It’s clarity, says Will Mancini, founder of Auxano consulting group. Will is a ‘Clarity Evangelist’ whose litany is: ‘Clarity isn’t everything but it changes everything.’
I first heard about Will through his popular Church Unique congregational renewal project that helps churches clarify their purpose and mission. Will is a gifted speaker with a charismatic personality. In this interview his thoughts on strategic thinking vs. strategic planning are especially helpful – you’re bound to hear something inspiring.
Watch the Full Program
Rather Listen? Click here for the Mp3.
If you’re enjoying this post, share it on Twitter by clicking here.
Synopsis
‘Where there is no vision, the people cherish’ – is the old description that betrays our tendency to hold on to traditions, mores, and ‘things’ when a clear purpose is nowhere to be found. In this interview Will tells us some of the important questions we need to be asking and how we might go about turning ailing congregations around with clarity. Here are my notes:
The Five Areas of Clarity
Will outlines the ‘what, why, how, when, and where’ of ministry clarity and challenges us by asking how many of our church members can draw a picture on a napkin of how God is accomplishing God’s mission through our church. Can your members do this?
Toss Out Strategic Planning
Throw out the Strategic Plans because it’s all about Strategic Thinking. Will tells us what this is and says it makes our planning much more practical and applicable.
Take the Time to Plan
It’s one of the single-most important things churches can do to grow, and Will says too many of us don’t do it. Find out why and how we can start taking this crucial time to plan.
About Will Manini
Will Mancini is the founder of the Auxano consulting ministry that focuses on vision clarity. As a “clarity evangelist,” Will has served as vision architect for hundreds of churches across the country including the leading churches within Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran and Non-denominational settings. His clients include notable organizations like Leadership Network and Upward Unlimited and pastors like Chuck Swindoll and Max Lucado. Will has earned a ThM in Pastoral Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Penn State. He is the author of Church Unique: How Missional Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture and Create Movement, a Leadership Network Publication, and of Building Leaders.
Books Will Recommends
7 Practices of Effective Ministry - Andy Stanley
Simple Church – Thom Rainer
Missional Renaissance – Reggie McNeal
*If you want to learn more about Church Unique there’s a free Church Unique Visual Summary available here.
Sponsors I Mentioned
Church Post - If you are looking to improve your church’s communications you’ve got to check out this great email platform. I’ve found it easy-to-use, reliable, and John, Debra and Kim are great to work with.
Wistia – If you’re still hosting your videos at YouTube or another ‘free’ video sharing site you know the drawbacks. Wistia helps me put out great looking videos and see who’s watching for how long. The Wistia staff is easy to work with and very professional.
The Grow My Church Store – Everything from mugs to pens to fridge magnets, this is a promotional products store aimed at helping churches become closer communities, more hospitable, and welcoming. I started this store and shop there often because I couldn’t find anywhere else to go for these products.
