Mission statement

Mission statements abound in the business world and church life today. Some almost take on a life of their own, like Nike's swoosh which no longer needs the slogan, "Just do it." Others languish in obscurity -- even in their own domain. I often encounter congregational mission statements. Most are lofty, well-intentioned -- and ignored. The other day, though, I was in a meeting at a church of another denomination where it was clear the mission or purpose statement was a vital part of the life of the congregation.

Destiny Center in Rio Rancho, NM, is a contemporary, youth-oriented ministry with all the techno-baubles (including computer kiosks for registering child care). But as one enters the main auditorium, the hallway of the entrance is adorned with graphic depictions of what, clearly, is the church's mission statement. Five panels depicted one part of the statement. In another place I found the mission statement graphically portrayed with an inner circle (titled "Love God"), and a surrounding circle with sections devoted to Reach, Belong, Serve, Grow. In a display area I noticed a sharp brochure with an expansion of these themes. For instance, under Reach there were two bulleted sections named "My Story" and "My Friends." Under Belong, the bullet listings were "My Church," "My Home." Serve featured, "My Gifts, My Lifestyle." Grow had "My growth," "My Responsibility." And under Love God were "My Faith, My passion." These themes were illustrated in a variety of ways throughout the church facility. Little chance that they would be forgotten or ignored. One had the impression that these topics come up again and again in sermons, teaching, new member classes, outreach activities and the like. I could quibble a bit about the "me-ness" of it all, but there's no question that the emphasis is on a personal experience of faith.

Too often congregations simply go through the motions of being church without re-experiencing a sense of call to God's mission. Through an intentional study of the Word of God in prayer and discernment, a church may come to a fresh awareness of its real focus and purpose. When it does, it can tell that story in ways that can't be ignored. When we know what we are about for God, others may be interested!