In my previous article we began looking at the importance of influence.  The point was made that to be truly effective as a leader in a church – in good times and in challenging times – leaders must master the ability to influence others.   Where does influence begin?   It begins with practicing Ministry IQ - getting to know the people you are serving and for these people to get to know you.  As a leader you will need to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  But there is more to influencing others.   You also need to promote vision.

Effective leadership is not about self-promotion but promoting the vision of the organisation you are leading.  For church leaders, pastors, elders, and the like, this means promoting the vision of your church.   When you think of 'vision' you might be thinking about the mission of your church.  Why you as an organisation, a ministry, or a church exist.   Your purpose here on earth.  Now understanding and promoting your mission is important.  (You can read more about the concept of mission here.)  But understanding and promoting your vision is critically important if you truly desire to influence others.  By vision we mean having a clear and compelling picture of the future of the ministry of the church, as you believe it can be and must be. How will the church's mission be brought into reality? This is what vision is all about. (You can read more about the concept of vision here.)

When the Lord Jesus was on earth he clearly communicated to his followers their mission in life and in ministry.  He told them that they were to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything [he] commanded [them]." (Matthew 28:19,20)  We often refer to these words as the great commission.  Later Jesus also communicated to his followers how this mission would be brought into reality, the vision for the church.   Luke records it this way:  "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)  Do you see the clear and compelling picture of the future of church Jesus promoted to his followers?   It was a vision of the church growing and expanding beyond Jerusalem to the whole world.  This global vision began to take shape not long afterwards, when the early disciples began to witness about Jesus in Jerusalem and then beyond that to the furthermost parts of the earth.  Disciples were made.  Believers were taught.  And churches were being planted.

This vision Jesus promoted to his followers continues to be the compelling picture of the future of the church today.   How this vision is translated into each and every local church setting will see variations from one place to another.   But the thrust is similar.  For example, we see echoes of the vision Jesus promoted in Acts 1:8 in our denominational vision:  we will multiply Bible-based churches which equip and nurture their members and grow throughout Australia and the world.   

Promoting the vision of your church is critically important when it comes to influencing others because a compelling vision tugs at people's hearts and motivates their wills.  Through a compelling vision people will discover what really moves you as a church, what you are passionate about.   Knowing this compelling vision people will be more likely to put up their hand to join in the mission of the church.

In my church development work I have seen a pattern repeated time and time again.   As I meet with a group of local church leaders or members I observe that many of these believers are tired, frustrated, and/or uncertain about the future of their church.  I would then ask them, "What is the vision of your church?"  "Can you give a picture of what your church would look like 2 or 3 years into the future?"   The typical response is  "I don't know!"  "I have no idea where we are heading as a church or what we desire the future to look like."  But take the same group of church leaders or members.  Spend some time with them to formulate some clarity as to what the vision of their church might look like.   Or I would share some stories of what the future of their church might look like.   Instead of tiredness, frustration or uncertainty I would begin to see enthusiasm, excitement, and certainty about the future of their church among them.   This is power of vision.  It motivates people into action.

One of the best things you can do as a leader to influence others is to keep telling them stories of what the future of the church would look like.  When people see the opportunities ahead of them they are more likely to seize the opportunities today to join in God's mission in this world.  To influence others requires that you promote vision.