Communicating Your Capital Vision
By David Keesee

It starts with a dream. An idea. A vision. 

It is the catalyst. It is the first step to building something extraordinary.

It doesn’t take long before the dream becomes a tangible mental picture, a doorway into a world of possibilities, and a driving passion of your heart. That vision is certainly about more than concrete and steel, bricks and mortar, acres of land and square footage. It’s about making a difference, creating an even greater tomorrow than we have today. To never stop growing. Developing. Reaching. Achieving. Believing.

Never discount the dreamer. The most incredible and satisfying accomplishments all started with a dream. Dreaming is the natural product of the imagination and creativity that God has given us. In fact, as God made us in his image, He fashioned us in His likeness, and the desire and ability to create is a fundamental part of our design. 

God visions are visions that line up with His will and desires, and as you assess your dreams, be sure they go beyond yourself to bless others. So, as you have heard from God, and you have even started forming a mental picture of how that can help so many people, let’s ask this question.  How do you go from owning the vision to sharing the vision?

You are the franchise player. Many times, I have heard Ed Young Jr. speak about his own experiences in casting vision, and he has often said, “You’ve got to say it / spray it, wheel it / deal it, and make ’em feel it.” Exactly. Just when you think everyone gets it, you’ve got to keep spreading the word. 

Vision casting isn’t just for Kickoff Sundays. It must continue until the final brick is set into place, until the goals have been reached, and beyond. Communicating vision starts at the top, and you have got to spread the biggest impact from your heart. Your heart-level buy-in to the vision is a crucial issue. As the franchise player of casting vision in a capital campaign, it is important to consider the following:

The “What”
The first aspect of your vision is the “what.” What are you constructing? What are you expanding? Renovating? Re-locating? What will the final product look like?

Today, one of the most compelling options for sharing the “what” of a project is with the use of a 3D computer-animated virtual tour of the facilities. These cinematic and compelling journeys can take you in and around the proposed facility and bring it to vivid life before the actual foundation is ever poured. It’s a visual world out there, and much more than a static rendering, this tool is designed to draw the viewer in, to move them from being spectators to participants, as the future comes to life before their very eyes.  

You can show a 3D virtual tour on video screens in the worship service, put it on DVD for everyone to have a copy, and even stream it from your Web site. Renderings from the animations are great for producing dynamic print pieces that bring consistency in your communication of the campaign goals.

The “Why”
More important than the cool pictures showing the “what” of your vision is the “why” of your vision. The pastor should invite the church to catch a glimpse of the future of the church, and then follow it with a call to action. Whether it is a heartfelt appeal on video, from the pulpit or small home groups and private settings, everyone should be encouraged and compelled to become a part of what God is doing through the leadership, in the church and throughout the community.

The key point here is to drive home a key concept: “life change.” The facility is merely the tool to more effectively reach the goal of seeing lives changed.

Consistent Message
Whatever methods you use to cast vision—whether it is video, 3D animation, printed brochures, posters, or Web sites—make sure you keep consistency in all of your campaign materials.  Printed materials, mailers, multimedia, and Web site content should all contain the signature look and feel of your campaign. People will know how important and well-planned the venture is by the level of excellence they see, and they will take notice.

Roll out the information like a formal PR campaign, just a little at a time, to build anticipation for the formal campaign kick-off. Throughout the campaign, continue to develop creative ways to keep everyone informed of the progress through videos, testimonies, etc. Keep it alive, show progress, maintain urgency and always emphasize the “life change” factor. From short-term construction to long-range master plan dreams and aspirations, cast the vision. Remember, without a vision, the people perish!

I encourage you to go forth and dream, solidify your vision, and cast it boldly before your people to accomplish great things. When you have stepped out with a God-sized vision and communicated it verbally and visually, people will take ownership of the big picture. They will become inspired of the possibilities and join in to become a part of what God is doing. Enjoy the journey!

David Keesee is the founder/president of Creative Animation Studios, www.creativeanimation.com, through which he has helped churches, nationally and internationally, share their vision for growth through creative communication.