Making Vision Stick

I just finished a book by Andy Stanley titled Making Vision Stick. It’s a great read for any pastor or leader. I like it because it’s short (only 75 pages), and he says what he needs to say. So many books go on page after page and say the same thing over and over again. This book in dense, packed full of useful information. I have seen so many churches that are just drifting along, doing a little bit of everything, but not accomplishing much for the kingdom.

I think many times it comes down to a lack of vision and direction. We know what we are supposed to do, fulfill the Great Commission and Great Commandment. But we must answer the question how is God leading our church to do that. What is God’s vision, God’s design, God’s structure for the church. As a church, once we determine that vision, then we must work hard to guard against losing it. And that is what this book is about. I have always liked Andy Stanley, and after hearing him at Catalyst this year, I have gained even more respect for his ministry. Here are some memorable quotes from the book. This is a book that I want to return to and read every year. It’s that important to remember why we do what we do.

  • Vision is about what could be and should be, but life is about right this minute.
  • People don’t remember or embrace paragraphs. They remember and embrace sentences. As theologian Howard Hendricks said, “If it’s a mist in the pulpit, it’s a fog in the pew.”
  • You have to present people with a reason for your vision. You have to answer the questions: Why must we do this? Why must we do this now?
  • They already know there’s a problem. They probably have a hunch about the solution. What they need is someone to give them a reason to rise up and do something about it. That is the role of a leader.
  • We all need to be reminded why we are doing what we are doing. We need to be reminded what’s at stake. We need to be reminded of the vision.
  • What’s celebrated is repeated
  • If you say you believe in something, live it out.
  • What people complain about communicates their understanding of the vision.

Mike

I am a former design engineer who now pastors Cornerstone Community Church in Galax, Virginia. I'm passionate about following Jesus and I love technology. I've been married to Jennifer for 28 years, and we have three adult children.

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