Seeing Clearly: Finding New Vision and Direction for Your Church

I’ve had poor vision my entire life—blurry edges, squinting at signs, the whole deal. That is, until I got laser eye surgery a few years back. It was a game-changer: suddenly, I could see the world with a clarity I’d never known. That experience got me thinking about vision in a broader sense—especially when it comes to the church. If your church is struggling to see where it’s going, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s a biblical, practical way to sharpen your focus and chart a new course. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.

Step 1: Seek the Lord’s Help—Really Seek It

You’re probably rolling your eyes—“Of course, pray about it, duh!”—but hear me out. Seeking the Lord isn’t just tossing up a quick prayer and calling it a day. It’s diving into His Word with intention, asking, “What do You have for us here?”

Step 2: Study Your Community Like a Church Planter

Church planters don’t just guess—they study. They dig into demographics: how many people live nearby, their ages, incomes, ethnicities, you name it. Revitalizing a church calls for the same homework. These studies aren’t just numbers—they’re a window into who’s out there and what they need. Whether it’s a radius around your building or a drive-time map, knowing your community helps you see where God’s already at work.

Step 3: Set a Target You Can Aim For

Once you’ve got the data, pick a target. It’s like archery: you won’t hit the bullseye every shot, but without a mark, you’re just flinging arrows into the wind. Declining churches often drift because they lack aim. Your target might be young families, seniors, or a specific ethnic group—whatever reflects your community. Having a focus keeps you from spinning your wheels and gives you something to measure progress against.

Step 4: Play to Your Strengths

Here’s a hard truth: unless you’re a megachurch, you can’t be everything to everyone. You’re not the spiritual Walmart, and that’s okay. Instead, lean into what you’re good at. If your community’s average age is 60+, build an amazing senior ministry—think trips, Bible studies, community service. If you’re surrounded by young families, pour into preschool and young marrieds’ programs. Don’t try to offer every ministry under the sun, but what you do, aim to do really well. Focusing on strengths means saying “no” to some things so you can say “yes” to what matters most.

A Clearer Picture

I don’t get frustrated with my eyesight anymore. Lasik was a small investment with a huge payoff. The same goes for your church. Seeking the Lord, studying your community, setting a target, and focusing on strengths isn’t a magic fix, but it’s a start. It’s like spiritual Lasik—helping you see where God’s leading with fresh clarity. Your church might not get it perfect, but with His grace, you can take steps toward a vision that’s sharp, biblical, and alive.