A Volley from the Canon, number 30

Why Mission Matters

My previous posts on the importance of mission or vision statements have prompted some thoughtful and helpful responses. Many of us have had prior experience working with such statements, in church or in work situations, and some have been less than exciting. First, some say, the process itself is time-consuming and frustrating, and often result in bulky, forgettable, vague, padded results (which means, according to me, that the task is not yet finished—sometimes, we have to step away, then return to the project to accomplish the desired result.) Second, some point out (and I’ve experienced this myself) that even when a pretty good statement is achieved and plastered all over everything, it lacks impact, and the group soon push it to the side, and go on doing whatever they want to do. I got one very interesting alternative suggestion, originating from an old friend, Doug Girardeau—to craft a congregational collect instead, that would be included in the prayers in all worship. Some nice examples were even offered.

I think the collect idea is an excellent way of working the mission statement into the congregation’s life. It is an excellent follow-up to the work of crafting the statement. But you still have to do the work on the statement!

Here’s why, bottom line: SMALL CHURCHES GROW WHEN THEY KNOW WHAT THEIR MISSION IS.

When we’re in a small congregation, what are we inviting people into, or hoping they’ll wander into? A rich liturgy? A sophisticated music ministry? A big youth program? Sunday School for all ages? We don’t have those things, because we are small. Too often, we emphasize Sunday worship, when in reality, that is likely to be one of our weakest areas in the eyes of the newcomer. A dozen or so people, randomly selected from the over sixty population, are rarely concert-quality singers. Even preaching is a stretch: I would hope we have competent and sometimes compelling preaching in all of our congregations, but how likely is it that our smaller congregations could attract (or keep) a giant of the pulpit?


Even more, we talk up what a friendly group we are. And we are friendly—to each other, while all too often the guests huddle alone and bewildered until they find an opening to flee the scene. But we also should bear in mind that every church, of every denomination, claims to be friendly! (Have you ever heard of one that admitted they were cold and distant, but people should come there anyway?) Some congregations, including many of ours, actually are friendly to strangers—but, while certainly commendable, that fact avoids the obvious “SO WHAT?” The question is, why would anyone want to attend any small church, friendly or otherwise? If we’re able to make friends at church, we can make plenty of them in other settings just as well.

What will attract un-churched people, and keep them long enough to get attached for other reasons as well, is the mission of the congregation. People want to be part of a congregation that exists for a purpose—and knows it.