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Principle # 1 – You Must Have A Clear and Compelling Vision.

Vision may be one of the most important things you possess as a leader. As a pastor prayer, a relationship with God, and many other things are certainly important, but I would argue that very few things are more important than having a clear and compelling vision and communicating it with clarity and consistency. Here are a few thoughts on vision:

• You must find your vision and stick with it. Don’t waffle. The path to reaching the vision, the programming, and plans will change and must change from time to time. Not too often, though, or you will confuse people. The vision, however, must always stay the same.

• You have to own it. Know where you are going but be flexible on the route. You are the guardian of the vision. As a leader you will need to share most of your responsibilities in order to be effective. You must spend most of your time doing what only you can do and give away everything that others can do. You must share the vision but you will be the primary vision caster.

• You have to repeat it often because vision leaks. Just ask people who come to your church to articulate the vision and you might be shocked at what you hear. I know that I have often thought that I have pounded the drum of vision enough and then found out that it was not as clear and apparent as I thought.

• Vision comes from listening to God. You must spend time with Him if you expect to hear from Him. If it does not stretch you it is probably not from God.

• Your vision will determine your philosophy of ministry. It should never be the other way around. Too many have let traditions stifle their growth. Even “contemporary” churches will get into a rut of doing things the same way. They are quickly becoming the new traditional.

Let me know what you think. You can learn more about our Avalon HOPE Pastors Coaching Network by clicking here.

Ritchie