PURPOSE OF MEETING … To develop A VISION STATEMENT and A MISSION STATEMENT
GUIDING QUESTIONS …
Who are we?
What are we?
Why are we?
How are we to do what we need to do?
Here are definitions and examples of vision, mission, and core values specifically relating to a church body:
Vision: Proverbs 29:18, Habakkuk 2:2-3
- Definition: A clear and compelling picture of what God wants the church to become or achieve in the future.
- Examples:
- “To become a beacon of hope and light in our community, reaching 1,000 unsaved people with the Gospel within the next 5 years.”
- “To build a vibrant, Spirit-filled community where people from all walks of life can find belonging, growth, and purpose.”
- “To establish a network of house churches, empowering believers to spread the Gospel and make disciples in their neighborhoods.”
- “To be a healthy church”
Mission: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
- Definition: A concise statement of the church’s purpose and objectives, summarizing its reason for existence.
- Examples:
- “To glorify God by making disciples, equipping believers, and serving our community.”
- “To share the love of Christ with our city, fostering spiritual growth, community engagement, and global outreach.”
- “To empower believers to live out their faith, sharing the Gospel, and making a positive impact in our world.”
Core Values: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Ephesians 4:1-16, Philippians 2:1-11
- Definition: Fundamental principles that guide the church’s decisions, behaviors, and culture.
- Examples:
-
- 1. Worship: “We value passionate, Spirit-led worship as the foundation of our relationship with God.”
- 2. Community: “We value authentic relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among believers.”
- 3. Outreach: “We value sharing the Gospel with our neighbors and the nations, demonstrating God’s love through service.”
- 4. Discipleship: “We value intentional growth in faith, equipping believers to become mature followers of Christ.”
- 5. Prayer: “We value prayer as the engine of our ministry, seeking God’s guidance and empowerment.”
- Bible-based teaching
- Evangelism
- Fellowship
- Generosity
- Humility
- Integrity
- Leadership development
- Missional living
- Multigenerational ministry
- Spiritual growth
Biblical Foundations:
1. Vision: Proverbs 29:18, Habakkuk 2:2-3
2. Mission: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
3. Core Values: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Ephesians 4:1-16, Philippians 2:1-11
Remember … these are just examples.
Your church’s vision, mission, and core values should be unique, reflecting God’s specific call and purpose for your community.
LIST OF CORE VALUES
Living and sharing the Gospel involves:
1. Personal Relationship with God:
- Cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus.
- Study and meditate on Scripture.
- Pray and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.
2. Sharing the Gospel:
- Share your testimony: Tell others about your experience with Jesus.
- Use biblical truths: Explain salvation, forgiveness, and God’s love.
- Show God’s love: Demonstrate compassion, kindness, and humility.
3. Lifestyle Evangelism:
- Live a life of integrity: Reflect Christ’s character in your actions.
- Build relationships: Connect with others, showing genuine interest.
- Serve others: Volunteer, help those in need.
4. Verbal Witness:
- Share the Gospel message: Clearly explain salvation through Jesus.
- Use evangelism tools: Tracts, Bible studies, or evangelistic events.
- Answer questions: Provide biblical answers to spiritual inquiries.
5. Digital Evangelism:
- Social media: Share Gospel content, engage in online discussions.
- Online communities: Participate in forums, groups.
- Blogging or vlogging: Share your faith journey.
6. Community Involvement:
- Local church: Get involved in outreach programs.
- Mission trips: Participate in short-term missions.
- Neighborhood outreach: Host events, serve your community.
7. Discipleship:
- Mentor others: Guide new believers in their faith.
- Teach Bible studies: Help others grow in their understanding.
- Encourage accountability: Support fellow believers.
8. Prayer and Fasting:
- Pray for opportunities: Ask God to open doors.
- Fast for spiritual breakthroughs: Seek God’s guidance.
9. Gospel-Centered Values:
- Love and compassion
- Humility and servant-leadership
- Integrity and authenticity
- Forgiveness and mercy
- Evangelism and discipleship
Scriptures to Share:
1. John 3:16
2. Romans 5:8
3. Romans 10:9-10
4. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
5. Ephesians 2:8-9
Tips for Effective Sharing:
1. Listen actively
2. Be sensitive to others’ beliefs
3. Use everyday conversations
4. Be respectful and patient
5. Rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance
Remember, sharing the Gospel is a lifestyle, not an event.
May God empower you to live and share His love with others!
… prepared by Charles Fleming for discussion on Priorities and Goal-Setting
Belonging
Acceptance Comfort Compassion Empathy Equality Inclusion Kindness Peace Respect Thankful Welcoming
Spirituality
Community Family Generosity/ Giving Grace Harmony/Unity Hope Humility Inspiring Loyalty Maturity Meaning Reverence Selfless/ Stewardship Service/Sharing
Integrity
Accountability Commitment/Dependability Dignity Honesty Honor Responsibility Sincerity Transparency Trust/Trustworthy Truthful
Creativity
Creation Curiosity/Discovery Expressive Imagination/Innovation Intuitive Openness Originality Uniqueness Wonder
Freedom
Independence Individuality Liberty
Achievement
Accomplishment Credibility Drive/Risk Effectiveness Empower Endurance Leadership Mastery/Professionalism Results-oriented Significance Sustainability Teamwork
Enjoyment
Amusement Celebration Contentment Enthusiasm Fun/Joy Gratitude Happiness Humor Playfulness/Recreation Spontaneous Surprise
Presence
Alertness Attentive Awareness Beauty Calm Clear Concentration/Focus Silence Simplicity Solitude
Courage
Bravery Conviction Fearless Valor
Intelligence
Common sense Decisiveness Foresight/Insightful Knowledge/Thoughtful Learning Logic Openness Realistic Reflective/Wisdom Vision
Strength
Assertiveness Boldness/Confidence Dedication Discipline Fortitude Persistence Restraint/Temperance Rigor Self-reliance Toughness Vigor Will
Order
Accuracy/Careful Certainty Cleanliness Consistency/Thorough Control Economy Moderation Organization Security/Stability Structure Timeliness
Health
Energy Self-care MentalHealth Vitality
Participation
Cooperation Collaboration Adaptable Openness Service TeamPlayer
Unity
Harmony Connected Relationships Consensus Interactive
Justice
Fairness Equitableness Honor Respect Restitution