When was the last time something grabbed your attention in such a way that it moved you to action?
The busy pace of life is one of the greatest enemies to leaders. You are doing good work in leading your ministry. You plan your activities, invite men to be part of what’s happening, and have some strong spiritual growth opportunities.
But why are you doing it?
What is your end goal?
More importantly, what is God’s end goal?
I recognize you are busy, but I want to invite you to pause long enough to step back and consider why a compelling vision matters as you lead.
A Compelling Vision Drives You
You need a compelling vision first for your own benefit as a leader. The work of ministry can be challenging and requires a lot of perseverance. But perseverance is possible when you can see the potential results of your serving.
Simon Sinek once said, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”
So why are you leading a ministry to men?
Simon Sinek once said, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”
For me, I was compelled by the idea of how the world could be a different and better place if men were walking with Jesus. There is so much data that shows the influence and impact men have. There is also a lot of evidence of the damage men can do, and I believe there is a better story to be told.
That vision kept me going.
A Compelling Vision Guides You
In 2013, one restaurant chain had this vision statement: “To sell food in a fast, friendly environment that appeals to price-conscious, health-minded consumers.”
Sounds impressive—until you realize it was the vision statement of KFC, which also that year launched a new chicken sandwich that replaced the bun with two pieces of fried chicken instead (if you ever ate this sandwich, then you know it was not “health-minded”).
When you understand your compelling vision, it can act as a way to keep you focused as a leader. So many people will have a wonderful plan for your ministry work (and your life), but you can’t do everything. When you have a compelling vision that guides you, then you can more easily say “no” to even good opportunities that don’t align with your vision and stay focused on what matters most.
When you understand your compelling vision, it can act as a way to keep you focused as a leader.
A Compelling Vision Catches Men’s Attention
Every day, the men you are leading are bombarded with thousands of different messages, and each one is casting some vision. Men are busy, and they are also facing all kinds of distractions.
Let me ask you—which one of the following announcements would get you more interested in the upcoming men’s event?
- “Our next men’s breakfast is on Saturday with a great speaker. Sign up today.”
- “Imagine a group of men helping to set children free from sex trafficking. That’s what we are talking about at our next men’s breakfast this Saturday! Sign up today!”
A compelling vision is communicated in such a way that grabs a man’s interest and calls him to action.
A Compelling Vision Gives Men Something To Aim For
Something inside most men wants to feel like we are winning or making progress towards a vision.
When I was a young man, I was very overweight. When my daughter was born, a question stirred in me:
“Will I be healthy enough to walk my daughter down the aisle one day?”
That vision gave me something to aim for. The change did not happen overnight, but it did come. If you saw a picture of the two of us walking down the aisle on her wedding day, you would see a massive smile on my face, in part because I knew I had accomplished my vision.
The Most Compelling Vision Is Eternal
Every vision you have as a leader for your ministry needs to be anchored in a greater vision that is eternal.
There is a lot of talk about the importance of vision for leaders, but if your vision only leads to a temporary solution, then what is the point?
Let me give you an example: Do you want men to have a vision for being great husbands? Absolutely. But what if they’re single or they get divorced? Does vision for their life end at that point?
I believe the most extraordinary vision you can give a man is one that will conclude with a day standing before Jesus and hearing these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Call and support men to live this day for that day. Now that’s a compelling vision!
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