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Creating a Vision Statement
One Process
The total time needed for the process may take
1 1/2-2 hours. It could be followed by commission meetings that would
concentrate on establishing one or two achievable goals for the next year.
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Share the suggested scripture from Habakkuk
2:2,3 and highlight the four points, perhaps on a blackboard or on
newsprint. The scripture is:
"Then the Lord answered me and said: Write
the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For
there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and
does not lie. It seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will
not delay." NRSV
The four points are:
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Write the vision |
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Make it plain |
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There is still vision |
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It will take some time |
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Read "Brown
Sugar." Be sure to take a one pound box of brown sugar along as a
prop.
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Share Isaiah 43:19 which
is the theme for the process: "God is eager to do a new thing among you."
If possible hang a banner (made on computer paper) with this verse somewhere
in the room.
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Make the following general statements to the
group:
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Every congregation needs a vision. It gives
you a dream to follow, hope for the fulfillment of that dream, encouragement
to measure progress along the way, a sense of unity for working together. |
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A vision statement identifies the focus of
the congregation in carrying out its' larger purposes. Vision establishes
priorities for the mission of the church. |
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The vision statement communicates what it is
God wants the church to be and do in this time and in this place. |
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The length of the vision statement should be
2-3 sentences so everyone can easily remember it. |
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If the group is dividing into small groups for
goal setting share the following:
Seven principles of goal setting are:
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Bring people together for a purpose |
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Think — dream — prioritize |
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Determine the steps needed to reach the goal |
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Try to determine any and all costs involved |
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Assign tasks to individuals so you will have
goal ownership |
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Communicate your goals |
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Planning is an adjustable process . . . begin
where you are |
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Have a large blackboard available or several
sheets of newsprint.
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Ask for short phrases, words, or a word that
describes your congregation. All comments must be positive. They can
describe the ministries of your congregation, the characteristics of your
fellowship, the future work for your people. It doesn't matter if there are
duplicates. Fill the board or at least several sheets. This is very
important! Take your time to complete this section. |
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When all the suggestions are listed begin a
process of elimination by erasing duplicates but keeping the one or ones
that speak to those in attendance. |
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Keep moving through this part until you have
narrowed the list to 6 or 8 key phrases. |
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Take a short break with the
group if needed.
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Begin to formulate the sentence(s). Move
carefully through this because this finalization is very important.
Return to
Ideas That Work: Vision Statement
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