The Power of Visioning Capacity

Over the next several articles, I want to address the updated and revised building blocks necessary for the church planter. These crucial characteristics are observed at Church Planting Assessment Centers held throughout the year. We use a team of assessors to observe and lean into a candidate’s makeup for their church planting capacity. Church planting is an exciting and challenging venture. It takes more than just passion and enthusiasm to successfully launch a new church and see it thrive. A well-defined strategy and a set of essential building blocks are crucial for long-term growth and impact.

Among these building blocks, visioning capacity is the first one in the list of thirteen. A clear and compelling vision serves as a compass, guiding the church planting team and attracting potential members. It defines the "why" behind the church's existence and shapes its future direction.

What is Visioning Capacity?

Visioning capacity encompasses the ability to:

· Dream big: Imagine a vibrant and impactful church community that meets the needs of the surrounding area. This person needs to project the future beyond the present.

· Articulate the vision: Clearly communicate the church's purpose, values, and goals in a way that resonates with people. They need to persuasively sell the vision to the people they are trying to attract.

· Cast a compelling vision: Inspire and motivate others to join the journey of making the vision a reality.

· Adapt and refine: The planter needs to be flexible and adjust the vision as needed to respond to changing circumstances and opportunities. Which often comes in the early days of the church plant.

Why is Visioning Capacity Important?

A strong visioning capacity offers several benefits for church planting:

· Clarity and direction: A clear vision provides a roadmap for decision-making and resource allocation. It helps the team stay focused on the most important priorities.

· Motivation and unity: A compelling vision inspires and unites the team, fostering a sense of shared purpose and commitment.

· Attracting members: A clear and communicated vision resonates with potential members who are looking for a church that aligns with their values and aspirations.

· Sustainability: A strong vision provides a foundation for long-term growth and impact. It helps the church weather challenges and adapt to changing situations.

Developing Visioning Capacity

Several practices can help cultivate a strong visioning capacity in church planting teams:

· Prayer and reflection: Seek God's guidance and wisdom through prayer and reflection.

· Listening to the community: Pay attention to the needs and aspirations of the people in the target area.

· Studying successful models: Learn from other successful church plants and adapt their strategies to your context.

· Brainstorming and collaboration: Encourage open dialogue and creative thinking within the team.

· Seeking feedback and refinement: Get feedback from trusted advisors and potential members to refine the vision.

Remember, a strong vision is not stationary. It should be a living document that evolves over time as the church grows and learns. By nurturing visioning capacity, church planting teams can lay a solid foundation for a thriving and impactful church community.

Glenn Herschberger, Executive Director of Church Planting