Recharge Session 4

Mission and Vision

Session Agenda

1. Reconnect with your coaching group (if applicable).

2. Share a devotion and prayer.

3. Discuss why creating a thoughtful ministry action plan is important. Read scripture verses about planning in “The Bible Speaks on Planning” by Everett Anthony. Discuss your takeaways and favorite Proverbs from the list.

The Bible Speaks on Planning

I. Make Plans.
II. Make Plans for Joy and Purpose.
III. Make Plans After Knowing the Facts.
IV. Make Plans After Seeking Counsel.
V. Make Plans in Dependency to God.

4. Advanced Strategic Planning Mission Discussion

At this session, each pastor begins leading his Church Leadership Team to look at the church and its community and begin asking: “What is God calling us to be and to do in this community?”
It’s time to begin developing a mission statement. If your church already has a mission statement, then you can reexamine it and determine if it’s actually your current mission. If it states your church’s current mission, then it is acceptable. If not, then it’s time to write a new one.

Recall the nine reasons why mission is important:

It dictates the ministry’s direction.
It defines the ministry’s function.
It focuses the ministry’s future.
It provides a guideline for decision making.
It inspires ministry unity.
It shapes the strategy.
It enhances ministry effectiveness.
It ensures an enduring organization.
It facilitates evaluation.

As you consider the nine points, which are most important for your church?

Continue the discussion with these questions:

How is your church and community image shaped by your mission?
Malphurs says that a mission statement is broad, brief and biblical—it’s what the ministry is supposed to be doing.
What is your church supposed to be doing?
What is your church actually doing?
What are you not doing that you are supposed to be doing?
What will it take for you to change and do what you are supposed to be doing?

5. Mission Statement Development

Complete the Mission Statement Worksheet. Start with your draft ideas and scripture references as a starting point for your work. Record your ideas as prep for your next Church Leadership Team Meeting.
Read the “Developing a Mission Statement for a Church” outline by Everett Anthony. Use this outline to inform the next steps you take in developing your mission statement. Copy this document for your Church Leadership Team if desired.

Mission Statement Worksheet

Identify and list appropriate Scripture verses concerning the functions and activities of the church.
Identify key words or ideas in these verses that describe what makes your church unique.
Develop short key phrases to describe your church or ministry.
"Developing a Mission Statement for a Church" by Everett Anthony (PDF)

6. Advanced Strategic Planning Vision Discussion

Under your leadership, your team will also develop (or update) a written vision statement.
Joel Barker says that vision is always initiated by leaders, not followers. This is a major function of your team.
How can vision create energy and “ignite a spark” that propels ministry forward?
What’s the difference between mission and vision?
Do you tend to think big or small? How might this affect your vision?
What are your key takeaways from Chapter 5?

Recall the Vision Test on p. 142. As you build a vision for your church, test your work by asking the following questions:

Question 1: Is the vision clear and compelling?
Question 2: Does it paint a picture of our future and where we think God wants us to be in the years to come?
Question 3: Is it a snapshot of the church’s future? Is it future-oriented or is it merely a picture of the past?
Question 4: Do we believe that this can be? Do we believe that it is really possible?
Question 5: Are we convinced that it must be?

7. Vision Statement Development

Complete the Vision Worksheet. Outline the advantages and disadvantages your church has. What external factors can be exploited to your advantage? What elements in the environment could cause trouble for your church?
Read “Vision for a Church” by Everett Anthony to gain further insight on vision statements.
Use the Vision & Values Scripture outline for potential vision and values Bible verses.

Vision Worksheet

Where do you see God at work in your church and community?
List needs your church can meet.
List short phrases that have impact.
List meaningful scripture passages.
Write a first draft one-sentence vision statement.
"Vision for a Church" by Everett Anthony (PDF)
Vision & Values Scripture (PDF)

8. Church Leadership Team Check In

How will you lead your team to finalize mission and vision statements for your church?
Have you thought about the ways you’ll communicate this new vision with your church and community?
What’s the agenda for your next meeting?
Looking ahead, do you foresee any areas of disagreement as you begin the conversation about church values?

9. To Do Items

Lead your Church Leadership Team to write mission and vision statements for your church.
Begin the initial work to draft values that add focus points for your mission and vision statements.

Meeting 5 Prep

(to be completed in preparation for Meeting 5)

Read Chapter 6 in Advanced Strategic Planning by Aubrey Malphurs. Prepare to discuss core values at the next meeting.

Work on writing your church’s mission and vision statements. Bring copies of your statements for each pastor in the group to the next meeting.

Resources

Vision Worksheet (Fillable PDF) by MinistryActionPlans.com