preacherman

Saturday, June 07, 2008

The Importance of Mission Statements for Churches

Mission statements have become a huge deal in churches today. It identifies who they are and what they are about. I posted an ad in our local paper that had great response, it simply read:

"The Church of Christ in Rocksprings is a non-denominational family of believers who love God and are striving to fullfil our purpose in Him."

It helped identifying who we were and what we are about. Do you think mission statements are important for a church? Do they help in identifying the church to the community and seekers? Does your church have a mission statement, if so what is it? Have you seen mission statements being sucessful? How. If no, why not? What would Jesus' mission statement for His Church be? Do mission statements change in churches? If so how and why?



What do you think?
Share your thoughts.

71 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't have very good feelings about mission statements. I think it's a superficial load of hooey. They seem really nothing other than corporate p.r. stunts.

I am personally looking for a church that is REAL, but I don't think a church needs to give themselves a mission statement. I thought the Bible was our mission statement.

The only churches I've ever been to that have had mission statements were more about style than they were about substance. I want something solid. I think we should rally around Jesus and not some superficial sound bite.

Texas T.

3:36 PM  
Blogger Shane Coffman said...

I, too, am skeptical of mission statements and slogans for the most part.

However, if they are a true reflection of what's going on at a particular church, they can have some value.

For example, here at Memorial Drive we call ourselves "A Place to Start Life Over." It's written on our awning, on our door mats, on our letterhead, and on our walls.

But, more importantly, it's in our actions. We have tons of people who have started life over in our midst, we are accepting of those who come needing another chance, and it is a constant theme in our discussions.

I think it works here.

I like your ad, Kinney. It isn;t too "cute", but it gets the point across.

5:04 PM  
Blogger Nedra J. Smith said...

Hi. The congregation my husband and I just left had a couple of statements that could classify as mission statements: 1) to be fully scriptural and have elders and deacons (again) by 2010. 2) to "Go Ye," beginning with our county and expanding out with the prison ministry, Heart to Heart mailings, and more. Their work is having a very positive ripple effect.

That congregation is growing very well spiritually, and hopefully, they'll soon see God's increase, numerically, too.

My husband and I just left there about a month ago, and placed membership at a much smaller congregation (attendance about 20 on a good day) which doesn't have a mission statement posted. There's a lot of love at this small congregation and I wouldn't be surprised if the brothers in our congregation have a verbal one that I don't know about. The congregation is very clear about "seeking and saving the lost." It's a different culture, too, than the congregation we just left, so there may not ever be a formal mission statement. (Both are congregations of the church of Christ--the old one is majority white; the current one is majority black.)

I think a lot of our congregations are "suspicious" of them, but it's important to remember that, yes, we're on a mission: To lead the lost to Jesus.

Jesus prayed for oneness . I'd say that was, and still is, a great portion of His mission statement.

5:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pracherman,
I think that mission statements are wonderful. It lets visitors know what the church believes and is all about. It allows the members of the congregation to have a goal to meet.

9:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Preacherman,
I believe mission statements a waste of time. The Bible doesnt mention mission statements so why should we have them. I believe they are a waste of time. Christians and churches never live up to them. It is just a lot of words on a paper.

Ted

9:31 PM  
Blogger Alan said...

Count me among the mission statement skeptics. It seems to me that we should leave room for the Holy Spirit to lead the church in a direction we had not anticipated. Matt 22:37-40 might make a pretty good mission statement -- but I wouldn't want to go much farther than that. The more we run the church like a business, the smaller the role of faith. Business management process is designed to eliminate uncertainty and risk. Sounds like the opposite of faith to me.

10:12 PM  
Blogger Adam Gonnerman said...

A lot of very listless congregations have a mission statement on file somewhere. Others go so far as to put it somewhere in their weekly bulletin. I've seen very few that actually live the statement.

I'll take the Good News that the crucified and resurrected Jesus is Lord as my creed, and the "Great Commission" as my mission statement. How about that?

Still won't do any good if I don't act on it.

11:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think it really helps seekers Preacherman. I really do find it helpful in looking for a church to get committed to. Personally I want to know what they are about and stand for as a congregation. I think a mission statement helps bring that across to those who are visiting.

James

11:32 PM  
Blogger Cheryl Russell said...

A good question. I like what Alan said about leaving room for the Holy Spirit to lead. Personally, I think if a church does have a mission statement it should reflect Jesus' mission......'To Seek and Save the Lost.'

12:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

(...Mission statements have become a huge deal in churches today...)

i have noticed this. it is a form of focus on the desires of people to make things in a group run in a certain way. i have seen it used as a tool in business.


(...I posted an ad in our local paper...)

i thought your add was good but maybe a little wordy...
it could read "the church of Christ in rock springs welcomes everyone to a family of believers in Jesus".

and i personally like to see the location/address and what time i should go listed.



question:
Do you think mission statements are important for a church?

answer:
a lot may depend on the words and how the words are used.




question:
Do they help in identifying the church to the community and seekers?

answer:
they would probably not be a true identification. i think the person must actually come and spend time within a group for some time to gather a true indentity of a gathering of believers...which is always changing anyway.
relationship is needed for true identification.



question:
Does your church have a mission statement, if so what is it?


answer:
the group that i have been meeting with has made a mission statement. it is on the bulletin. i remember it referred to in a sermon once. but, i can not recall the words of the statement.

(now, there's another subject to talk about...the church bulletin.)



question:
Have you seen mission statements being sucessful?
answer:

i am not sure i understand what "successful" means in this question.




question:
What would Jesus' mission statement for His Church be?

answer:
the gospel



question:
Do mission statements change in churches?

answer:
everything continues to change...except God.



lots of Love to you
and the whole family,
in Jesus

11:39 AM  
Blogger David Dominguez said...

Thanks for this post! A very interesting discussion. Christians need to know why the church exists, and why their local congregation exists, rather than just taking it for granted. If a scriptural mission statement can help focus attention, it's a good thing. Still, really good points have been made here on both sides.

Thank you for your kind comment on my blog. I'll be visiting your blog often!

I'm a former Abilenian myself. I lived there from 1991 - 2003, and worshiped at Baker Heights most of that time. I knew a Math teacher named Mrs. Mabry. Any relation?

5:47 PM  
Blogger preacherman said...

David,
That is my mom.
She teachers math right now at ACHS and CJC. Over the years she has taught at Lincoln, Franklin, Madison, and other AISD schools.

6:08 PM  
Blogger Arlene Kasselman said...

Kinney
We have a well articulated and written document about our vision. After a long period of fasting and prayer our leadership discerned that God has laid it on their hearts to remain in the downtown area of Amarillo and to actively engage in serving the immediate neighborhood aswell as the city at large. That led to the document I have referenced above which explains what we believe God has laid out as the vision for the Central church in Amarillo, TX for this time.

However, the average member can not recite a long document, nor do they desire to or should they. So, we have our vision digested into 4 very short statements (Re-connecting, Make Disciples,Serve Others, Go Out).

The purpose of that is so that our ministries, our focus, our attention, our resources and our people can be directed to the things of value for our church. We would rather do a few things well that line up with who we say we want to be, than trying to do everything out there that churches are "supposed" to do.

If you are interested in reading it, go to amarillocentral.org In the about us section you will see a tab for vision.

I always enjoy your encouraging heart, thank you!

8:25 PM  
Blogger preacherman said...

Arlene,
It is so wonderful to hear that central church of Christ is making a difference in the community. It is encouraging to hear churches striving to make a difference in the neighborhoods near their buildings. Community churches are so important and having a vision and statement in 4 phrases really connect the members with the vision that the elders and ministerss have been given. The members can take ownership over the vision. Wonderful! :-)
May God bless central in there efforts.

9:22 PM  
Blogger preacherman said...

Texas T.,
I totally understand where you are comming from and have seen those churches where superficial and are shallow in the inside. Thank you for shairng your wonderful thoughts with us. I appreaciate your thoughts, feelings, and sharing them with us all. God bless you in ways you have never dreamed. :-)

Shane,
Thanks for your thoughts on this subject. I think it was a wonderful point that we have to act on the mission statement. If we don't act and strive to meet the mission statement then it is just a bunch of empty words. Great example brother. Thanks for sharing what Memorial Drive is doing to get their vision across to their members and seekers. May God bless the efforts of Memorial Drive as they strive to offer "A Place To Start Life Over." Fantastic!

Nedra,
Thank you for comming by my blog and adding to this discussion. I really enjoyed your thoughts and comments. I pray God blesses your husbands ministry and your life as well. You are welcome any time and hope you visit often.

Stan,
I appreciate your sharing your thoughts. I can see mission statements making a difference in a church if they act on it and strive to achieve it. As I mentioned before if we don't act then it is just empty words.

