In business, the creation of a killer mission statement is not just a task, it's a necessity. It can be the difference between sailing smoothly and being lost at sea in the competitive market.
In the Church, the mission is deeply rooted in the work of Jesus Christ.
Preach the Gospel: At the heart of our mission is the Great Commission, where Jesus commanded His followers to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God. This is our divine mandate, as stated in Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. " Similarly, Matthew 28:19-20 emphasizes making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded.
2. Make Disciples: The church has been commissioned to spread the gospel and nurture and grow believers in their faith. This involves teaching, mentoring, and guiding individuals to live according to Jesus' teachings (Matthew 28:19-20).
3. Glorify God: The church's ultimate purpose is to glorify God. This is achieved through worship, faithfully living out our lives as Jesus followers that reflect God's character. As stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. "
4. Serve Others: The church is called to serve and love others, following Jesus' example. This includes acts of charity, justice, and compassion. Matthew 22:37-40 highlights the greatest commandments: to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.
5. Preserve and Proclaim the Gospel: The church is responsible for maintaining the truth and purity of the Gospel message and living it out in a way that others can see and be drawn to Christ (1 Timothy 3:15)
Crafting Your Killer Mission Statement
Know Thyself: Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, in this digital age), deeply dive into what the Church represents. What are its core values? What drives it? Understanding the Church's identity is crucial in crafting a compelling mission forward mission statement.
Simplicity is Key: Long gone are the days of elaborate, wordy mission statements. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Your mission statement should be easily repeatable and memorable. Bonus points if it fits in a tweet!
Be Authentic: Don't try to be something you're not. Authenticity resonates with audiences far more than empty promises. Your mission statement should reflect the true essence of your brand.
Action, Action, Action: A killer mission statement should not be passive—it should inspire action. Use robust and actionable language that motivates and encourages your church and members to rally behind your mission.
The Power of Visuals
A compelling visual can complement your mission statement and reinforce your brand message. Think of visuals as the wind in your sails, propelling your mission forward.
Mission Statement Makeovers
Let's take a look at some mission statement transformations that turned bland into grand:
Bland : "We strive to provide quality products."
Grand : "Empowering our customers with top-notch products to unleash their full potential."
Bland : "Delivering exceptional customer service."
Grand : "Creating magical moments through unparalleled customer care."
Here’s the step-by-step process:
1. Pray and Reflect
Begin with prayer, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom.
Reflect on your church’s core values, vision, and the unique calling you believe God has placed on your congregation.
2. Identify Key Elements
Purpose: Why does your church exist?
Mission: What is your church called to do?
Vision: What do you hope to achieve in the future?
Values: What principles guide your church’s actions and decisions?
3. Gather Input
Involve church leaders, members, and other stakeholders in the process.
Conduct surveys or hold meetings to gather diverse perspectives.
4. Draft the Statement
Keep it concise and clear.
Use inspiring and motivating language.
Ensure it aligns with biblical principles and your church’s unique identity.
5. Review and Refine
Share the draft with key stakeholders for feedback.
Make revisions to ensure clarity and alignment with your church’s mission and vision.
6. Finalize and Communicate
Once finalized, communicate the mission statement to the entire congregation.
Incorporate it into church materials like the website, bulletins, and signage.
Example Mission Statement Structure
Purpose: “To glorify God by…”
Mission: “Leading people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ through…”
Vision: “Transforming our community and the world by…”
Sample Mission Statement
“To glorify God by leading people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ through worship, discipleship, and community outreach, transforming our community and the world by living out the gospel.”
I am available to help our churches in Iowa District West develop a mission statement and strategy that will help them connect with their community. Call or email me to schedule a time to meet with your leadership team.
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