Casting vision is one of my favorite things to do as a pastor. It has also been a joy to do it beyond my local church in some major settings. Each time, I find it a joy.
I love getting into the challenge of discerning the Lord’s will as I work through the process with others. I learned some years ago that the bigger the vision, the more important it is that you involve people from all walks of life, even in carving the final vision. Once that vision is done and written up specifically, the biggest challenge is communicating it effectively.
When you are casting vision, I think you need to filter it by ensuring the vision is:
1. Clear
Clarity around a vision is imperative. As the communicator, you have to be clear about your understanding of it. This is why writing the vision is also imperative. This written documentation is what you will return to again and again. Through a meticulous process, you learn how to communicate the vision clearly. When the vision is clear to you, you are more able to clearly communicate it to others.
Whether you are communicating the vision of the church or the vision for a new initiative, ensure you do so with absolute clarity. It is not about how much you share, but you must share enough for people to have complete clarity. Therefore, when you cast vision to God’s people, be sure it is clear.
2. Concrete
I think having a concrete vision means you have a vision that is real and tangible. It is not about using language that no one understands or trying to impress others with great and extensive content. It is a vision that people can touch, feel and become engaged in personally.
Pastors seem to spiritualize issues. We cannot always spiritualize an initiative and have it received by the people. We have to know God wants us to do it—even have it confirmed from His Word. However, we have to communicate the vision in a believable and tangible manner. Therefore, when casting a vision, be clear and concrete.
3. Concise
In today’s world, it is really true: Less is more. This is especially true when we cast a vision. It needs to be concise. It needs to be brief, free of too many details.
Yes, you have to go deep and comprehend the details so you know you understand the vision; however, when you cast it before others, they just need to know the work is already done. You need to be on top of it, but remember that you are breaking it down, not only so others can grasp it, but also for them to be able to communicate it to others. I will state it again: It is not about how much you share, but share enough for the people to have complete clarity.
Therefore, when casting vision, be clear, concrete and concise.
4. Compelling
A compelling vision moves the people to action. As a servant-leader, you are God’s instrument to rally the people to a better future. You are there to lead them into a future they would not go into on their own. The vision has to be clear enough for them to understand, concrete enough for them to believe it is real, concise enough for them to communicate, and compelling enough for them to own personally and enthusiastically.
As the communicator of the vision, do your very best to be strong, believable and capable of moving people into owning the vision enthusiastically. If the vision is going to capture their imagination and heart, moving them into the vision personally and enthusiastically, then the vision must be compelling.
Leadership Is a Privilege
Leadership is such a privilege because you are able to cast vision to others. Steward this entrustment well. Do not get lost in it. Enjoy it. You have the privilege of taking others where you believe God wants to go. Therefore, be clear. Be concrete. Be concise. Be compelling.
Dr. Ronnie Floyd has been a pastor for more than 36 years. Since 1986, Pastor Floyd has served as senior pastor of Cross Church, Northwest Arkansas, which has baptized over 17,000 people during his tenure. Cross Church was one of the first churches in America to go multisite. Pastor Floyd has authored 20 books, including Our Last Great Hope: Awakening the Great Commission.
For the original article, visit pastors.com.
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