Purpose - the why of your ministry

Think of a ministry you are involved in.

If a person came up to you and asked, “Why does this ministry exist?”

What would you say to that person?

Our senior minister told us to start something, the parish council wanted a kid’s ministry, parents need something for their kids or we decided to do something.

Next, where in the Bible does it say that should be your reason?

Purpose is the “Why” of your ministry.

Why are you doing what you do?

We need a clear purpose

What do we do with our Vision? - Part 3

It shares with people what they are sending their children and youth along to.

It reminds parents and carers what they are sending their children along to and gives them confidence.

It also gives your ministry professionalism, you aren’t making it up as you go, you know what you are on about and that you are heading in a certain direction.

Leaders meetings

Reminds your leaders what the plan is. 

One of the most important uses of a vision is recruitment. We usually recruit to fill a need or gap.

Recruiting with a Vision can avoid this, giving your team members ownership, buy in and the feeling of being a part of the team.

Focus

You can refer back to it. It shows that you have a plan and that you want people to join you.

What do we do with our Vision? - Part 2

Use it!

Use it in every email

Make it the footer to your emails.

This means that you are hitting another base, not just saying it all the time.

Use it in advertising

Your vision needs to be in every piece of advertising.

This means that you are hitting another base, not just saying it all the time.

Use it in a handout that outlines your church’s Vision and Purpose, and lists your Groups, with their Aims You can give this to people who have questions about your ministry. 

NCLS - vision

I’ve been reading a bit about vision from NCLS

A vision is critical for both developing a sense of belonging and encouraging growth in faith among attenders. It is a very important characteristic of numerically growing congregations and those encouraging attenders in sharing and discussing matters of faith with others.

http://www.ncls.org.au/default.aspx?sitemapid=341&searchtext=vision

NCLS research in churches has consistently shown that those most likely to be vital and healthy have formulated and articulated a clear vison for the future that generates commitment, purpose and general well-being. Across four countries a vision for the future to which members are committed is the most powerful predictor of a healthy church. 2007 study