The Foundation: Why Vision and Values Matter

Vision is what sets the course for your ministry. Values are what keep you on track as you move toward that vision. Without both, it’s easy to drift—chasing the next “great idea” or reacting to whatever feels most urgent in the moment. When we consistently measure everything we do through our values, we create clarity and focus, ensuring that our decisions align with what is truly best for our ministry and the families we serve.

Is Your Vision Clear and Known?

One of the most important questions we ask regularly is this: Is our vision clear and known? Vision can’t live only in a leadership meeting or a planning document. It has to be visible, repeated, and lived out. That’s why we’ve intentionally placed our vision on the wall in our volunteer break room and on one of our check-in desks. It’s a daily reminder of why we do what we do. When volunteers can articulate the vision in their own words, they don’t just show up to serve—they serve with purpose.

A Vision That Stretches You

Clarity, however, is only the beginning. A healthy vision should stretch you. It should require effort, planning, and intentionality to accomplish. Our vision is two-fold, which means it demands more organization and collaboration than easier, one-dimensional goals. And that’s exactly the point. Growth rarely happens in comfort zones. A vision that doesn’t challenge us won’t transform us—or the people we are called to serve.

Thermostat Leadership

Another guiding principle in our ministry is striving to be a thermostat rather than a thermometer. A thermometer simply reacts to the temperature around it, but a thermostat sets the temperature intentionally. In the same way, we don’t want our ministry to be driven by trends, pressure, or circumstances. Instead, we aim to lead with purpose—setting the tone through clear communication, intentional leadership, and consistent values. This approach shapes how we handle change, respond to challenges, and step into new opportunities.

Communication That Reinforces Vision

Communication has been an important area of growth for us. While we’ve made meaningful progress in connecting with both parents and volunteers, we recognize that communication is never “done.” It’s something that must continually evolve. One idea we’re exploring is using the TVs in our elementary area to engage parents while they wait for pick-up—similar to the interactive content you see while waiting for rides like Slinky Dog Dash or Toy Story Mania at Disney. This space could become an opportunity to reinforce vision, highlight wins, share reminders, and keep families connected in a way that feels fun and intentional rather than passive.

What Have We Given Up On?

When we take time to reflect, another important question arises: What have we given up on? The answer is simple—nothing. God is still calling us forward, and there are visions we continue to pursue with renewed clarity. One example is our elementary musical camp. This has long been a dream, and with clearer structure and better organization, we believe it can move from idea to reality in a healthy and sustainable way. Sometimes vision doesn’t mean starting something new—it means revisiting something old with fresh eyes and better preparation.

Moving Forward Together

At the end of the day, vision matters because it sets the direction of your ministry. Values matter because they serve as guideposts, keeping you aligned along the way. When every area of ministry—programming, communication, leadership, and relationships—is measured against both vision and values, something powerful happens. Families become more engaged. Leaders feel empowered. Kids are discipled with intention and care.

When vision is clear, and values are lived out, ministry doesn’t just move forward—it moves forward together.

Megan Pullen is the Early Childhood Pastor at Journey Community Church in Evans, Georgia, where she brings 17 years of ministry experience and a passion for helping kids and families know Jesus with fun and creativity. When she’s not hanging out with 100 of her favorite preschool friends, she’s enjoying life with her husband on their 10-acre farm near Thomson, GA.