Ministry Mix
Real conversations for the strategies and souls of ministry leaders.
Our goal is to bring you a mix of conversations on topics you are thinking about to help you lead more strategically and care for your soul more intentionally.
Phil is the pastor of Connecting Church in Abingdon, MD. He also trains church planters with the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware and serves as an adjunct instructor at Liberty University. Phil is married to Pam and has three children.
Richard is the pastor of Canvas Church in Salisbury, MD. He also serves as the Church Planting Leader for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware and as a Multiplying Pastor with Send Network. Richard is married to Payton and has a dog.
Ministry Mix
5 Reasons to Have a Vision Sunday
In this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil Gifford and Richard Pope dive into a critical tool in a church leader's toolbox—Vision Sunday. Whether you're a lead pastor or a ministry leader, this episode unpacks five reasons why setting aside a Sunday to cast vision can bring clarity, focus, and unity to your church or ministry. From clarifying direction and filtering out distractions, to resetting momentum after busy seasons and rallying your people around a shared mission, Phil and Richard walk through the practical and spiritual importance of this church rhythm.
You'll hear real-life stories, helpful planning timelines, and even a few laughs along the way. This episode isn't just theory—it’s grounded in real ministry practice and encouragement to lead with both strategy and soul. Whether you’re setting the church-wide vision or just leading a specific ministry area, there’s something here to help you lead with intentionality and shepherd your people toward where God is leading next.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is the clear vision God is calling me to cast for my church or ministry this year?
2. Do the people I lead know and understand the direction we're heading—and why it matters?
3. How have I allowed busyness or reactive leadership to pull me away from the vision?
4. How could a Vision Sunday help reset momentum and remind our people what matters most?
5. How am I inviting ministry leaders and volunteers to personally buy into and embody the vision?