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Mission and Vision Statements

Mission Statements : Easy Printing Version

It is vital for a team to have clarity of direction. Three elements which can help establish a clear direction for any team are:
- A Team Mission Statement
- A Team Vision Statement
- Team Success Criteria

mission statements


A Team Mission Statement
is a simple statements of purpose known by every member of the team. It .......
  • Provides a "reason for being".
  • Provides clarity and focus and makes choices.
  • Is clear and concise.
  • Is agreed by the wider organisation.

Example Mission Statement: The Mission Appeal team exists to raise funds for the mission work of the church in two Third World countries. By holding special collections and appeals we will encourage those within and outside the church family to regularly support such work.

A Team Vision Statement expresses the destination of the team in a way that builds commitment to it. It .........

  • Arises through prayer and has been bathed in prayer.
  • Creates a sense of desire and builds commitment.
  • Expresses God's challenge to the church.
  • Paints the ideal future.
  • Is an expression of faith and hope.
  • Is in line with the team's values.

Example Vision Statement: By planting a new neighbourhood church at the north end of our town, a number of families will come to faith. Worship will be accessible and informal. We will have a practical concern for the local community. A programme of nurture and teaching alongside a growing fellowship will lead people into a deeper spiritual experience.

Team Success Criteria let
s the team know when you have achieved what you set out to do and are .........

  • limited in number to those measures which will drive overall success of the project.
  • specific and measurable - you know when they have been achieved.
  • challenging, yet achievable. Meeting them gives a real feeling of achievement.

Example Success Criteria :
During the next twelve months, the Youth Group aims to :
- stage a weekend trip to Alton Towers
- raise �200 for the local handicapped trust
- lead worship in church once a quarter
- be cool enough to attract 10 new members.

Pause for Thought : Does your team have a clear, written direction? If not, write down your view of what the direction currently is, and share it with the team. If it has, review whether team energy is currently in line with your stated aims.