You are passionate about your church. You believe your church is special and has a unique calling in your community. I do too! And that’s why I also believe that every pastor, staff member and volunteer should know have a firm grasp of the church mission statement. Why? Because your mission statement is the foundation of your church. It’s your God-purpose in the community. It should drive every area of ministry and help leadership determine how best to spend time and precious resources.
A Tale of Two Businesses
Business one is a family-owned salon in your town. They provide all of the services you might expect from a salon. But more than just services, the owners are passionate about helping their clients feel more confident. They articulate their mission in this way:
Mission statement: We believe beauty is more than skin deep, and our goal is to make our clients feel confident, empowered, and beautiful both inside and out.
Every employee that works at the salon is made aware of the mission when they are hired. They feel a sense of purpose about their job and are motivated to do their best.
Not only does it motivate employees but it informs every decision the owners make. If a strategy doesn’t line up with the mission, it’s an easy “no!”
Business two is another salon just two blocks away. They offer similar services. When asked what their mission statement is the owners look at you blankly and reply “We cut hair and offer nail services”.
Their employees are glad to have work but seem uninspired. Their strategies for growth and marketing lack direction and they have trouble attracting new clients.
Meaning machines
Which salon would you rather work for? As human beings, we are meaning machines. We try to make sense and create meaning out of everything. Why did this happen? What did he mean by that? Where do I fit in?
Of course we would choose to work at the business with a clear and inspiring mission statement because it gives us a sense of purpose…meaning, the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
So if it’s important for every business to have a mission statement, how much more important is it for us as the church, the body of Christ, to have a mission statement?
Your church is unique
We have been tasked with the greatest mission of all, to bring the good news of Jesus to our communities.
So what should your mission statement be? Isn’t it Matthew 28:19-20, the great commission?
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Well, yes! This is the mission of every church. But just like example of the two salons, your church accomplishes the same mission, but in a different location and in a unique way. And it’s very important that your church and every ministry involved knows what that unique way is.
How are you accomplishing the great commission in your community?
Why is your church mission statement important?
We were designed for purpose and so is the church. Your church mission statement is important because:
It’s your God-purpose in the community, your unique calling
It will inspire and motivate your team and trickle down to the entire body
It will guide decision making
It is attractive to newcomers
