by Rev. Mark E. Tidsworth, Founder and Team Leader
“They don’t got a leg to stand on.” —Appalachian folklore saying describing people without direction.
Several congregations with whom we are working are completing their visioning process. Being involved with them in such a profound way, at pivotal times in their congregational histories, is a blessing for our lives. Watching them embrace the process, discovering God’s calling is fascinating and exhilarating. We are glad to be a part of their spiritual journeys. Here are four observations out of recent experiences.
Effective congregational visioning is a spiritual activity.
When people start asking the pivotal questions, they rediscover their faith. Do we really believe God wants good for this world? What are we willing to do to join in God’s mission? How important is God’s calling for this very church? People find themselves praying a lot when they do congregational visioning. As congregational consultants, we discover God anew in each consultation as well. There are those times in life when we are aware that we are into something bigger than ourselves. When the consultant pays attention to the still small voice, honoring God’s movement, the process goes beyond the consultant’s ability. When the congregation and visioning team discerns God’s voice, spiritual vigor grows.
Effective congregational visioning is far more than strategic planning.
“Strategic planning” is such a flat phrase, lending itself to sterile, left-brained activities. Congregational visioning, when done well, involves more than the brain (the heart is the other primary body part). One congregation is bringing closure to a conflict that happened years ago. It’s lingering effects created emotional molasses, making movement slow and lethargic. Through the interactive visioning process, the congregation brought closure to this powerful historical influence. They will have a “strategic plan” shortly, complete with action steps and target dates and accountability markers.
Simultaneously, this particular congregation would say that important outcomes occurred long before the strategic plan was put on paper. Another congregation is simply growing more focused. They were already healthy, yet needed clarification and direction. Their vision, with its action plan, harnesses their spiritual passion for productive ministry.
Effective congregational visioning is process oriented.
We are consistently reminded that we are there to construct the process and lend some courage, yet the congregation discovers God’s vision for them. You can find expert consultants who are more than happy to tell you what you need to do as church. Rarely does that take very well. We provide processes facilitating the spiritual work of visioning, helping congregations come into their own.
Effective congregational visioning provides a leg to stand on.
How do the pastor and church staff decide what to do? How does the leadership team (council, deacons, vestry, session, elders, etc.) decide what to do? There are so many ministries needed within a 5-mile radius of every congregation. There are so many people who are not aware of God’s love for them. The needs in our world are gargantuan. A congregational vision, for this time and place, can guide the decision-making process of the pastor, church staff, leadership team and congregation as a whole. They can say “yes” to this and “no” to that.
They don’t got a leg to stand on. Congregations with a vision can do more than stand. They are joining God’s mission in this world, putting legs to their love for God and neighbor.