Ted,
I guess you have been in churches where mission statements don't work. It is sad that some Christian just want to come to church, go through the motions and not have a passion and vision for their church.

Alan,
Wonderful thoughts. I agree that we must allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and not be boxed in by mission statements. Great point to us all!

Adam,
Do you think that members don't live up to them because they didn't have a say and take ownership of the mission statement of the Church? Is it important to get the entire congregation behind it so they can strive to achieve it? What do you think?
Just curious.

James,
Thank for you thoughts.
I understand where you are comming from and about. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this discussion. I pray that God will give us the passion and vision that he wants for His church. I believe we need to leave room for the Holy Spirit to work in us.

Cheryl,
I totally agree with you and Alan on the Holy Spirt. We must allow God to achieve his purpose in our lives.
God help us not to be boxed in by missions statement but allow room for change in our congregations.


Nancy,
Wow. I loved how you asked and answered the questions. You make good points throughout. God bless you sister.

David,
I agree that churches need to know why they exist. So, biblical mission statement can help seekers and members understand why do exist and what they are all about. I hope that more Christians will act and live the discipled life.

Arlene,
I will say it again, God bless you and Central Church as you strive to meet the needs of those in your community. Ya'll will be in my prayers.

9:43 PM  
Blogger Royce Ogle said...

Shortly after I came to the church where I have now been 9 years, I asked an elder, "Can I get a copy of your statememt of faith?" His response, "We don't have one, we just us the Bible". I wanted to reply "So did Jim Jones who led his followers to mass suicide".

I simply wanted to know what the church leadership believed. Isn't it odd that the people who claim to uniquely know the truth would be so opposed to putting it on paper?

Now, on our website (www.wfrchurch.org) there is this statement "Striving to be like Jesus and helping others do the same" and on a tab "Welcome to WFR" there is a clear statement with scripture references that says a lot about who we are.

Ted said he is opposed because it isn't in the Bible. I could make a list pages long of things not in the Bile that are useful in God's kingdom work.

In my view, most people who are opposed to a mission statement or a statement of faith are opposed because that is not the way it has been done in the past. Tradition trumps common sense over and over in our fellowship.

Royce Ogle

10:01 PM  
Blogger Adam Gonnerman said...

I just remembered that my ministry actually has "Core Affirmations" and a mission statement.

http://tinyurl.com/52np58

http://tinyurl.com/3e6oky

10:08 PM  
Blogger preacherman said...

Royce,
Amen.
So many times in minstry I have seen tradition and legalism trumping common sense. It is so sad.

Adam,
I enjoy the links.
Please check them out.
Fantastic points.

10:23 PM  
Blogger Mark (under construction) said...

I found a mission Statement - it's in the 28th chapter of Matthew.

11:46 PM  
Blogger Cheryl Russell said...

I think it's interesting that at key moments when Jesus defined His ministry, He said things like this:
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

He did the same thing when John the Baptist wanted to know if He was the one. I think our mission statements should reflect His mission, especially to those in need.

1:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think a mission statement can help a church focus. There were several times in the Gospels where Jesus used sort of a mission statement to help the disciples focus, i.e. "Love God, love people."

They are also particularly helpful in this age of electronic communications. For example, my wife and I will be returning to the States from China soon and will be looking for a congregation. A mission statement on a website helps us have a glimpse in to the beliefs and works of a fellowship. This can help us narrow our search a bit and perhaps help us find the right group of people for us.

Finally, I believe a mission statement is useless if it is only words and is never put into action. Too many churches spend a lot of time trying to appeal to people with catchy sayings etc, but it is only when we incarnate the gospel message as Jesus living in us in every part of our lives that we make any meaningful statement at all.

8:06 AM  
Blogger TREY MORGAN said...

my mission statement in life is, "Don't screw up!"

Simple enough!

9:53 AM  
Blogger Cody Carter said...

I am not opposed to a church having a mission statement. i think it's important to identify goals and strategies. i think that we should get our mission statement based on scripture and biblical principles though, they should not be our own idea of what we think should be done. I think the bible is what we should be following. denominational ism has only served to separate the church, especially in china. sometimes a church needs to do different things than other churches to fulfill the word of god. the end goal is to save the lost and fulfill gods word but god may be calling different churches to act differently in their communities to reach the lost.

2:18 PM  
Blogger Tom said...

