Twenty years ago I published an article in the Journal of the American Society for Church Growth titled “The Art of Vision Casting for Church Multiplication.” Last month, I was reminded of this perennial challenge when speaking to a class at Regent University. One student inquired about how to lead a church in the direction of church planting.
Vision casting is an important early step in leading for change and new ministry endeavors. As a leader, on the one hand, you do not want to paint a picture with such detail that people believe it is an impossible vision to accomplish–and thus can’t see themselves working toward it. On the other hand, you do not want to paint a picture of the future that is so abstract people think you have no idea what you are talking about–and thus don’t want to be involved in something so esoteric.
I have linked the article above so you may find the details, but here are my steps:
Pray
Pray that as the vision is cast before the people they will be receptive to that vision. Pray that God would be glorified in the vision casting process. Pray that ungodly conflict related to the vision will never exist. Pray for spiritual protection for both you and the hearers. Pray that God will give you the necessary wisdom along the way to draw out that vision within your heart. Pray for patience as you cast the vision before the people.
Understand what “Communicates” with Your People
An intimate knowledge of the people provides the vision caster with a better foundation on which to contextualize the vision for the people. For example, knowing that a group of individuals grasp ideas better through interpersonal communication rather than through a lecture, will affect the way one casts a vision to the people.
Know the Possibilities
People need to know and to see what the Spirit has done and continues to do through His churches. Take some time to examine the Scriptures and what the Spirit has done throughout Church history during the times in which rapid disciple-making occurred resulting in the planting of numerous churches. Examine what the Spirit is currently doing among churches throughout the world.
Recognized the Barriers
Several possible barriers exist which I address in the article. Recognition of the barriers to church multiplication must be taken into consideration both before the vision is cast and during the vision casting process. The Lord may provide the vision, but we may hinder the fulfillment of that vision by allowing our cultural expectations to overrule the vision. When God speaks, we must always allow our traditions to bow to His Lordship.
Communicate the Vision Redundantly
As much as possible, keep the vision before the leaders and equip them to keep the vision before the rest of the church. Develop creative ways to communicate the vision to the leadership and the entire church.
What have I missed? Are there other steps you would add?
The five billion remain.
How about provide opportunities for short term involvement?
That is a good one! Thank you, Linda.