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| By Jamie Doyle | |||||
| Your Vision is a picture in
your mind's eye of what you see yourself doing, who you see yourself working
with, where you're going, when particular things are happening, why you are
doing it and how it's getting done in the ministry. Now the next step is
to put it out there so you're not the only one with this great dream that
God has given you. We worked on putting the vision into writing last month.
Now we need to let others catch it.
Here's a simple illustration that my good friend and one of my mentors, "Big" Dan Rector shares. I give it to you in my own words: When Dan was young, his family took a trip out west. One of the stops on the trip was to Mt. Ranier in Washington State. When his family arrived to the place that was the best place to view the mountain, they were very disappointed. The fog was so thick that no one could tell where the mountain even was. Dan and his family even asked a man in a gift shop at the same location where the mountain was. The man chuckled and pointed the direction of the mountain. But, in between the people and Mt. Ranier was the thick fog. Disappointed, the family was about to leave when just them for a fleeting moment the fog lifted and in those few seconds of clarity, Dan caught a glimpse of the majestic place. That one look changed his feelings for that mountain forever. All you need to do is get people to catch a glimpse of your vision and it may change their feelings about children's ministry forever. Do you need more workers? Then share your vision! Do you need to get your Senior Pastor excited about the things you are doing? Share your vision him. Do you want your family more involved in your ministry? Share you vision with them. Do you want to stay motivated about what you need to accomplish? Continue to share your vision! Here are some simple steps in helping you to more effectively communicate your vision. Some of these are specific and some are step only you can develop. DON'T BE SECRETIVE To many people are afraid to share what God has shown them. In Habbakuk 2:2 we see to write the vision and make it plain. But it goes on to say that the purpose in putting it down in writing was not only to make it plain but so it could be shared with others. The Living Bible Translation says… "Write My answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell others." Now please understand that I am not a huge fan of the Living Bible. I hope this doesn't mean we can't be friends. But I do like this particular verse idea. Make it plain so others can read it and tell others. ADVERTISE… IT'S OK! There is nothing wrong with advertising… "WHAT?!?!?!!" Yep, It's o.k. to advertise in church. So many people automatically think of television commercials that sell those things we as Christians should be able to live without. What is your pastor doing during the services when he makes announcements? He's ADVERTISING! Remember? Put it on a billboard! Or maybe in the bulletin. What about setting up a booth in the lobby with pictures and sign-up sheets. Have children give a special presentation during the adult services. Wear hats, shirts, name-tags, tattoos! Whatever it takes to communicate your vision. Create brochures, flyers, handouts, signs, posters, etc. Have fun finding new ways to put it out there! Make it look sharp and organized. Make it worthy of being advertised. Put forth a vision of quality and clarity. LET'S GIVE 'EM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT! Get the people who work closest to you to start talking about the ministry and get them to share the vision. "…so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell others." This could very well be the best and most effective tool. But you have to get your workers to catch that glimpse. If they are excited about it… others WILL here about it. Here's a radical concept: Share your vision with your pastor so he can stay excited about it and be a word of mouth advertisement. He can be a valuable element in getting your vision out there. People will listen to the Man of God (your pastor). I don't say that jokingly. From the pulpit to a church newsletter article to meeting with board members and others leaders in your church, to newcomers and visitors; look at all of the opportunities that have just opened up to you. I'm not saying to use and abuse your privileges with your pastor. Just make sure he knows what is going on so he can effectively share it with others who need to here it from a reputable source. Well, there you have it! Put it out there! Don't be secretive or you'll never get the vision off the ground. Advertise so others can plainly see what your goals, ambitions, and dreams that God gave you are. In return, you'll get others talking about all of these things! Communicate effectively and you'll cause a positive epidemic that will change your ministry forever.
© 1998 Jamie Doyle This article may be copied to help others. This article may not be used for profitable purposes unless permission from the author is granted. |