Having clearer vision puts you on the path to success. For sure, having a broad, grand vision is one thing—and an important thing—but translating that vision into more specific goals is another. For example, say your church has a vision for getting more engaged with the surrounding community, as well as for compassion and service. That’s great, but it could look dozens of different ways. What direction do you want to go with it? Tutoring neighborhood kids? Helping with refugee resettlement? Caring for the elderly with meals and companionship? You’ll need to narrow your focus a bit if you’re going to accomplish anything specific.
To a degree, your direction will depend on the opportunities in the community surrounding your ministry. Who has God placed in your path? Who has God placed on your heart? How has he equipped you to be able to help? Spend time as a team discerning God’s voice. What direction is he leading? What could that look like?
One helpful exercise when embarking on a new direction is called “Achieve, Preserve, Avoid.” Essentially, brainstorm answers to these questions:
- What do we want to achieve?
- What do we want to preserve?
- What do we want to avoid?
Answering these questions will help you get a better sense of the specific direction God is leading you. It moves you from clarifying your general direction into setting priorities and planning. You get a better sense of what the ministry will actually look like if it’s successful.
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