Episode 214 - Dream Dashboard: A Framework to Dream and Plan the Future

The podcast hosts discuss reaching the summit of the 'vision plan mountain,' emphasizing that they are now at the map level, which answers 'where are we going?' They introduce the concept of the 'Dream Dashboard,' a tool that aligns the church's dreams and present realities to help define clear goals for the future. The importance of beginning with motivation and mission rather than starting with vague visions is highlighted, emphasizing that vision should be a natural overflow of existing work and spiritual transformation.

Jeremy and Vic delve into the purpose of the Dream Dashboard as a strategic planning tool that synthesizes best practices from various models to fit church size and leadership style. It involves identifying a church's future projection ('dream') and current progress ('dashboard')—both essential for tracking if the church is on course towards its desired future. The tool promotes accountability, clarity, and momentum, encouraging churches to pursue ambitious but faith-driven goals that stretch leadership and deepen dependence on God.

A key discussion revolves around the balance of faith and realism in setting church goals. Jeremy emphasizes that dreams should feel impossible at first and require faith to believe they can be achieved through God's power. The conversation highlights the biblical pattern of God giving visions that seem impossible initially, such as Noah, Abraham, and Gideon, reinforcing that such faith-driven visions are essential for spiritual growth and movement. The importance of defining specific, measurable dreams that align with God's call and increase faith is underscored, along with the dangers of setting goals based on human capability alone.

The hosts explore common insecurities pastors face when dreaming big—such as fear of failure or not knowing how to accomplish the goal. Jeremy offers practical advice on making goals both tangible and faith-stretching, encouraging church leaders to involve others for support. Recognizing that feelings of doubt and emotional blockages are normal is essential, and leaders are urged to surround themselves with faith-filled, supportive community members. The episode emphasizes the need to trust God’s sovereignty and to keep dream-shooting despite internal fears.

Throughout the episode, the theme emerges that God's plans often require bold, seemingly impossible visions fueled by faith. Jeremy and Vic recount personal examples of their own church's dreams—such as transforming disciple-making and church growth—to show how faith helps overcome natural limitations. The hosts remind listeners of biblical examples and encourage setting goals that challenge and stretch, trusting that God will do more than we can imagine if we step out in faith.

The episode concludes with encouragement for church leaders to surround themselves with A-Team members who share the vision and can sustain the faith needed to achieve it. Jeremy emphasizes that dreaming boldly and planning with accountability are vital, and that leadership should foster an environment of prayer, dependence on God, and collective effort. A call to action invites listeners to share the episode with their teams and look forward to the next discussion on how to practically pursue and get to the dreams they set.