August 8th, 2009
Proof that Your Vision is Outdated
Your Vision is Outdated. How do I know?
Well I don't really. But if the last 10 years of consulting has taught me anything it's that the way we think about vision has needed to change, and yes, even for our most effective leaders in the church. So from my experience, I am really only about 98% sure that you vision is outdated.
OK, I want you to prove me wrong, so here is the proof test.
Pick a phrase, a statement or some words that represents the most important aspect of your church's vision. We'll call that your "vision nugget." Now run that nugget through this multiple choice answer list. If you can answer "non of the above" then you prove me wrong.
My vision nugget is:
A. So generic it does not differentiate my church from any others. (genera-vision)
B. Being used by another church and I picked it up at a conference or in a book (copycat-vision)
C. Locked inside of a long strategic planning notebook and I couldn't think of it (caged-vision)
C. Totally unique, but I came up with it all by myself (ego-vision)
D. The same one I had at my last church (double-vision)
E. Now being used by a younger staff person who planted a church in our area (di-vision)
F. None of the above
If you proved my wrong, I want to know!
This is great, Will. I really like the list of answers about the vision nugget. If church leaders are really serious about vision clarity and honest about where they are I think your 98% is right on!!
Hi Will, Vision is not what we see. Vision is the answer to the questions, “God what do you want the world to see?” and “God, what do you want the church to show?” The answer to both question is Jesus. Therefore our vision does not change. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever and so is Church vision. There is only one vision. If each church has its own vision then we all see with our own eyes and there is no unity. It is Jesus that focusses our vision. Vision must include the actions of Jesus, the responses that He expects and the outcomes that He is lookign for. Appreciate you, Ken (@JesusIsTheFocus)
Will,
The vision of Reflect Church is “Christ-revealing moments that lead to Christ-reflecting lives.”
My vision nugget is “Christ-revealing moments.” Honestly, I would choose “None of the Above.”
The vision took me a long time to land on, and I’m curious if “Moments that Lead to Christ.” is more succinct andclear. Thoughts?