Why Purpose & Vision?

Why Purpose & Vision?

1. 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

2. 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)
   • 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

3. Establishing the Vision: (Strategic Planning)

   • 2. VISION: What does God want us to do? What future does God desire?
   • 1. BIBLICAL MANDATE: What is God’s purpose for His church?
   • 4. TARGET: Who are we trying to reach?
   • 3. MISSION: Why do we exist?
   • 5. VALUES: What culture and values are important in the way we relate?
   • 6. STRATEGY: How will we reach the target audience?

4. 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?

5. Assessment: (Feed-back Loop)

   • 10. EVALUATION: Did we achieve God’s purpose and vision? Are we making it?

6. 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.

7. 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
     • 6. What type and style of buildings would be part of your vision?
   • 5. What type of worship experiences can you picture?

8. 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.

9. 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) What kind of people attend your church and why do they come?
       • c) Are your present members prepared to change to reach a different group?
       • d) Do you and your members live within that community?
   • 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
   • 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

10. 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
        • 4. Every member growing
        • 5. Every member an active witness
        • 6. Mutual Accountability
        • 7. Generosity
        • 8. Team work
        • 9. Decisions by concession