What are we here to do? If you can’t answer that question, you can’t lead people. Which is why our mission statement is crucial.
A little over a decade ago, mission statements were the hot thing in the business world. Hundreds of books, conferences and seminars abounded – which honestly complicated the matter beyond all common sense. It seemed as though you needed an MBA just to write a proper mission statement! So, before I say anything else, let me say: don’t overthink our mission statement. It serves us, we don’t serve it.

Our lack of a clearly understanding our mission has resulted in our organizational drift, resource drain, and missional apathy. So spending some time thinking about our mission – and articulating it clearly – is important.

With all that being said, I wonder, do we understand the difference between mission, vision, and purpose. Because some people use these terms interchangeably, but in reality they’re quite distinct. Here’s a helpful set of definition.

• Our PURPOSE is what we live for
• Our VALUES are what we stand for
• Our MISSION is what we shoot for
• Our VISION is what we root for

Clear thinking about mission is crucial to good leadership: it helps us clarify what things WE need to do, and what things we need to empower OTHERS to do. To say it another way: God’s kingdom purposes in the world – or in our city – are broader than any single church or organization. If we try to do it all, we’ll end up doing nothing well. But if we stay focused on our mission – and help empower other agencies, leaders, and causes to fulfill their mission – then it really is feasible to see large-scale renewal in our community.

Reflection Questions:

• Do you know our mission statement? Is it clear, concise, and compelling?
• Can they repeat it without looking at it?
• Is it measurable and precise? When we hear it, do we know what success looks like?
• Is it really a mission, or is it generalized vision and values masquerading as a mission?
• What do you need to rethink, change, or adapt?