PM,

Thanks for stopping over to the blog. Thanks for your continued prayers. On the subject of "Mission Statements", I routinely debate this issue with a friend and fellow deacon here. Here is my summation:

Yes, as so many of you have said, Jesus gave us mission statements in his Word. Why should we add to those? Agreed, and we should, to an individual, be accepting these as statements of our own personal mission.

However, if a congregation is going to be galvanized into a well oiled machine of unity, don't we need some sort of rallying cry? If we are going to affect the same goal, don't we need at the very least, a vision statement?

I have the honor to be a deacon whose ministry is largely evangelism. It is my hope to move the congregation toward that end. Will I do better if the elders set forth a statement which point to future goals? "We want to grow to 700 people, build a new building and plant two new congregations in the area by the end of next month." Okay, maybe that's rushing it a bit, but you get the point. If a vision is set before the congregation and we can have a rallying cry to get behind, we then move forward as a more cohesive team. If instead we say (as true as it might be) that Jesus gave us a mission statement in (Insert Verse Here) but we don't put it before the congregation and work toward that future change, has it become our congregational mission?

First a vision, then a plan (a malleable one), followed by some focused leadership who spend time in prayer and in gathering a committed group who will spearhead the plan. Once that is all put together a “Mission Statement” (short, quippy, maybe even cute {sorry Shane}) so that the congregation has something to recall and something of which to be reminded. Then go for it. Things will happen to set you back. Shake them off and keep going. For the record, I think I’m at “Step One” so please keep us in your prayers.

Thanks,
Tom

3:44 PM  
Blogger preacherman said...

Mork,
Matthew 28 would be a wonderful mission statement. We need to be making disciples of Jesus Christ. :-)

Cheryl,
I agree with you.
Wonderful point about being missional.

Rogueminister,
I agree that if a church has a mission statement then it is up to everyone to try to achieve it. If not like you say, "it is useless." We must act on them in order for them to be effective.

Trey,
I really got a good laugh when I read yours. "Don't screw up" is a wonderful mission statement to live by. Thank for you thoughts on this subject. :-)

Cody,
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I want you to know you are welcome anytime. Wonderful thoughts and I can totally relate.

Tom,
Thank you for your sharing what you believe on this subject. I can also relate as one church reminds me of what you are talking about.

4:00 PM  
Blogger Forrest Blogs said...

I'm not a huge fan of them. I tend to think they are a little cliche too. Sometimes I feel like mission statements reinforce "church" as an institution that man has created rather than an institution that Christ established. When each congregation carries a mission statement, it implies that congregations without mission statements are not pulling their weight and that a congregation with a mission statement has it all together. Although, that certainly may be the case, it isn't always.

4:49 PM  
Blogger preacherman said...

Ben,
I totally understand the pride and judgementalism that can come from those churches that have mission statement. I alway enjoy your comments.

5:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mission statements are good. One thing I always try to remember that the statement should involve what you are "already" doing and build on the things you want to grow into. Just a thought. Good post bro!

Trent

6:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mission statements are good. One thing I always try to remember that the statement should involve what you are "already" doing and build on the things you want to grow into. Just a thought. Good post bro!

Trent

6:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

oops sorry about the double....must be time to eat?!?

6:45 PM  
Blogger jeleasure said...

Hi Preacherman,
Thank you for your comment on my blog http://deityquest.blogspot.com/
I am finished with that project. Under my profile, you will see that I began production of a study guide for "Love One Another". I have posted the first three chaptes.
To your question concerning "Statements of Faith".
If I understand correctly, I acknowledge your concern for wanting to know the effectivness of Mission Statements or Statements of Faith. The Church of Christ gave up Creeds long ago.
Honestly, I don't know my churches mission statement. I know they have one. However, the church I used to attend, put their mission statement in front of the congregation when ever the opportunity arose. (I did mention that church is my former church).
The mission statement you posted in the paper is not imposing on people who attend your church or belong to your congregassion. The mission statement imposed on the congregassion at my old church could not be evidenced. My wife and I were members. We attended for three years. We tried and tried to be deeply involved but were always derailed. We heard lies, harsh statements from staff and we felt the staff felt threatened by our desire to minister. So, we moved on.
The church we are in now: I know they have a mission statement. However, they do not need it. They are a diverse congregation with many different ministries and worship venues. I do not know how they grew from this tiny snowflake of a church building to the very large church they are today. In just over a year, the church has grown by over 400 persons. The traditional venue used to have two services. The church began a contemporary venue and now has two contemporary services and one traditional service.
A friend of mine is a program director for WRIC 88.1fm. He said on his morning show, once: "If you go to a church where you can't use your hands, head and heart; find a new church".
Preacherman, I really believe the church must find a way to (unfortunately) compete with the 'worldly market'. Kids would much rather go to a movie than to a church service. Unless something significantly moves them.
How is Lynol, Paula and the baby?
Vicki and I have not stopped praying for them. If the Lord will wait, that family will have an incredible witness for the Lord. This is what I want. However, you and I know that we can not know what God is doing all of the time. That hurts, in this case. So, I ask the Lord again to take it away.
Be Blessed Preacher Man. Send me your email address by emailing me from my profile.
Jim Leasure

6:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think mission statements are a great way to grow a congregation. The congregations that I have been in that started mission statements grew in number.

Jason

6:56 PM  
Blogger Eric Guel said...

Our church's mission statement -- well, at least its slogan -- is this: "A Passion For Jesus and His Purposes In the Earth."

I think there's a place for valuable, succint statements within the corporate church.

7:45 PM  
Blogger Ted M. Gossard said...

I think a good carefully worded missions statement can be helpful.

And to emphasize that in Jesus we are on mission in this world, so important. We need nowdays to get outside the four walls into the community and find out what good works we can do in showing the love of God in Jesus to others. That's what our church is currently working on.

7:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey - saw your comment on William Willimon's recent post and thought you might be interested in the latest post here (http://thepriesthood.wordpress.com/).

11:30 AM  
Blogger cwinwc said...

To me and no offense to those you have and use, "Mission Statements," "M.S." are just that, statements. Unless you have folks willing to fulfill the mission, there is no need in my opinion for M.S.

1:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kinney,

I have been torn by this question for quite a while. I see the benefit of mission statements when addressing the world as a whole in its own forms, but I also feel like, with most churches who don't live up to their mission statements, they are very superficial.
I think our mission and statement should be one. "CHRIST".

3:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

They do to those who look for them.
And eventually do to all who stay.

They don't to those who don't want to be "pinned down" about what they believe.

JMO

5:42 PM  
Blogger A said...

Wow, lots of negative thoughts on mission statements. Is that because they really are bad, or because they are badly formed and badly used in the majority of cases?

Just finished reading Simple Church by Thom Rainer. Not only talks about mission statements, but addresses the greater part: what to do to align around one once you have one that describes and motivates you. Very good stuff.

5:58 PM  
Blogger Neva said...

Not to be overly simplistic but shouldn't our lives be mission statement enough?

Blessings
neva

6:23 PM  
Blogger Cheryl Russell said...

Kinney, I came across this quote from Erwin McManus, and it made me think of your blog post. He said,

“We need to reclaim the movement of Jesus Christ - it’s not the place where people are forced to conform and be standardized. But a place where people are seen as unique and find their originality in Jesus Christ. …I think those of us who have been entrusted with followers of Christ must not simply cast vision and call people to it; We must create visional environments where dreams and visions of those who work with us and serve under at times, have their dreams and visions set free and ignited.”

10:30 AM  
Blogger preacherman said...

Cheryl,
Thanks for sharing that wonderful quote with us all. Powerfully put. I agree that each person in Christ brings uniqueness. Each have differnt gifts and have different backgrounds, culture experiences, and race to form the wonderful masterpiece his Church.

6:18 PM  
Blogger jeleasure said...

Preacher Man,
I was wondering as to what the Kinny's Progress page will display.
It looks as if it is an object lesson in humility.
I just had that thought cross my mind. Please do not take it as being unkind.
Jim
p.s. I have almost finished posting my study guide.

7:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ours is "to engage & empower people for a journey with jesus in their world". And yes, it is lived out.

6:05 AM  
Blogger Matthew said...

It is not so much the mission statement but the attitude behind it. It a congregation has a purpose instead of going through the motions, this is the important part of a mission statement.

12:14 PM  
Blogger Mark (under construction) said...

I have been thinking on this post for a while now - and am thinking, no not for me - if we don't know why we exist and how we are to function, no mission statement is going to cover that failure.

4:03 AM  
Blogger Therese Z said...

I don't get it: you reject the ancient creeds, and then to fill the hole, you labor over a mission statement? A creed is a distillation, a sword sharpened and polished by the blood of martyrs, of the faith we have in Jesus Christ as Lord. It's where we stand, together.

