Paint that Outrageously Inspiring Picture

One of the many aspects of pastoring that I miss is getting an opportunity to cast a vivid vision and watching people take hold of it.  Now, I have the privilege of celebrating with pastors and church leaders when their audacious vision for the new year and/or season in the church is caught.  But I can’t keep myself from remembering the most exciting experience for the last church I led: our vision banquet.  It was the most energetic evening of the year as we praised God for the past year’s victories and projected a bold and beautiful plan for the future.  And, we all left that experience enthused and equipped to take hold of it.

If I know leaders like I think I do, there is frankly nothing more fulfilling than having the ability to launch a vision, seeing people unite around it and actualizing the reality of that courageous plan.  Where ever you serve and lead, you really can paint that outrageously inspiring picture…with the right tools.  Here are eight helpful aspects to presenting that critical canvas:

(1)   Sense the calling of a cause that’s bigger than you.  It’s got to take team effort if others will embrace it.

(2)   See it vividly before you share it.  It’s essential that you be thoroughly prepared to cast the plan.  Consider getting around some story-tellers to help you share it effectively.

(3)   Communicate a problem that can be solved together.  Help your organization see their part in the big picture.

(4)   Present testimonials of how working together is essential.  Personal testimonies of teamwork can show how doable the vision can be.

(5)   Make the vision visual by props and media.  Without going overboard, include tools to make the vision come alive.

(6)   Immediately recruit participants.  Nothing communicates the urgency better than having a place to sign-up for particular teams!  (And, maintian the integrity of the vision by quickly following up on all who sign-up.)

(7)   Leave them with a symbol of the vision to help them remember their part.  Something that they can put on their refrigerator, key chain or desk can be stimulus to action.

(8)   Talk about it every week of the year.  Vision leaks.  So, keep it before the people visually and vocally.