From Richmond to Anchorage, Milwaukee to Denver, over and over, I hear leaders talk about their passion for sharing the Gospel of Jesus, not only in their church but also in the community. It’s the call God has placed on their lives. There’s also a deep longing to see the people in their congregation sent out with that Good News message to their families and neighbors and friends.

It’s a call on the lives of all believers. 

At the same time, leaders describe something that is hard to put a finger on, elusive to name… a barrier to a fuller expression of not only a vibrant ministry within their congregation but also a releasing of their people to bring Jesus into their neighborhoods. 

There certainly is goodness in the body of Christ and the ins and outs of what happens inside church walls. And, for ministry to happen, it takes a lot and the church needs people to serve the ministries. Which is a good thing! However, it’s not the whole expression of Jesus’ church. Ministry within the church is part of, but not the complete picture. 

And the often-unintended consequence of this focus is an unspoken structural resistance to sending people out into the community as bearers of the Gospel. The truth is we need both! We need gathering and ministering to people AND we need a sending out of God’s people. 

And then those I speak with nod their heads. This tension resonates with what they are experiencing. 

Meet Vision Bridge

With friends and partners, we at PLI have been wrestling with this reality for a few years now. And out of this grappling and praying has emerged PLI’s Vision Bridge! 

The Vision Bridge Learning Community is a church strategic visioning process which is specifically designed to bring together the timeless mission of God with the community in which you find yourself and the unique group of believers and leaders at your church today! 

PLI’s Vision Bridge walks your team step-by-step in building out a vision frame for the next 5-7 years. This vision is laser focused on disciple-making clarity to help everyone, everywhere, everyday be part of the mission to redeem all people to God and each other through Jesus. Why? Because the future of your church matters to the future of your community!

We’re launching a new Vision Bridge Learning Community this coming September 18-19, 2025, in Chicago, IL, and warmly invite you and your team to join us! 

Download this Vision Bridge At-A-Glance to learn more and share with your church leadership. And come back to the blog next week to learn some of the nuts and bolts of Vision Bridge!

by Raechel Pfotenhauer