Church Mission Statements: What NOT To Do

Crafting a compelling mission statement is crucial for any church, as it provides clarity, direction, and purpose. However, not all mission statements are created equal. Some fall flat, failing to inspire or effectively communicate the church's core values and goals. In this article, we'll dissect some examples of bad church mission statements, highlighting what makes them ineffective and offering guidance on how to create one that truly resonates.

Why Mission Statements Matter (and Why Bad Ones Hurt)

Before we dive into the bad examples, let's quickly recap why a strong mission statement is so important. A well-crafted mission statement serves as a guiding star for your church, informing everything from your programs and outreach efforts to your internal culture and decision-making processes. It answers the fundamental question: Why do we exist?

Think of your mission statement as the heartbeat of your church. It should pulse with life, driving your congregation forward with passion and purpose. A good mission statement:

• Provides clarity: It clearly articulates the church's purpose and what it hopes to achieve.
• Inspires action: It motivates members to get involved and contribute to the church's mission.
• Guides decision-making: It serves as a filter for evaluating potential programs and initiatives.
• Attracts newcomers: It communicates the church's values and what it offers to the community.

On the flip side, a bad mission statement can have detrimental effects. It can lead to confusion, apathy, and a lack of direction. It might fail to attract new members, or even worse, alienate existing ones. A weak or poorly defined mission statement can leave your congregation feeling lost and without a clear sense of purpose. It's like trying to navigate a ship without a compass – you might drift aimlessly, never reaching your intended destination.

A bad mission statement is often vague, generic, and uninspiring. It might be filled with jargon or clichés that don't resonate with people. It might be too long and convoluted, making it difficult to remember or understand. Or it might simply fail to capture the unique essence of your church and what makes it special. To avoid these pitfalls, it's crucial to understand what makes a mission statement effective and to learn from the mistakes of others.

Examples of Ineffective Church Mission Statements

Let's examine some examples of church mission statements that miss the mark. We'll break down what makes them bad and offer suggestions for improvement. Remember, the goal is to create a mission statement that is clear, concise, and compelling.

1. The Vague and Generic Statement

"To spread the love of God and serve the community."

Why it's bad: This statement is incredibly vague. Almost every church could use this mission statement. It lacks specificity and doesn't convey anything unique about this particular church. What does "spreading the love of God" actually look like in practice? How does this church specifically serve the community?

How to improve it: Add details! Specify how the church spreads love and how it serves. For instance, "To spread the love of God by providing compassionate care to the homeless and offering educational programs for underprivileged youth."

A more effective mission statement would elaborate on the specific actions and initiatives the church undertakes to fulfill its purpose. For example, instead of simply stating "serve the community," the revised statement could detail concrete activities such as "providing food and shelter to the homeless, offering educational programs for underprivileged children, and organizing community clean-up events." By adding these specifics, the mission statement becomes more tangible and relatable, giving people a clearer understanding of the church's impact and how they can get involved. Furthermore, it helps to differentiate the church from other organizations with similar goals, highlighting its unique approach and commitment to serving the community in meaningful ways. This level of detail not only clarifies the church's purpose but also inspires confidence and encourages participation from both members and newcomers.

2. The Jargon-Filled Statement

"To synergistically facilitate holistic spiritual growth through missional engagement and discipleship paradigms."

Why it's bad: This statement is filled with jargon that most people won't understand. It sounds impressive but ultimately lacks meaning for the average churchgoer. It's crucial to use plain language that everyone can grasp.

How to improve it: Translate the jargon into simple, everyday language. For example, "To help people grow in their faith by connecting them with God and empowering them to serve others."

This revised mission statement replaces complex jargon with clear and accessible language. Terms like "synergistically facilitate," "holistic spiritual growth," "missional engagement," and "discipleship paradigms" are replaced with simpler phrases such as "help people grow in their faith," "connecting them with God," and "empowering them to serve others." This ensures that the mission statement resonates with a wider audience and is easily understood by people from all walks of life. The goal is to communicate the church's purpose in a way that is both meaningful and relatable, avoiding language that might alienate or confuse potential members. Ultimately, a mission statement should be a clear and concise expression of the church's core values and goals, not a showcase of theological vocabulary. By using plain language, the church can effectively communicate its mission and inspire greater engagement from its congregation and the broader community.

3. The Overly Ambitious Statement

"To transform the world and bring about global peace and justice."

Why it's bad: While having lofty goals is admirable, this statement is unrealistic and overwhelming. It sets expectations that are impossible to meet, which can lead to discouragement and a sense of failure. It's important to focus on what the church can realistically achieve within its community and beyond.

