According to a survey of LEADERSHIP readers, communicating vision is one of the most frustrating parts of leading a local church. One response to the open-ended question "What is the greatest single problem you face in training your lay leaders?" was "Teaching Christians the vision of a Christlike life."

It's also a task young pastors feel poorly equipped to handle. In a comprehensive 1982 study, one major seminary found its alumni felt least prepared in their ability to get people working together toward a common goal. Apparently putting the vision in a form that inspires and energizes is a major hurdle.

Failure to communicate the vision can lead to disaster. Imagine people going to work day after day without knowing their company's business-yet that's exactly what happens when church members don't know what their church is trying to do. At the least, such ignorance can lead to mindless religiosity. Philosopher George Santayana noted that "fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts ...