Why Your Ministry Needs a Compelling Direction

"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet."

— Theodore Hesburgh

Some people hate the word vision—and I completely get that. It can feel like corporate jargon, a buzzword tossed around in boardroom meetings, or an abstract idea that never lands where real ministry happens. I understand being uncomfortable using ideas or words the world promotes.

So, call it whatever you like: ministry direction, ministry plan, or strategic roadmap. But the core question remains:

Do you have a clear, compelling direction?

If you don't, you must find a way through the fog. Your leaders, congregation, and community need to know where you are heading. A clear vision that inspires action doesn't just clear the air; in fact, it also addresses deeper operational struggles like engagement and stewardship. Furthermore, as the old saying goes: "Money follows a vision." People do not invest in survival; they invest in a clear, hope-filled future. It is hard to get people excited about keeping the lights on. But getting people to join you on a mission to impact lives—sign me up for that!

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Defining the Framework: Values, Vision, and Mission

To build a path forward, we must get clear on the language. These three elements work together as a compass, a target, and an engine:

1. Core Values: Who are you?

Core values are the fundamental beliefs and guiding principles that define your culture. Specifically, they act as an internal moral and operational compass shaping behavior, guiding decisions, and distinguishing what is right for your context from what is not.

2. Vision: Where are you going?

Vision asks the church: "What does the future look like when we connect with our community meaningfully?" At its core, it offers an inspiring vision grounded in Godly wisdom, imagination, and strategic focus. Instead of settling for the status quo, it actively guides your current decisions while shaping future possibilities.

3. Mission: How will you get there?

The church's overarching mission is rooted directly in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20):

"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

While the Great Commission gives every church its ultimate purpose—to make disciples—your local mission statement defines the specific scope of your ministry. It outlines how you carry out this mandate in your unique geographical location serving your specific neighbors through localized ministry and action.

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What Is Your Trophy? Lessons from Wrigley Field

Having spent 12 years living in Chicago, I frequently use a baseball example when consulting with organizations.

For 108 years, Chicago Cubs fans lived under the weight of frustration and the famous "Curse of the Billy Goat"—a hex allegedly placed on the franchise in 1945 by tavern owner William Sianis. That curse lasted 71 years, from 1945 to 2016.

Everything changed on October 12, 2011, when Theo Epstein stepped in as the new President of Baseball Operations. Epstein had already broken the 86-year-old "Curse of the Bambino" with the Boston Red Sox, and he was brought to Chicago with a single, clear mandate: Bring the Cubs a World Series Championship.

Everyone in Chicago knew why Theo was hired. We all knew the target: the Commissioner's Trophy.

More importantly, everyone understood the plan:

• Trade older players with costly contracts.
• Rebuild the farm system from the ground up, accepting that it meant losing 100 games a season for a few years.
• Draft high-upside positional talent and execute smart trades for young players with high potential.
• Once the foundation was solid, leverage financial flexibility to sign key free agents to push the team over the top.

Because the direction was crystal clear, fans and stakeholders bought into the process—even through the lean years. The plan came together two years early, culminating in the historic 2016 World Series victory.

When I work with churches and organizations, I use this example to ask one probing question:

"What is your trophy?"

Tragically, most organizations cannot articulate what they are actively trying to achieve—or worse, why they even exist in their current location. A compelling vision creates clarity, sparks authentic engagement, and drives the mission forward.

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The Marks of a Godly Vision

Author and ministry strategist Bob Logan defines vision this way:

"Vision: the capacity to create a compelling picture of the desired state of affairs that inspires people to respond; that which is desirable, which could be, should be, and attainable. A godly vision is right for the times, the church, and the people. A godly vision promotes faith rather than fear. A godly vision motivates people to action. A godly vision requires risk-taking. A godly vision glorifies God, not people."

A true God-given vision doesn't lock a church into nostalgia or fear of decline; it propels leaders and congregations outward to actively love and serve their communities.

Miranda, J. (2011). Being Well: Bringing Wholeness and Purpose to the Practice of Leadership. https://core.ac.uk/download/62411830.pdf

Taking the Next Step

If your leadership team is navigating through the fog or struggling to define a clear path forward, you don't have to figure it out alone:

• Reach Out: Connect with me directly to start a conversation about vision development, leadership alignment, and change management.
• Iowa District West Congregations: If you are within Iowa District West, I am available to meet directly with your leadership team and congregation to help you identify concrete ways to be a better, more impactful neighbor in your local community.

Above all, join me in praying that God reveals His direction for your ministry with absolute clarity and compelling purpose.