We have spent a great deal of time over the last several posts writing about vision. We focused on the necessity and importance of vision. There was some advice on how to create and implement your vision. We also looked at some obstacles that might occur and how to deal with them.
In a great article from Rookie Preacher.com. (https://www.rookiepreacher.com/framework-turn-vision-into-strategy/) Brandon Kelley states, “If vision is the place a leader stays, he has left out half the battle. The vision must be turned into strategy.” He continues, “If vision never moves to strategy, it becomes a far-fetched dream with no hope of seeing the light of day.” Much of the article is built upon a book by Pastor Will Mancini. This book has been added to our resource list. (https://www.amazon.com/God-Dreams-Templates-Finding-Focusing/dp/143368845X)
Let’s take a closer look at how we go about doing that from an example in Kelley’s article. Many churches have been starting small groups. They appear to be a good way to engage parishioners and build community. You may have had success in a previous parish and feel that they could work in your new parish even though they never had them before.
So, once you’ve gained buy-in from your team you could start with the very generic statement – “We will have small groups in our church.” This is a good start but in order for vision to become a strategic goal it needs to have more specific details. That requires asking and answering some questions. For example, how many people will be involved? How often will they meet? When will this be achieved? By answering these types of questions, you can create a time-bound, measurable strategic goal. Your original vision statement can now become – “In the next 5 years we will have 65% of our parishioners involved in weekly small group meetings.”
Mike Bell on Envisio.com (https://envisio.com/blog/put-your-strategic-plan-to-work-3-steps-to-turn-vision-into-action/ ) then provides guidance on the next steps. The strategy needs to become an action item. Further details are required for this. What types of small groups will we form? Should it be bible study, book clubs, produced programs with discussions, etc. Perhaps it could be all of them? Someone will need to take the overall lead for the project, and they should be granted the latitude to form their own teams. This will allow the assignment of responsibility.
Frequent, but not overbearing or micromanaging checks on progress need to be made. Communication between all involved is critical in that it can create synergy and duplication of efforts. When major milestones are reached recognition of effort with small “celebrations” are important for morale and ongoing commitment.
Once ready to implement, communication to the broader parish becomes critical. This may require different “players” and the handoff to them should be monitored to ensure continued success. It is also critical to occasionally revisit your efforts. Is the ongoing program aligned with your original vision? Is any action necessary to maintain and grow the program? Is the goal still relevant?
Vision without direction and action is a dream. While good, dreams that never become concrete can become frustrating and demoralizing. Your efforts as a leader must help to prevent that.