There are three major elements that relate to Bullard’s use of the term vision. Those three elements are mission, vision, and values.
MissionMission is the bottom-line reason why a congregation exists. The mission is either to minister primarily to those within the body, minister primarily to those not yet within the body, or to do both. If the last option is chosen, then the congregation must put those outside the body as the group that will receive priority status when it comes to the overall ministry of the congregation. This then focuses the congregation outward. Congregations on a downward life cycle do not change their life cycle until they become focused outward,
Vision
Vision describes the results when the mission is successfully implemented. The vision must always be bigger than the congregation, describing how the congregation will change the community in which it exists. Vision produces passion for ministry. A compelling vision often motivates a congregation to make the changes needed to move from a downward life cycle to an upward one reflecting new health.
Values
Values are the boundaries that guide the mission and form the parameters for the vision. All congregations have values. The question is whether the values reflect an outward or inward focus. New mission and vision initiatives are not accomplished without the adoption of new values consistent with those initiatives.