"Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run" (Habakkuk 2:2-3, The Message).
You've prayed - a lot — on your own and with a couple of other youth leaders who want to work together to reach teenagers in your community, meeting over coffee for several months. You have a strong sense of being one in heart and mind, and the bond you have from praying for each other is awesome.
Now, you have begun to talk about inviting others and building a larger ministry network; you'd like to have meetings regularly so more can share what you are experiencing.
At the same time, the three of you don't want to lose what you have begun to share. But the interests, theology, and priorities of the varied youth workers in your area could begin to pull the new network in a different direction. How do you keep it on track?
It may be time to follow Habakkuk's advice!
Take a Cue from a Prophet
Like you, Habakkuk was waiting on God to reveal what He was going to do with Habakkuk's people. Okay, he was mostly complaining to God and pouring out his heart in prayer. But God spoke to him, and instructed him to write down what he heard. Why? "so that it can be read on the run." In other words, there is power in a written statement of your mission and vision to motivate others.
While we aren't saying that your ministry network's mission is on par with the Bible, the principle is still there. And it can help set the tone for and communicate to others what your network is, as well what it isn't.
A healthy Network will move forward on "twin rails" of Relationships (who you are) and Strategy (vision; what you do cooperatively)...a vision statement articulates where the tracks are ultimately headed. A mission statement is a brief description of your group's fundamental purpose. It answers the question, "Why do we exist?" and serves as your compass as you decide what to do.
Why? Why? Why?
Ask yourself, or prayerfully discuss it with your core leaders: "Why does our ministry network exist? Take this question as close to "ultimate" as possible. Once you feel clear about the "why" of your network, write it down so others who join your group have a clear statement of why they should partner with your group. This becomes your mission statement.
It also helps to "filter out" those who do not resonate with your mission. Think about it: how many times have you started to join a group, and found out the purpose was different than you expected it to be? Rather than waste the time of people who are on a different page - and use precious time in your meetings - be up front and clear about your mission so you can pursue it wholeheartedly.
Take a look at the Interactive below to help you in the process of creating a mission statement. If you want further help you can contact a network coach.
Mission Statement
A mission statement helps you answer the "why" of your ministry network. Take a look at the following ideas to help you develop your mission statement.
- Some networks are built around more around a strategy. Others are more based on relationships. This balance usually fluctuates from time to time. Look for balance. But the end goal doesn't change, even as activities change. The tide may come in and out, but the horizon is the same!
- Ministry networks that prayerfully ask "why?" should arrive at ultimate biblical objectives, such as the Great Commission and the Great Commandment (read "Making Tracks: Is your Ministry Network on Target?"
- Go online and read some mission statements. Check out the National Network Core Values. Read statements from some other networks on our database to get ideas.
- Outline the main points but don't get bogged down with wordsmithing it until it's roughed out. Then refine it.
- Work to make your statement as concise as possible.
- Once you have agreed on a mission statement, use it widely ("inscribe it...so the one who reads it may run"): at the bottom of every email, in mailers, social media, at meetings, etc. You will find that it will help your network attract like-minded people. And stay on point!
- Bill Hybels has said that a mission statement "...is like a bucket full of holes that you fill with water. You constantly have to be refilling it (checking it, confirming it, checking what you do with it)." Periodically revisit your mission statement, pray through it with your leadership, and see if it needs revision. A network is organic, so your guiding document(s) may need to change as God leads.