“This is the final boarding call for Flight 365 to Orlando.” The door closes, and the airplane is pushed back from the gate. The pilot is going to Orlando. The copilot is going to Orlando. The flight attendants are going to Orlando. All the passengers are going to Orlando—except the guy in seat 23C. He’s going to Havana, and we have a name for him: “Hijacker.”
In churches, as on planes, it’s always good if everyone envisions the same destination—especially leaders. An elder, deacon, pastor, teacher, or charter member whose first name is “Hijacker” would serve everyone better by getting off the plane before it leaves the gate.
How do we keep church leaders all headed toward the same destination with clear purpose and excitement? It comes down to a very short list of basics.
- Clear statement of destination. The plane’s destination city is on the e-ticket, boarding pass, TV monitors, gate board, and public announcement system. Repetition. Redundancy. Saying it over again.     At Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, the purpose statement of the church is said so often that most Wooddalers know it by heart: “The purpose of Wooddale Church is to honor God by making more disciples for Jesus Christ.” We must know the destination without a doubt if we expect leaders to stay focused.
- Vision of how it will look. Children dressed up like Donald Duck stand in the airport security line. Pictures of palm trees grace the jetway walls. Everyone is talking about the warm weather and thrilling rides. Is that flight attendant wearing mouse ears? All of it keeps the juices flowing for Orlando’s Magic Kingdom. Church leaders will keep moving in the right direction if they are frequently shown what their church will look like upon arrival. Vision is about evangelism, discipleship, missions, helping the poor, and building the youth program. Project the picture. Talk about vision, and then talk about it some more.
- Friends. Who wants to take a great vacation all alone? The thought of traveling solo is enough to cancel the trip, but with a group of friends—even brand new ones—it’s easy to stay excited. Leaders and other church volunteers burn out fast if they are isolated. Keep them connected with prayer meetings, e-mail updates, social gatherings, training sessions, and ministry opportunities. Jesus had Twelve. He sent them out in twos. When Peter stood by himself, he messed up big time. Make sure leaders have lots of friends if you want to keep them motivated and moving toward the goal.
