This has been our mission statement here at Beautiful Savior for nearly 13 years. At least, the first time I could find it published was in 1994. It’s a good mission statement and it has certainly served it’s purpose. In fact, I don’t think anyone can argue that it doesn’t still have a purpose to serve within our congregation. But I am about to make a bold statement that I realize has much to do with my own deep convictions……it’s not really a “mission” statement.
Let me at least try to explain. I realize that we can find “mission” statements all around us these days. We find them hanging on the walls of hospitals and I believe that I’ve even seen them hanging in restaurants. Though mission statements were really nothing new at the time, they began to become a rather popular thing in the 1980’s and 1990’s. In fact, most organizations felt the pressure to come up with one.
There is even a process in place to assist organizations to come up with a mission statement. Hours of gathering and brainstorming contribute to the overall goal – a statement that represents the unique “mission” of the people.
This is most likely the main reason that many congregations began to formulate mission statements of their own. They, as we did, formed committees and set time aside to allow a facilitator to lead them in coming up with a statement that represented who they are….which is where I will allow my convictions as a believer and follower of the Lord Jesus to show.
I continue to find it interesting that Christian congregations have formulated a variety of mission statements such as ours. And, as with ours, they are good. But I can’t help but somehow feel that there is something missing with so many of them.
For example, ours states that our mission is “comforting all people with the love we receive in Jesus.” Who can argue against that?! Comforting others is a good thing…and when the love of Jesus Christ is included, who could argue? Well…let me try.
Certainly comforting others with Christ’s love is a part of who we are. It should not be overlooked and it should be practiced daily. But what can be more comforting to any soul than knowing that they have salvation? What can be more comforting to anyone who walks through life on earth than to truly knowing that there is so much more to life than just this earth? And what can be more comforting than knowing that there is nothing in your past that cannot be forgiven in Christ Jesus?
That’s why I firmly believe that any mission statement from any Christian congregation that does not reflect the mission that Christ established and commanded (Matthew 28:18-20) somehow misses the mark. As I mentioned, so many mission statements are written to represent the congregation as they are; while they should be written to represent who we are to be.
Our mission statement should always include the Great Commission – which is the mission of Christ’s Church. Our mission statement is to be the mission of Jesus – to witness to all people with the love of Jesus Christ. Our mission is not about who we are now, nor is it about our own vision. Our mission is about who we have been recreated to be in Christ Jesus, and it is all about His vision.
It is my prayer that as we continue to move forward here at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church we continue to take hold of the mission statement that Jesus gave to each and every one of us: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything I have commanded you.” It’s the only real mission statement there is for a Christian congregation.
A wise brother in Christ once shared with me something that he would ask his congregation. It was a question that I think is good for every congregation and every individual member of their congregation to ask themselves; because it really hits home on whether or not we are living and sharing the Gospel message to our full potential. But brace yourself, it’s not the kind of question that is easily digested.
“Besides our members, would anyone care if our congregation had to close its doors?”
This really is a tough one to swallow for members and for pastors. But it is a question worth pondering and worth discussing; because if the answer is no, then we need to ask why? Is it because we have become an island in the middle of a community that falls farther and farther away from God.
It really comes back to the question that I’ve shared with you in the past. Do we wish to be a cruise ship where the focus remains on the comfort of the passengers; or do we wish to become a rescue ship, where we actively look for and reach out to those who are drowning?
What will our mission be at Beautiful Savior in the years to come? Will it truly be a mission, or will it merely be a statement? It is my prayer that you pray over this as we continue to live our lives as children who have truly been rescued by the blood of Jesus.
Saved to serve,