If you HAD to tell someone your mission statement, would it roll off your tongue effortlessly? Or, would you have a puzzled look and give a response similar to “I have thought about it, but never really clarified it or written it down. Let me get back to you on that.” Or, maybe give a vague “I want to make a difference.” While “making a difference” is a good start, you may want to be a little more clear what you are making a difference for and about.
Bottom line, if you haven’t written a mission statement, here are seven tips that will help you clarify and finally get it on paper.
1. An effective Mission Statement will answer these questions:
- What will I leave behind?
- What difference will I make in the lives of those I touch?
2. An effective Mission Statement is consistent with scripture:
- God gives us the purpose in our lives, and this will be compatible with Biblical Scripture
- What God originates, He orchestrates
3. An effective Mission Statement supports your personal core values, spiritual gifts, strengths, and passion:
- Our mission will support how God made us. We are built for a mission to do something that only we can do. He created you for a purpose.
4. An effective Mission Statement is short, clear and easy to recite
- Avoid vague, unclear statements. Long mission statements are easily forgotten and confusing
- Give it the “grandma” test. Your grandmother should be able to remember it.
- Keep It Simple!
5. An effective Mission Statement is specific and action-oriented
- This is your blueprint so it needs to be specific and indicate “how” you will do it, using verbs (i.e. communicate, train, equip teach)
6. An effective Mission Statement is measurable. In other words, will it answer the questions:
- How will anyone know when I have succeeded?
- How will you demonstrate when you accomplish the mission?
7. An effective Mission Statement ignites and inspires
- Must have a compelling reason for moving forward.
- What is the problem that needs solving?
- What is the solution?
- What is reason something must be done?
- What is reason something must be done NOW?
If you haven’t taken time to clarify your mission statement, what are you waiting for?
And once you have it, share it, talk about it. “Check in” to see how your actions and core values are aligned with your mission statement.
Related Resources:
Core Values – Personal values can help guide you in creating an effective mission statement. For a free copy of a values worksheet visit this page – Values Worksheet
Coaching Tools – Learn more about our tools for life coaches at this link – Life Coaching Tools and Resources
Other Resources: Over the years, I have enjoyed several books and various training on the topic of building mission statements and my post here is a compilation from my favorites: Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, Christian Coaching 2nd Edition by Dr Gary Collins, Visioneering by Andy Stanley, The Path by Laurie Beth Jones, and from my own experiences and insight.
Our mission statement at Christian Coach Institute is to educate, equip and encourage Christian Coaches around the world to help bring out the best in God’s people. We do this through teaching internationally recognized coaching competencies integrated into a Christian Coaching model.
