Why Purpose & Vision?
Why is it important that churches have a clear
focus built upon a biblical purpose and an inspired
vision? The answer is simple. The church that
understands what God wants it to do, will know
where it is going. But, “Where there is no vision,
the people perish.”
Proverbs 29:18
Why Purpose and Vision?
A clear biblical mandate and vision:
1. Builds MORALE
•
Paul wrote, “Let there be real harmony so there won’t be
any splits in the church…Be of one mind, united in
thought and purpose.”
1 Cor 1:10
2. Reduce FRUSTRATION
•
Isaiah wrote, “God gives perfect peace to those how keep
there purpose firm.” Isaiah 26:3 (GN). Paul urged believers
to stand united “with one common purpose.” Philippians
1:27 (GN). “The life of a man of divided loyalty will reveal
instability at every turn.” James 1:8 (Phillips)
Why Purpose & Vision
3. Allows CONCENTRATION
•
Paul said, “I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one
thing, forgetting what is behind and looking forward to what
lies ahead.” Philippians 3:13 (LB)
4. Attracts COOPERATION
•
“If your goals are good, you will be respected.” Proverbs 11:27
(GN). Paul could write, “You have helped me in the work of the
gospel…” Philippians 1:15 (GN)
5. Assists EVALUATION
•
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test
yourselves.” 2 Corinthians 13:5
Why Purpose & Vision
Establishing the Vision: (Strategic Planning)
1. BIBLICAL MANDATE: What is God’s purpose
for His church?
2. VISION: What does God want us to do? What future
does God desire?
3. MISSION: Why do we exist?
4. TARGET: Who are we trying to reach?
5. VALUES: What culture and values are important in the way we
relate?
6. STRATEGY: How will we reach the target audience?
Why Purpose & Vision
Action Plans: (Operational Planning)
7. MINISTRIES: What ministries are needed for our strategy
to work?
8. GOALS: What will be the long and short term
barometers of progress?
9. PERSONNEL & STRUCTURES: Who will do the tasks
and how?
Assessment: (Feed-back Loop)
10. EVALUATION: Did we achieve God’s purpose and vision?
Are we making it?
Why Purpose & Vision
Biblical Mandate: Defining Your Church’s
Biblical Purpose
God’s purpose for His church needs to be studied, discussed and
prayed about in your core groups, small groups, Bible Classes,
leader meetings, visitation and sermons. It is vital that leaders and
pastors call the church to be biblically authentic.
Jesus is the head of the church and His mandate for its effectiveness
and growth must direct us. Therefore, involve as many as possible
in a study of biblical passage on the purposes of the church as
reflected in Christ’s ministry on earth, the images of the church, the
life of New Testament churches, and the commands of Christ.
Why Purpose & Vision
Vision: Seeing the Holy Spirit’s Vision
Praying that the Holy Spirit will give you a VISION of your
church in 10 years.
1.
What is the impact of your church in the community?
2.
How would you describe the attitudes of people in your church?
3.
How are members cared for and involved in ministry?
4.
The Holy Spirit always brings growth
5.
What type of worship experiences can you picture?
6.
What type and style of buildings would be part of your vision?
Why Purpose & Vision
Mission: Defining Why We Exist
1. BE BIBLICAL: What does God expect us to do?
2. BE SPECIFIC: Why Does Your Church Exist?
3. BE CLEAR: A good mission statement is easy to
remember and communicate.
Why Purpose & Vision
Target: Understanding Who You Are Trying
to Reach
1) Your Church: Who are we?
Your ministries will mostly reach the kind of people that
are already in your church.
a) What kind of people attend your church and why do they
come?
b) Which group in your community are your present
members most like?
c)
Are your present members prepared to change to reach
a different group?
d) Do you and your members live within that community?
Why Purpose & Vision
2) Your Community: Who are we going to work
with and reach?
a) Define your target GEOGRAPHICALLY
b) Define your target DEMOGRAPHICALLY
c) Define your target SPIRITUALLY
Why Purpose & Vision
3) Be Specific!
a) Who has the Holy Spirit given you a special burden
to reach and disciple?
b) Who do you have the abilities and personnel to reach
and disciple?
c) Upon which unchurched groups do you believe your
church should focus its ministries
Why Purpose & Vision
Values: Clarification of Important Attitudes
What attitudes and values do you think are the most
important to those who participate in decision making,
the ministries and activities (outreach, worship, etc) in
your church?
Some examples:
1. Jesus at the centre
2. Community (Loving Relationships)
3. Every member a minister
Why Purpose & Vision
4. Every member growing
5. Every member an active witness
6. Mutual Accountability
7. Generosity
8. Team work
9. Decisions by concession