How to improve it: Scale down the scope to something more achievable. For example, "To promote peace and justice in our community through acts of service and advocacy."

By narrowing the focus to the local community, the revised mission statement becomes more tangible and actionable. Instead of aiming to transform the entire world, the church commits to making a positive impact within its immediate surroundings. This approach allows for more realistic goals and measurable outcomes. The mission statement also specifies the means by which the church will pursue its goals, namely through "acts of service and advocacy." This provides clarity on the types of activities and initiatives the church will undertake to promote peace and justice. Furthermore, by focusing on the local community, the church can foster stronger relationships with its neighbors and build a reputation as a caring and responsible member of the community. This approach not only makes the mission statement more achievable but also more meaningful and relevant to the lives of those the church seeks to serve. It's about making a real difference where it matters most, one act of service and advocacy at a time.

4. The Internally Focused Statement

"To provide a welcoming and supportive environment for our members."

Why it's bad: While creating a welcoming environment is important, this statement is too inward-focused. A mission statement should primarily focus on the church's impact on the world outside its walls. It should address how the church serves the community and contributes to the greater good.

How to improve it: Balance the internal focus with an external focus. For example, "To provide a welcoming and supportive environment for our members while also reaching out to serve the needs of our community."

This revised mission statement maintains the emphasis on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for church members, but it also broadens the scope to include outreach and service to the wider community. By adding the phrase "while also reaching out to serve the needs of our community," the church affirms its commitment to making a positive impact beyond its own walls. This balanced approach ensures that the church is not only focused on the well-being of its members but also on fulfilling its broader mission of serving others. It demonstrates a holistic understanding of the church's role in society, recognizing that true fellowship involves both inward nurturing and outward action. Moreover, this revised statement can attract new members who are looking for a church that is actively engaged in making a difference in the world. It sends a message that the church is not just a place to attend services but also a community where people can come together to serve others and make a positive impact.

5. The Uninspiring Statement

"To maintain our church and continue our traditions."

Why it's bad: This statement lacks any sense of excitement or purpose. It focuses on maintaining the status quo rather than striving for growth and innovation. A mission statement should inspire people to get involved and make a difference.

How to improve it: Inject some passion and vision into the statement. For example, "To honor our traditions while embracing new ways to connect people with God and serve our community."

This revised mission statement strikes a balance between honoring the church's traditions and embracing new approaches to ministry. By including the phrase "while embracing new ways to connect people with God and serve our community," the church signals its willingness to adapt and innovate in order to remain relevant and effective in a changing world. This approach appeals to both those who value tradition and those who are looking for a church that is forward-thinking and innovative. The mission statement also injects a sense of passion and purpose, inspiring people to get involved and make a difference. Furthermore, by highlighting the importance of connecting people with God and serving the community, the statement reinforces the church's core values and provides a clear sense of direction for its future endeavors. It's about honoring the past while embracing the future, and working together to create a vibrant and impactful ministry.

Key Takeaways for Crafting a Powerful Mission Statement

After analyzing these bad examples, here are some key takeaways to guide you in crafting a powerful and effective church mission statement:

• Be Specific: Avoid vague language and generalities. Clearly articulate what your church does and how it serves its community.
• Use Plain Language: Avoid jargon and complex terminology. Use language that everyone can understand.
• Be Realistic: Set achievable goals that your church can realistically accomplish.
• Focus Outward: Emphasize the church's impact on the world outside its walls.
• Be Inspiring: Inject passion and vision into the statement to motivate people to get involved.
• Keep it Concise: Aim for a statement that is easy to remember and repeat.

By following these guidelines, you can create a mission statement that truly reflects your church's values and inspires your congregation to action. A well-crafted mission statement is a powerful tool that can help your church thrive and make a positive impact on the world.

The Importance of Regular Review

Once you've crafted your mission statement, it's essential to review it periodically. The world changes, and your church may evolve over time. What was relevant and inspiring five years ago might not resonate as strongly today. A regular review ensures that your mission statement remains aligned with your church's current values, goals, and the needs of your community. Consider revisiting your mission statement every few years, involving key stakeholders in the process. This collaborative approach can lead to valuable insights and ensure that the mission statement continues to serve as a guiding light for your church.

A bad mission statement can be a significant hindrance to a church's growth and effectiveness. By understanding what makes a mission statement ineffective and following the guidelines outlined above, you can create a statement that truly reflects your church's values and inspires your congregation to action. Take the time to craft a powerful mission statement, and you'll be well on your way to creating a thriving and impactful church.