Soaring congregations have laypersons with a heartfelt visionary story

Are active laypersons in your congregation sufficiently captured by God’s empowering vision for your congregation that they can speak from their hearts with spiritual passion about the story of what God is doing in and through your congregation?

If so, it is a difference maker for these congregations.

One day, Abby was shopping at her favorite big-box store. As she walked down an aisle, she noticed a woman pushing a cart toward her who looked familiar. She realized the woman was a guest at her congregation the previous Sunday. Abby had met her while volunteering in guest services but couldn’t recall her name.

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It seemed the woman also recognized Abby. As they drew closer and began talking, they shared a laugh over forgetting each other’s names. However, they remembered their lovely conversation from last Sunday.

Hospitality with a purpose

Abby relearned her name was Madison and was introduced to Emma, her adorable 18-month-old, who greeted Abby with a bright smile from the cart. Madison warmly spoke about the wonderful hospitality and worship she and her family had enjoyed.

Just then, Elijah, Madison’s lively 6-year-old, caught up with his mother, drawn to a colorful display of toys. Madison said Elijah also really enjoyed the gathering and was happy to see a couple of children he recognized from school. Her husband, Jason, recently started working as the new family practice doctor at the regional hospital’s community-based urgent and emergency care center.

The conversation then delved into more details about the congregation. Madison smiled as she told Abby, “I am so happy I ran into you. My husband and I were just talking last night about how it’s time to choose a congregation. Since moving here, we’ve visited many, but last night we realized your congregation really speaks to us. It would mean a lot if you could share what makes Summit Heights so special.”

Abby beamed, with clear excitement shining in her eyes. This was the moment she was eager to share. “Well, at Summit Heights we …” she began, speaking from the heart — not a rehearsed speech — about God’s inspiring vision for her congregation and how it is embraced in their community, across the globe and in their own lives.

Madison was truly touched by the story of Summit Heights. They kept chatting for a few more minutes, but eventually both children grew a bit restless, so they decided to move on, promising to meet again soon. They happily exchanged cell phone numbers to stay in touch.

As she walked away, Abby felt a wonderful warmth from her conversation with Madison. It wasn’t just that she was able to share the church’s vision clearly, enthusiastically and with pride. It was also that Madison, representing a younger group, seemed genuinely interested in the congregation’s dream.

Clear ownership perspective

Here’s a clear ownership perspective that really helps fulfill the vision:

First, when at least 21% of the actively engaged adults in a congregation are embraced by the vision, truly own it and make personal efforts to live it out, they become enthusiastic participants in disciple-making actions that help fulfill God’s inspiring plan for their church.

Second, whenever the congregation faces an important decision, they consistently — always, not just sometimes — ask, “How will this help us fulfill our vision?” This question inspires the congregation and moves them forward by God’s empowering vision, guiding their path.

Third, living out their clarity of vision isn’t just one of the things these congregations do — it’s the heart of everything they do and the top priority that guides all their actions.

Is this your congregation? If not, why?