Does your mission statement give the expectation that it is about reaching others? Does it have a sense of urgency? | by Gary Moritz
One of the most significant opportunities for a church during a challenging season is to reevaluate your mission statement. Even a small tweak can bring about great peaks. Many outward-focused churches have used this irregular year to ask some great questions about their organization and the ministry opportunities that God would have for them in the future. This is a good time to ask the question, “Is our mission statement still relevant?”
Every church has a mission statement, but is it working? Now is the time to look at your organization and ask some hard questions about the future. Here are seven things to consider when evaluating your mission statement.
1. It must be clear.
Does the mission statement have a portable and pithy message that is understandable to everyone in the church? Missions statements must have determination behind them, not just direction.
2. It must be passionate.
Can others read your mission statement and be encouraged with a deep-seated desire to jump in and be a part of it? If not, rethink it.
3. It must be energetic.
People love to be moved when they read something. Reading your mission statement should cause someone to dream of the possibilities behind it and what it would look and feel like if they are a part of it. It should create enthusiasm and initiative when it is read.
4. It must be believable.
Another goal of a mission statement is to cause the reader to believe in the mission's achievement and believe they can be a part of it. It should be invitational and give them a sense of belonging.
5. It must be outward-focused.
People love to see lives changed. If your mission statement is inclusive and only points people back to your church, it’s probably time for a change. Make sure that your mission statement gives the expectation that it is about reaching others and helping and guiding them to something better.
6. It must be urgent.
Our culture lives off of urgency. People love things that have a time attached to them. They value a time factor to the achievement of a goal. Set an expectation of urgency associated with your mission statement.
7. It must be motivational.
Does your mission statement move the reader to be dedicated and committed to being a part of what you are doing?
In this season, take some time to walk through your mission statement. Consider each of the seven insights and grade yourself. Rank each one in terms of how your current mission statement meets the requirement. Grade your mission statement on a scale from 1-5 (strongly disagree to strongly agree). Have others join you in the process. Sometimes others’ perspectives shed new light on things that we may overlook. Our perception of our mission statement may not be how others perceive it.
A focused and relevant mission statement can help guide your church into a new season of purpose and vitality. Take a few minutes to evaluate yours to make sure it is one that will carry you into the next season for your ministry.
