Finding our Unique Mission and Vision
In anticipation of the upcoming Healthy Church Retreat, it’s crucial for us to establish a shared understanding and common vocabulary. This preparation will foster unity and clarity as we engage in meaningful discussions. A central objective of our retreat is to define a unique mission and vision for Connections Church. While this task is challenging, it is essential for guiding our congregation’s future direction and ensuring that our efforts align with the broader mission of the Church.
Developing a mission and vision statement is a foundational exercise for any church, providing a clear sense of purpose and direction. It addresses core questions such as “Why were we led to Connections Church?” and “What is God’s purpose for us in our corner of Denver?” While the Great Commission offers a universal mandate for all Christian communities, each church, including Connections Church, operates within a unique environment. This setting includes specific community needs, cultural dynamics, and available resources, all of which influence how we live out our faith and serve others.
The retreat offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on these aspects of our community and discern together the specific calling and the role God has for Connections Church, within His Kingdom. It’s a chance to listen to diverse perspectives, to look toward our potential, and to set a course for the future that is both inspiring and actionable. While it might seem ambitious to accomplish this in a single three-hour session, the goal is not to finalize every detail but to lay a strong foundation. From this foundation, we can continue to build and refine our mission and vision in the coming months.
It’s important to remember that creating a mission and vision statement is not merely a task for leadership or a select group. It is a communal process that benefits from the input and prayerful consideration of the entire congregation. Each member’s experiences, insights, and spiritual gifts contribute to a richer understanding of our church’s identity and purpose. This collective discernment process is a powerful expression of our unity in Christ and our shared commitment to His work.
Furthermore, a well-crafted mission and vision statement will serve multiple functions for our church. It will guide our decision-making, ensuring that all activities and initiatives are aligned with our core values and long-term goals. It will also help to communicate our church’s unique identity and purpose to both members and the wider community, clarifying what we stand for and what we aim to achieve. This clarity is crucial for attracting new members, engaging with the community, building partnerships with other organizations and placing a call for a new pastor.
During the retreat, we will explore various aspects of our church’s life and ministry. This includes assessing our strengths, identifying areas for growth, and considering the specific needs of our community. These are taken directly from our Healthy Church survey results. We will include detailed local demographics—ministry and religious trends in our surrounding neighborhoods—and insights from our experiences in other church settings to guide us. Through prayer, discussion, and collaboration, we aim to discern God’s will for our church and articulate it in a way that is both compelling and actionable.
As we continue on this journey, it’s essential to remember that defining a mission and vision is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. The initial statements we develop will likely evolve over time as our church grows and as we respond to new challenges and opportunities. Flexibility and openness to God’s leading are key, as is a commitment to regularly revisiting and refining our mission and vision as our church is being used by God.
The Healthy Church Retreat is a significant step towards defining the unique role that Connections Church is called to play in God’s Kingdom. By engaging in this process with prayerful intentionality and a spirit of unity, we can create a mission and vision that not only guides our actions but also inspires and energizes our congregation. Let’s approach this task with humility, openness, and a deep sense of purpose, trusting that God will provide the wisdom and guidance we need to move forward together.
Learn more about The Healthy Church Retreat, August 17th >>
Amy Luinstra
Deacon
