This is not for general consumption, though it could have meaning to anyone anywhere anytime. But I have in view my Glenwood family, present and future. This is a follow up to Brenda’s bulletin-mention of our recent brainstorming session with regard to an appropriate mission statement. Or did she say all that? Regardless, I hope you will consider the following about the subject.
First, it is not uncommon for churches to have clear cut vision and mission statements. Nothing new about them, except perhaps to us. They are not gimmicks or gadgets. They say a lot about how we look at ourselves and how we intend to make a difference to our times. This writing assumes that we really care about that. Some churches choose to simply plod down the road with no recognizable direction or goals. These are content to simply meet, greet, and retreat. Others have noble desires and sporadic flurries of activity, but no focused leadership or coherent plan. Like sheep without a shepherd. You and I know the Lord has something better in mind.
The church knows who we are in a broad biblical sense (body, temple, family, etc.) but who are we in terms of specific congregational purpose and aim? What clearly defines us as a church in the here and now? (It will be hard to have a productive “there and then” without a deliberate and definable “here and now.”) Glenwood needs a clearly stated and easily remembered statement of mission. I will lay this thing out as simply as possible (not a gift of mine, as you may have noticed). Perhaps it will help to compare a mission statement to a vision statement. Here goes:
- A vision statement focuses upon a long-term goal. It gets everyone on the same page and motivates them to act in accordance with that clear vision. It relates to WHERE we are going. It paints a picture of what we DESIRE to be, the future we earnestly want for ourselves as a church. It needs to be clear, memorable, and inspirational. Vision is about the AIM of a church. Consider the following examples:
A place for everyone.
A place of help, hope, and home.
A place where real life and real faith intersect.
A place where people are connected to Jesus and one another.
A place where people believe in Jesus, belong to one another, and become disciples.
- On the other hand, a mission statement relates to the WHY of a church. Mission is about what we DO. It governs how we go about ministry, money, priorities, activities in the here and now. Mission is all about the ACTION of a church. Consider the following examples:
To save, equip, and send.
To know Jesus and make Jesus known.
To love God, love people, and make disciples.
To reach up, reach out, and reach in.
To help people find God, grow their faith, discover their purpose, and make a difference.
Now, with this comparison of vision and mission in mind, you will appreciate how Bob Matthews’ group helped us during the Planning/Prayer brainstorming. Here is a potential mission statement they put together in that session:
“A caring family supporting Glenwood and the surrounding communities with the love of Jesus.”
Notice the emphasis upon DOING. Mission is about the ACTION of a church. It is where we put our immediate efforts, time, energy. It defines and governs what we are about now.
Okay, as Brenda stated, you are asked for your input. What we say and do about this thing of mission statement will greatly influence the Glenwood church both now and later. It will concentrate our focus and consolidate our efforts. It will call upon us to view all we desire and do in light of how it reflects our reason for being here. It will move us to always ask this critical question about all we consider doing: “How will this help with our mission?” I cannot overstate the importance of how this can help. Please pray about it and speak with Bob about your thoughts. He would appreciate it.
Vision statements and Mission statements! Huge items for churches who are serious about impacting their worlds in their times. And the good news is, they can be developed without elders or preachers. That doesn’t mean that such could not be great assets in the process. Indeed! On the other hand, what if they (he) lacked understanding or appreciation regarding this priority? That could become a hurtful liability. Besides, who better knows the church than the church? The point is, we are the church of the living God. Our faith and hope are in Him. If we depend upon the Lord in things of this magnitude, surely He will be our great Shepherd Who will lead us in a way that is good and right and fruitful. What are your thoughts about a mission statement for the Glenwood church? That’s really all I intended to ask.
robert
