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Unit 4. Casting and Communicating Vision

Mission-centered leadership develops and communicates a motivating, energizing vision. In much of management literature, mission and vision are used synonymously. To repeat from our working definitions, mission describes why the church exists; vision describes what the organization will do about its mission now and in the future. 

Vision is a prophetic expression of faith and hope that comes from soul searching by the leadership. Visionary leaders paint a compelling picture of the future, fixing their gaze on a high goal, a seemingly impossible dream. Often that vision transcends the past, the present, and anticipates a new and desired future. It has a mystical quality to it. Whereas the mission statement stands as an eternal purpose, vision captures the essence of the frontier, an unknowable future, an Ideal for which to strive, a vision of greatness demanding an act of faith.

(1) Visionary Leaders
A visionary leader dreams the impossible dream, remembering that “God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20). God’s leaders must have spiritual insight. They must be able to translate the signs of the times into terms of their spiritual meaning. They must see things others can’t see and have the courage to communicate that vision in a way that others claim it and commit to it.

Visionary leaders are those who can:

  • have faith in their future–“equity of faith in the future”
  • put words to their visions; put the “how” to mission
  • come out of the closet with their doubts; move toward confidence
  • hold themselves accountable for results
  • handle the potential conflict with the vision of others; foster cooperation
  • work with the church family to establish and communicate the vision as a benchmark for actions
  • make their vision pictorial; visualize what could be
  • invent what does not yet exist, but must be attempted.

Vision has the power to completely transform an organization. Fred Smith, the founder of Federal Express said, “We will deliver the package by 10:30 the next morning.” His vision completely changed the industry and the competition. In the box on page 22 is the vision Rick Warren shared with Saddleback Church on Easter Sunday 1980. Starting with a small group, that church has grown to over 10,000 in worship while planting 26 other churches and until recently did not own a building. Notice how the leader painted a picture of what could happen. The vision did not focus on buildings but rather on producing disciples for Jesus Christ. Notice that the vision is a “blueprint” for the future.

(2) Guidelines for Casting a Vision – Casting a vision must come from the heart and soul of the leader, but–as is the case with all servant leadership–the process must include those who will have a hand in achieving the vision. The steps toward creating a vision begins with a clear understanding of the church’s mission and the leader’s high hopes for the future of the church. To develop a vision statement apply the following steps:

  • Bathe in prayer: “What is God’s vision for us?”
  • Create a vision, put it into words.
  • Communicate that vision to others (small and large groups).
  • Remember that vision always involves a team.
  • Captivate others by using metaphors, parables and pictures.
  • Repeat the vision over and over.
  • Coach others to create commitment to the vision.
  • Build support for the vision.
  • Use emotionally charged words to elicit excitement for the vision.
  • Secure both organizational and personal acceptance of the vision.
  • Continually explain the relationship between the vision and the mission statement.

(3) Visioning Exercise –

  • Develop a plan for moving your church into a vision-setting mode.
  • What will be necessary to achieve teamwork?
  • Who is the most likely person to speak to the congregation and lead it into a growth-oriented future?
  • What components of your plan require coordination with others?
  • Decide on the best organization structure for developing the vision
    (Assigned to small groups or done by the congregation; size of the church will indicate the type of process structure.)

The greatness of a vision is important to any group. 2 Samuel 5:7 paints a clear picture of David’s vision and how it inspired images of greatness. The more electrifying and dynamic a vision is, the more it will inspire greatness in all who hold it.

Likewise, the leader who would be effective must make the church’s mission the top priority and commit himself/herself to the achievement of that mission in collaboration with others. Both mission and vision become the driving force for all planning.

For Christian leaders, the vision statement must represent God’s heartbeat as spelled out in Scripture and illuminated in space and time, while the mission statement represents God’s heartbeat and plan for the church for all time. From these two reference points, the church is able to develop a road map to the destination, a destination to be reached by everyone…the whole church…together fulfilling the mission of Christ. Mission-centered really does mean moving from vision to reality.

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