Clear Vision and Values

You can’t lead your team if you don’t know where you’re taking them.

• Vision is what you see your ministry becoming in the next 3–5 years (not 25 — that’s too far out). Picture it clearly, then express it to your team.
• Values are what you celebrate and encourage — who you want your team members to be and how you want them to behave.

A vibrant ministry requires both clearly defined.

Action items

Vision

• Get away for a day with a Bible, a notebook, and a pen — no phone to distract you. Seek God’s vision for your ministry.
• Write a 1–3 page document describing your ministry 3–5 years out, in as much vivid detail as possible: Who’s there with you? What does it feel like to belong? What does it sound like? What gear, what songs, how is the congregation responding? What staff positions exist?
• Use it to reverse-engineer the steps that get you there.

Values

• Define 3–7 single words (not sentences) for who your team is. Example: worshipers, servants, encouragers, family, creative, progressing.
• Fight for the right words — e.g. “progressing” over “excellent,” because you can attain excellence but you’re always progressing.
• Include key leaders in the process so they own it and buy in before you present to the team.
• Present the values at a mandatory team meeting, post them on the wall, and repeat them often — culture is a leaky bucket you constantly refill.
• Celebrate people who exemplify the values; hold people accountable when they don’t.