Mission and Vision Discernment
Activity: Vision Discernment; Core Ministry Values
What it is: These suggested steps can help your leadership team seek God's direction for the church's community outreach, and develop a statement of your church's mission and a specific vision for holistic outreach. The discernment process identifies a specific direction for holistic ministry, which can then lead to the development of concrete programs. The vision and ministry plan are grounded in a set of core ministry values.
Why it is helpful:Because there are many ministries your church could do to fulfill its mission, a vision statement is needed to focus the church as it lives out its calling. The team must discern which holistic ministries are part of God's plan for your church at this time. Developing a set of core values can help to guide the character and strategy of the proposed programs.
Your church might benefit from this activity if ... the church senses a calling to local mission but has no clear sense of how to do it; your church is overwhelmed by the needs and ministry possibilities; your church is stuck in the rut of "the way we've always done things;" your church is drawn in multiple directions with no sense of focus; there is conflict surrounding the church's direction.
Activity: Ministry Retreat
What is it: A retreat brings the Ministry Vision Team together for a time of discernment and spiritual renewal, seeking God's direction together in a restful setting without the usual distractions and time pressures.
Why it is helpful: "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15). Our hectic lives seldom give us the time for adequate reflection and prayer. As part of the vision discernment process, a retreat provides the time and space for people to enjoy the Lord and one another, to think creatively, and to listen to the Spirit.
Your church might benefit from this activity if ... it is difficult to make time in the regular church calendar for times of prayer, reflection and discussion; you want to create a space to process the ministry assessment and/or community study reports; the ministry leadership team needs to come together to develop a vision statement; you sense the need for the Ministry Vision Team to refocus and rejuvenate.
