Vision-Driven Ministry

I   VISION

WHAT IS A VISION?

Vision is a plan given by God

Ingredient of a Vision

VISION is an inspirational statement of a church’s bold ambition that defies logic.

Vision Statement (Sample) 

Our vision is to be a network of house churches winning the ________ for Christ.

II   MISSION

WHAT IS A MISSION?

MISSION defines the church’s purpose of existence and is a result from VISION

Ingredients of a Mission[1]

1. It should be visionary and likely to persist for a significant period of time. This is important as a backdrop against which more detailed objectives and strategies can be developed, delivered and changed over time.

2. It should clarify the main purposes of the church, and the reasons why the network exists.

3. It should describe the church’s main activities and the position/influence it wishes to attain in its field.

4. There is a statement of the key values of the church.

5. Down to earth though highly inspirational in nature. 

6. It is easily understood an agreed by everyone in the network. 

7. Motivate people at all level to focus on the VISION.

8. It sets standard for performances.

9. It is qualitative in nature.

10. Dynamic and grow with the church therefore changes to it are required from time to time.

Mission Statement (Sample)

1. To powerfully fulfill the GREAT COMMISSION by propagating the good news of Jesus Christ and making disciples (Mt 28:19-20).

2. To actively fulfill the GREAT COMMANDMENT by loving our God and neighbor (Mt 22:37-40)

3. To mobilize and enable her house churches and members to take responsibility by being directly and indirectly involved in frontline and supportive ministries to fulfill the Great Commission and Great Commandment (Eph 4:11, 12; 2 Cor 3:6)

4. To be an example for the world to reflect the glory, power and nature of God (Mark 16:17,18; 2 Pet 1:4 ).

III   OBJECTIVES

WHAT IS AN OBJECTIVE?

OBJECTIVES will result in the fulfillment of our MISSION

Ingredients of Objectives

It is quantitative and show WHAT need to be done and by WHEN

It is S.M.A.R.T.

Objectives Statement (Sample) 

1. To grow to 50 house churches by year 2005. House churches led by lay-leaders are to multiply once a year. They are to function in outreach, discipleship, ministry and support. 

2. To raise 5 full-time staff at 2 a year from 2003 

3. To give 20% of church budget for missions in ______ and South East Asia by year 2005. 

4. …. 

5. ….

IV   STRATEGY

WHAT IS A STRATEGY?

STRATEGY tells us HOW to achieve the OBJECTIVES

Strategy Statement (Sample)

1. Grow by concentrating resources on starting house churches that are strong in evangelism, discipleship and caring

2. Church as a place of refuge for he hurting

3. Offering opportunity to serve

4. Reaching new migrants, families and minority groups

5. Networking with other Christians and churches for new contacts 

V   CORE VALUES

WHAT ARE CORE VALUES?

It help us in decision-making on how to turn STRATEGY into action

Ingredients of Core Values

1. Core Values are our ‘belief system’

2. It will govern what we think and how we work

Core Values Statement (Sample)

1. Evangelistic work and zeal throughout

2. Maintain innovative ministries

3. Warm and hospitable environment

4. Correct attitude in ministry rather than skill and talent

5. Harmony and peace in relationship

6. Best training, trainer and materials for training

7. Using gifting and callings of leaders to start new ministries

8. Sustainability of ministries is important, self-financing, governing and propagating

9. Best possible worship, preaching, praying and teaching

VI   PROGRAM

WHAT IS AN EQUIPPING PROGRAM?

PROGRAM are for equipping the church and are organized ministries that put STRATEGY in action

Equipping Program Statement (Sample)

1. Build cell groups

2. Evangelistic program all year round

3. Foster fellowship program

4. Source relevant audio, video literature and books for library

5. Acquire and design training program for church and ministries

6. Build Outreach and Training functions of the churches

7. Cell, Music, Prayer, Men, Women and Children program for network

VII   BUDGET

WHAT IS A BUDGET?

BUDGET is the PROGRAM in Dollars and Cents

VIII   STANDARDS

WHAT ARE STANDARDS?

STANDARDS are excellent/best practices applied to repeated tasks and works

Standards Statement (Sample)

1. Standards for planning, execution and follow-up for evangelistic program

2. Standards for cell and church planting program

3. Standards for functional ministries

4. Standards for leadership and workers

5. Standards for leadership committee

6. Job Description for all that serve from leaders to workers

7. Standards for financials transactions and recordings

8. Standards for Holy Communion, Baptism in Water, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Baby Dedication, Wedding and Funerals

9. Standards for computerization

10. Standards for office administration

IX   CONTROLS

WHAT ARE CONTROLS?

CONTROLS match actual performances with OBJECTIVES AND STANDARDS to allow for adjustments and corrections for any deviations

Controls Statement (Sample)

1. Organization Chart and line of authority

2. Weekly and monthly attendance for all services

3. Biweekly cell leaders meeting

4. Bimonthly department meeting and committee meeting

5. Quarterly evaluation and review for all departments comparing actual with expected performance

6. Yearly account audit by external accountant

7. Procedures for counting offerings

8. Church evaluation and planning for next year in September.

9. Mid-term planning (3 years)

10. Long-term planning (5-10 years)

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[1] Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes, Exploring Corporate Strategy, 3rd ed, (Prentice Hall: New York 1993), p.186