The Vision Chart

When I came to WEFC in 1991, the church was celebrating its fortieth anniversary with the theme "A Vision Revisited, A Vision Renewed."

During a Concert of Prayer, we had people contribute their vision ideas, and as leaders we compiled them into five "vision points":

1. A healing community
2. Intentional disciple making
3. Target community evangelism
4. Facility expansion
5. Church planting

Then we distributed a Vision Chart, with the five components as headings across the top. Underneath was a brief description and then blank space for people to write the specific way they would be willing to help fulfill that vision point for the next year. We asked everyone—from new members to charter members, to indicate how they would help—whether praying, giving, assisting, or leading a particular aspect.

In eight years, the entire vision was fulfilled! Specific ministries emerged from the Vision Chart such as Stephen's Ministries, disciplemaking small groups, community impact efforts, a new ...