If there is a need for a unifying statement, then unite with the church over time and history and affirm a creed: "I believe in God, the Father Almighty..." If there is a need to advertise, then advertise, nothing wrong with that. You need to get the message out that your church is full of sound teaching and welcoming people. But don't confuse one with the other.

10:21 PM  
Blogger Mark (under construction) said...

I agree with therese z general gist of her comment - why replace a creed with a mission statement? Do away with them both I say - history shows us what happens to those who reject creeds and we are pretty good at putting those on the outer who refuse to accept our beliefs.

9:46 PM  
Blogger preacherman said...

I appreciate everyone's thoughts on this topic. It has been great to read all the pro's and con's for missions statements. Thank you to all who shared with us all.

8:46 PM  
Blogger Brian Bowen said...

hmmmmm Does a church need a mission statement?

I dont think it HAS to have one... but does it need a clearly defined vision? Heck yeah. One way to clearly define the vision is through a mission statement.

Ok so we recently talked to some people who have done a study on thriving churches in America and compared them with declining churches in America simply to identify if there were any common factors.

One of the things that stood out almost immediately was the mission statement. Most churches that were declining had either a long mission statement that did not reflect the actual ministry of the church or each individual ministry in the church had their own mission statement or none at all. As you walk around and asked people, no one knew the mission statement. Even the people on staff did not have a clear idea of the mission statement.

When they looked at the thirving churches, they all had a short concise statement that reflected their ministry. Each individual minstry in the church fell in line with the same mission statement. The mission statement was really simply a reflection of the churches DNA.

Sooo do you NEED a mission statement? I dont think you have to have it. BUT you do need the church in unity. Working under the same vision, working towards the same goals. A clearly defined mission statement serves to help keep the focus.

If each ministry in a church has its own vision... it divides the church, causes competition for resources, competition for attention and many times jealousy between the different ministries.

I've also seen a problem when the mission statement becomes the rule and the church begins to serve the mission statement. "We cant do that... it doesnt fit our mission statement"

But really you shouldnt serve it, it should serve you. A tool to help you with focus, not limit ministry.

10:58 PM  
Blogger g said...

Not sure if it's the same in the States, but Church of Christ is a denomination in itself here in Australia... so that statement would seem quite contradictory by saying the "specific denomination" is a non-denominational church....

just wondering what angle it comes across as there in the USA?

5:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your mission statement is a good model. I like 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 as inspiration for crafting a mission statement.

1:24 AM  
Blogger Bob Clark said...

Seems to me that every church has a mission statement, whether written or unwritten.

Some written mission statements are descriptive. Others are prescriptive.

10:18 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think mission statements are a wonderful thing. It can benefit the church so much as visitors understand what the church is about and believe.

9:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with Theresa Z and Mork.

9:31 AM  
Blogger David Dominguez said...

What a small world! I knew your mom when I was the assistant principal at Mann Middle School. She was teaching 8th grade Math at the time. Awesome teacher! Also in the small world department: I once taught Spanish at ACHS! If you think of it, please give my regards to your mom. Like I said, she is a great teacher, and a wonderful person.

10:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Reading the comments, I'm actually a little surprised by the lack of "mission statement" support. As a church plant, it is absolutely critical that we have a mission statement along with a statement of values and our core beliefs (or, as we say, core theology).

I think it sounds nice to say that Jesus or scripture is our mission statement, but what does that mean? Essentially, any time you narrow in your focus within scripture or the life of Christ you are beginning a process of interpretation (why is the great commission given more prominence than Jesus turning water into wine?). And with interpretation, you have "filters" or "lenses" through which you understand things. Sounds like a mission/purpose statement and stated values.

Another thought...every single human beings lives by a mission statement and value set, whether stated or unspoken. I would rather go about that with prayerful intentionality, especially within a community of Christ-Followers from diverse backgrounds and understandings of Jesus/scripture.

And one last thought...(Cheryl, I mean this with respect)...even Erwin McManus, who spoke of calling people to more than simply a vision, has a mission statement. It is, however, not simply left on paper.

2:24 PM  
Blogger preacherman said...

Dwayne,
I appreciate your thoughts.
I too was suprised at the lack of support for mission statements. I totally understand where you are comming from and hope as Christians we will set out what our own personal mission statement. I am always praying for your Church. I hear that Soma is doing great! I am so happy for you and your family. Know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. God bless all you are doing in making a kingdom difference in OR.

9:35 PM  
Anonymous Cainnopy said...

I think mission statements are a wonderful thing. It can benefit the church so much as visitors understand what the church is about and believe.

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