Remember to incorporate Vision with Substance, Future with Hope, and a Plan for Success and watch your tribe wholeheartidly join you in the journey.
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