Getting From A to B

In a conversation with a pastor, he told me: “I have this very nice picture in full color of what I want the church to be. Some people call that ‘vision,’ but I don’t know how to get from here to there!”

I could see the frustration on his face, and I understood. We all feel a bit frustrated about that. So, how do we get from point A (the way it is now) to point B (the way we want it to be)? We do it one step at a time. And as simple as that seems, it’s the only way anything good gets done. Consider the following as an example:

Point A, now: Sunday is so-so. People are not joyful or loving. We just do church because we always have.

Point B, 18 months from now: We want to be a church of joy and love, where Sunday is a pleasure.

          Step 1: Immediately begin praying for point B at every staff and board meeting.

          Step 2: On Sunday begin including a brief “Note from the Pastor” in every Sunday bulletin, setting a mood of love and joy, thanking people, and proclaiming grace.

          Step 3: A month from now hold a 50-minute “huddle” of all church leaders, teachers, and main volunteers, getting them “in the know” about issues and events at the church, but also asking them to help out on Sunday, especially by greeting guests. Establish “the 3-minute rule,” where regulars try not to talk to someone they know for 3 minutes after the benediction but rather greet and meet people they don’t know.

          Step 4: In the next board meeting talk about Sunday joy and what these leaders can do to help with a spirit of mission and grace and joy.

          Step 5: Soon, with main staff discuss candidly how the worship service can be more Christ-centered, joyful, and guest-sensitive.

          Step 6: ___(date)___ Do a three-Sunday series on love and unity in the church, perhaps using Philippians 2:1-4 and Ephesians 2.

          Step 7: Next month start a much better system of greeters at all doors (in the parking lot also?) and “auditorium hosts” who look for guests in their section of the worship center.

You get the point. Just be sure to incorporate dates and specifics. Other goals might be: A building program,  update of the constitution, pay off church debt, staff unity or better accountability, strong community ministry, a missional mindset.

We’d love to hear about your vision for your church and the steps you used to get there.