Advanced Pastoral Training

THE VISION PROCESS

How to Cast Vision to Different People Types

Goal

Your goal is to communicate your vision in a way that resonants with each of the four types of people.

Key Ministry Results:

1. People be more responsive and engaging

2. People will join you because your vision makes sense.

3. You are not just attractive one type of person to your church

People are complicated.

They process and interpret the same information differently.

It’s due to their personalities, thought processes, experiences, cultures, and expectations.

You know this.

As someone new to this rodeo, this topic may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Here’s why: communicating to people in your style will only attract part of the crowd. The others may not get it, may not want to get it, or need some proof before they sign on. You can’t discount these people. Nor can you just wish they would get and move on.

You can only lead those who want to follow. Communicating to your congregation in a way that will resonant the entire congregation is key to making this happen.

Ken Priddy has worked with hundreds of pastors, elders, and key leaders for 25 years on vision and the changes that come with it. He notes that people intuitively gravitate to one of four types of thought.

Theorists

A theorist can evaluate a proposed vision in its theoretical form and then form a firm conclusion.

If it is only an idea and it’s compelling, the theorist can commit.

He can:
  • project into the future
  • make certain predictions or assumptions as to how that idea is going to play out
  • fully commit to the idea alone
Theorists are rare, but they do gravitate to church plants. They can see how the church plant will be successful before nearly anyone else. It’s why they quickly buy in. They will provide encouragement, enthusiasm, and optimism for the plant and you. As such, they are very valuable to you. They “get it.”
Casting vision to a theorist is straightforward.
Vision can be cast in public or private settings and be warmly received by him.
Realists
A realist is not going to be able to commit to the strength of the idea alone. He needs to see the vision in reality.
If part of your vision is to develop a community, the realist needs to experience community.
  • Who is a part of the community?
  • Do I like it?
  • Are there people I like?
  • Do I see myself belonging here?
Even if the vision makes perfect sense, he has to mentally move from his current situation to yours to buy in. This takes time. Drip on them. Continue to invite, welcome, encourage, and befriend him. The “new” community must be tried on for size and taken for a spin.
Casting vision to a realist must be accompanied with action.
If you are casting vision in a public setting, then do it in a way that will connect the dots for the realist. See the example above. If casting it privately, invite the person to your next event so they can see your vision in action.
Pragmatists
A pragmatist is not going to be moved by either the idea or the reality but will need to know, “Does this work?”
The pragmatist will get on board when he sees the result that was predicted or promised by the vision. Small wins are important here. Communicating those small wins is even more important. This is how you build credibility and buy-in with a pragmatist.
Casting vision to a pragmatist must be accompanied with results.
If you are casting vision in a public setting, then include the small wins. The same is true if you are meeting privately with someone.
Preservationists
A preservationist is married to a former way of doing things. The idea, reality, and results are not enough to sway him.
“Old School” personifies him. He will gladly join a church plant so long it’s operated following his views of a traditional way. He is interested in protecting the way and all its trappings. Unless you are planting a church with strong ties to a methodology or doctrine, you won’t find many preservationists in your plant.
A preservationist can be persuaded if someone he trusts and respects jumps on board before him.
Casting vision to a preservationist must be accompanied by social proof.

If you are casting vision publicly, a live testimony from a former skeptic turned supporter will be your best bet to persuade a preservationist. If meeting privately, giving the name and number of the former skeptic will be your best bet.

Vision casting to create ownership recognizes that people are wired differently and must be allowed to be who they are when adapting to the vision.

Your purpose is to identify the type of person(s) you are meeting with, then cast the vision in a way that will make sense to them.
Action Item
  • Include in your pitch an action, a result, and a testimony from a trusted source.