In our last post we looked at Driving Gauges. In this post we will describe Destination Indicators. Driving gauges are with you throughout the journey and give you a quick analysis of the moment at hand—where you are right now on your journey. Driving gauges are important to your journey, assisting you in making decisions in the moment, what minor adjustments are needed today.

Destination indicators are also important on your journey. Destination indicators are those mile markers, street signs, and points of interest along the journey, telling you that you are on the right road and making progress toward your destination. The destination indicators do not necessarily help you reach your destination but give you an indication of progress.

If you are traveling in your car from Calvert to Junction City and you know Maryville is halfway between the two, when you see road signs announcing Maryville 3 miles ahead, you know you are making progress in the right direction. The road signs are destination indicators for your journey.

Destination indicators are almost always reactors. By the time you reach a destination indicator, it is too late to make an adjustment for that part of the journey. However, you can make necessary adjustments for the remainder of your journey based on the knowledge you gain from your destination indicators. Imagine on your journey you are using exit 57 as one of your destination indicators by planning to stop at a known restaurant for lunch. However, when you get off at exit 57 you find the restaurant is closed for business. In fact, there are no restaurants at exit 57. It is too late to not get off at exit 57. The only thing you can do is return to the highway and search for an open restaurant to fill your need.

Likewise, if Vacation Bible School (VBS) is one of your destination indicators for your church journey, you are expecting VBS to give you certain information and results along the journey. You should always conduct debrief sessions following every event. What you learn in the debrief session cannot help you with this year’s VBS. VBS has passed. Use what you learn to make plans for future events and next year’s VBS.

Destination indicators are more often reactors that can help you determine if you are on course and how to change for the future, but not for the indicator itself. If on your car journey you see mile markers clicking away assuming you are making progress, you could be correct. However, if at some point you see a road sign declaring you are on Highway 27, when you are supposed to be on Highway 127, you need to make an adjustment.

While the mile markers appeared to be showing progress, with each mile, Highway 27 may be taking you farther away from you desired course. It is time for a course correction.

Have you considered Destination Indicators for your church journey in 2025? Every church/organization should set Destination Indicators each year. It is the absolute best way to ensure you are on the right track and making progress.

For more information on Destination Indicators contact George Yates or pick up a copy of Turnaround Journey.

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.