Vision and Mission

Vision


There are great benefits of having a godly vision. Having, indeed owning a vision is important, not just for big churches, but for small rural churches, and for us as individuals. It’s no wonder that the writer of Proverbs (29: 18) writes “where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint” (KJV) and which the NIV translates as “where there is no vision, the people perish”


The writer of Hebrews tells us “to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12: 2) and as we abide in Jesus and he in us (John 15:1-8), we become that fruitful body of Christ, witnessing by word and deed and producing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), and in the process fulfilling the mission set by our Lord (Matt. 28: 18-20) drawing others closer to Jesus.



What are the key elements of a good Vision Statement?


1.      It is Forward-looking and aspirational

2.     Motivating and inspirational.

3.     Reflective of the churches culture and core values.

4.     Aimed at bringing benefits and improvements to the church over the longer term

5.     Helps to define the existence of the church and where it is going 


What are the benefits of vision for individuals and the Village Church?


1.      Vision sets the expectation of what we are aiming to become! Without setting an aim or goal, we don’t know what we are aiming at, what we are supposed to become.

2.      Vision brings unity and order as members of a local church contribute towards a common goal. Without a vision each one will do whatever seems right in their own sight, which ultimately breeds confusion and disorder

3.      Vision helps us grow. As we serve others, we nourish ourselves. Vision calls people to service, and where there is no vision, people tend to become idle and selfish.

4.      Vision helps us focus our resources and enhances our fruitfulness and productivity. Without a vision we don’t know what we are aiming at, resulting in unnecessary stress, upset and disappointment.

5.       Vision generates impetus and momentum. Vision should motivate the people of God to passionately pursue that vision. As they do, the entire Church is able to move forward. 


How to develop a Vision statement for your Church


1.      Pray! Vision should be birthed in prayer, so the first step is to ask all of your church members, adherents and stakeholders to prayerfully consider your vision. Ideally this is done over a period of weeks, prior to meeting with all those mentioned already and who have an active interest in the success of the local church

2.      Meet together, exchange ideas and if you feel comfortable brainstorm for ideas. Involve everyone! Ensure everyone has a voice, and that the quieter members have a voice and are listened to.

3.      Begin to formulate a Vision Statement. Ideally it should start with “We want to become….” or even better, “We will become…” or “Our vision is to be….” The Vision statement should be one or maximum 2 relatively short sentences, and which all of the stakeholders that easily identify with and repeat. 

The difference between Vision and Mission Statements


The Vision statement answers the question “Where are we going” whilst the Mission statement answers the question “Who we are and what we are doing” to accomplish that vision.


A mission statement will describe why you exist, what the aims and purpose of your fellowship is, all set in the present tense.



The major benefit of having a Church Mission statement will be that it guides the church’s work and service over the long term, help to motivate church members and stakeholders, and may help to attract external support (such as funding or practical support which the church needs).

How to develop a Mission statement for your Church


Similar to creating a vision statement, the best place to start is by praying and involving everyone connected to the church. Begin with missional listening, first being still, then to listen, pray and establish what the deep needs of the local community are before trying to discern what God’s Kingdom looks like and how the church should function. Then consider the following simple steps:


1.      Define who the church serves and what it does. Now it would be very easy to say “everyone” but you should consider your gifting and resources when doing this. J. John once asked what the purpose of the church was and concluded that it’s three main purposes were to look up (worship), to look out (mission) and to look inward (healing and wholeness), and his suggestion was that the church should be spending about a third of it’s resources on each.


2.      Explain why the church does, what it does. This should not be too different from other churches, with a biblical mandate for the church to meet regularly to worship God and support those inside the church, and reach those outside of the church.



3.      Concisely define your Mission Statement. Ask one or two people who are good writers to pull together the above conclusions into a one or two sentence mission statement. Articulate the “who,” “what,” “why” and “how” of the church in a way that makes it stand out. Get feedback from everyone who participated in its development to ensure the statement reflects a common understanding. 


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