FAQs of Zion’s Visioning Journey
- We already have a Mission, what is the purpose of a Vision?
- Why are we creating a Vision?
- How did Zion go about creating this Vision?
- What is the Vision Zion is considering adopting?
- I keep hearing about Initiatives—what are they?
- What are the next steps? How will Zion implement this vision going forward?
- How can I be a part of the Visioning process for the future?
- All this talk makes it sound like we’ve never done anything right before?
- Do I have to go through this discipleship process?
- What are we going to about this question concerning more meaningful worship experiences for those under 35? Does that mean you are going to change wither the 8:30 or 10:30? I thought that was what Family Express was for?
- Why aren’t the pastors wearing albs anymore at the Family Express and 10:30 services?
- Why are so many things changing around here?
- I can’t hear during worship – is fixing our sound problems in one of the initiatives?
- With so many more teams being needed to carry out the vision; will we be hiring another pastor?
- What will happen to the current ministries at Zion?
- I’m currently in a circle or bible study – will these go away, change?
- I keep hearing about small groups – will I have to be a part of one?
- Who do you talk to if you have a ministry request?
- Who do we talk to if we have a need request…want to serve?
We already have a Mission, what is the purpose of a Vision?
Our Mission statement—Zion seeks to share Christ’s word, strengthen our faith and serve those in need — tells what we do. The Vision tells howwe are going to do it — how we are going to achieve our mission; it evolves as the needs and desires of the church change.
Why are we creating a Vision?
In 2009, Zion invited BridgeBuilders to come in to help us get through some challenging times. They observed:
- Congregations that are vital and healthy should engage in a strategic planning process every 4-5 years. This intentional process of asking “What is God Calling us to do and be?” and then listen for answers is a powerful way to engage members and build a sense of community and shared mission. This kind of planning, beyond bricks and mortar, has been lacking at Zion.
- When there is a lack of clear mission, it is easy to get stuck in being inwardly focused. Part of the learning process is to discover ways to serve each other and the neighbor. What is God calling forth from us— and how do we give our love and resources for the sake of the neighbor?
- Zion is faced with wonderful opportunities to help grow in other ways beyond numbers, to grow spiritually, and deepen one’s faith, to grow in a sense of community and vocation, to grow in discipleship, to grow leaders.
This BridgeBuilder’s report recommended that Zion identify goals or objectives toward which Zion’s mission will move the congregation over the next several years; establish a vision for Zion’s future.
At last year’s annual meeting, the congregation passed a resolution calling for a Vision Task Force to lead the congregation through a visioning process in 2011, which included:
- Identifying several key initiatives which will provide direction and focus for the mission and ministry of Zion for approximately the next 5 years,
- Developing a strategic plan to implement the initiatives into the life of the congregation,
- Putting into one document the mission statement, vision statement and strategic plan for implementation of the key initiatives, and
- Presenting the above for approval at the 2011 Annual Congregational Meeting
Visioning gives us the chance to put some concrete actions in place that evolve from listening to the Holy Spirit and the people of Zion as to how we can be a part of God’s mission.
How did Zion go about creating this Vision?
With input from the congregation…In a nutshell, all of us at Zion were welcomed to engage in conversation, complete an assessment, and pray about the future of Zion. The VTF listened to what members had to say, sought their feedback through the use of the church assessment tool, and prayed and discerned that the strongest desires of our church would be made known.
- A Vision Task Force was created to lead the congregation in the Visioning Process.
- In Oct 2010 many people participated in small group Visioning meetings where we identified individual gifts we each had to share and what we wanted to see Zion doing within and beyond our walls.
- In Jan 2011 you were invited to take an Assessment, which resulted in Top Priorities of our congregation, that got categorized into 6 areas.
- These 6 categories were discussed by Zion’s staff, leaders and the Visioning Task Force and qualities and characteristics were identified.
- Small Groups met to refine and provide input on the qualities and characteristics and answer the question: Is this what you think God is calling Zion to do?
- Pastor Ted and Pastor Luke turned to scripture and prayed about the input thus far.
- The staff refined, developed concepts and interpreted the information gathered.
- The Vision Task Force processed the information again, forming the 3 encompassing initiatives, a vision statement and strategic plans for implementation of the vision and initiatives.
What is the Vision Zion is considering adopting?
Helping people experience the joy of life in Christ.
I keep hearing about Initiatives—what are they?
These initiatives were a summary of the input collected from the congregation.
They are simply more specific things Zion will do to help us implement the Vision.
- Celebrating on Sundays: Creating Sunday morning experiences at Zion that invite, welcome, engage and inspire people to live for Christ.
- Living God’s Call: Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them to trust in Christ, grow in faith and serve God’s world.
- Connecting With Care: Creating a community where people are connected in relationships and supported in need.
What are the next steps? How will Zion implement this vision going forward?
Assuming the Vision Motion passes at the annual meeting:
A new, ongoing Visioning Team will be created in Jan 2012 to:
- lead and support the congregation’s visioning & strategic planning efforts.
- annually evaluate progress, review the effectiveness of and plan for implementation of Zion’s initiatives.
- lead a process of “re-visioning” every three to five years, as needed. This process will include a strategic plan for implementation of new visioning initiatives.
How can I be a part of the Visioning process for the future?
You can provide your input to the Pastors and Visioning Team and also offer to be a part of the Visioning Team.
All this talk makes it sound like we’ve never done anything right before?
God has used our church to accomplish many great things. Having initiatives puts a plan in place that holds us accountable but flexible enough to reshape the vision as we grow as a congregation.
Do I have to go through this discipleship process?
Discipleship is a life of following Jesus. We are simply putting some direction and next steps together to help us journey with Jesus.
What are we going to about this question concerning more meaningful worship experiences for those under 35? Does that mean you are going to change wither the 8:30 or 10:30? I thought that was what Family Express was for?
While that age group expressed specific ideas about worship, we all make up the body of Christ in this place and will be mindful of all when worship is planned.
Why aren’t the pastors wearing albs anymore at the Family Express and 10:30 services?
The hope is that more people will feel welcome at Zion when they see two regular guys leading worship.
Why are so many things changing around here?
Change happens wherever people are gathered who desire to reach the most people. It’s a part of being in this world where change occurs on a daily basis.
I can’t hear during worship – is fixing our sound problems in one of the initiatives?
It seems that would be addressed by those who are striving to make worship more meaningful here at Zion.
With so many more teams being needed to carry out the vision; will we be hiring another pastor?
That would all depend on the needs and direction the church journeys in the years to come.
What will happen to the current ministries at Zion?
They will receive new energy and focus from the vision.
I’m currently in a circle or bible study – will these go away, change?
No, groups and relationships that are meaningful can only be built upon.
I keep hearing about small groups – will I have to be a part of one?
We hope and pray that everyone will enter into a small group at some point.
Who do you talk to if you have a ministry request?
Please share any and all ideas with the Vision Committee, Church Council, Pastors Ted and Luke, or any of the other friendly faces on staff.
Who do we talk to if we have a need request…want to serve?
Someone in the church office should be able to help or direct you down the right path
Zion Lutheran Church