Word Count: 286 – Est Reading Time: 90 Seconds
What’s Up:
Most church mission statements aren’t mission-focused … they’re maintenance-focused.
So What:
If your church’s mission statement could describe a cemetery, a book club, or a quilting bee, then don’t expect it to grow your church. That’s not mission. That’s drivel.
The Point Is:
Mission Demands Movement
A real mission statement starts with action and leads to transformation. “We exist to” doesn’t cut it if nothing actually changes because of it.
Avoid the Christianese
Vague statements like “Love God, Love People” sound holy but mean nothing in practice. Clarity isn’t unspiritual … it’s strategic.
Get Ruthlessly Specific
Your mission should answer: Who are we called to reach? How will we reach them? What will we do that actually makes a difference?
Your People Are Watching
If your mission doesn’t drive your programs, budget, and decisions, your members will treat it like filler on a bulletin. Mission has to matter.
And … ?
Let me be blunt: If your mission statement reads like it was crafted by a committee after three pots of decaf and a thesaurus, then it’s probably useless. A mission statement should be a rally cry, not a recitation. It should clarify, not confuse. And it should fit on a t-shirt without needing a footnote.
The church is not called to merely exist. Jesus didn’t say, “Go into all the world and hold committee meetings.” He said, “Make disciples.” That’s action. That’s impact. If your mission doesn’t move people to live differently, serve boldly, and reach intentionally … then it’s not a mission. It’s a placeholder. Rewrite it. Reclaim it. And for heaven’s sake, make it mean something.
Action!
Register now for Thursday’s Catalytic Conversation: Your Church’s Slogan Isn’t Missional — https://effective.effectivechurch.com/webinar-registration
