Much has been written about an organization’s need for a well-written mission statement. It should not only provide clarity on the driving force behind the work the organization does, but its contents should be easily digestible to everyone in the organization, as well as everyone the organization attempts to serve. Simply stated, it should simply state what the organization is all about.
This is easier said than done. Most organizations, Hoffer Plastics presently included, have mission statements containing phrases not easily understood. Phrases like “value-added services,” “increased efficiency,” and the like, might have good intentions behind them, but often fail to provide the clarity that a good mission statement provides.
At the end of Jesus’ time on earth, he provided one of the simplest, easiest, and arguably best, mission statement of all time. The Great Commission, as it has come to be known, is easily digestible. Let’s look at how simple Matthew 28:19-20 is:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
If this was a corporate organization, Jesus just outlined that our business’ default action is to “go,” our market is “all nations,” and our value-proposition is in “teaching the nations to obey everything he commanded.” This is worth it because it leads to life in the full (John 10:10).
There is nothing murky about this. Not only are these words easy to understand, they leave little room for debate.
How clear is the mission statement at your organization? I admitted above that ours isn’t as clear as it needs to be, something my sisters and I are committed to addressing. In the meantime, we are working with our team to clarify what our true mission is. The conversations are energizing.
I challenge you to clarify your mission statement. A clear mission statement does not solve all issues. You see, no matter where you work, if you are a Christ follower, Jesus’ command is your personal mission statement. This is what it’s all about. Nothing else you do in your day matters in light of eternity so much as this. Yet many western Christ followers fail to live up to the directive. That doesn’t mean the mission is any less clear; it just means there is a lack of obedience to the mission – but that’s a topic for another time.
Clarify the mission your organization is on. Make it easy for all to understand. And remind yourself of your ultimate personal mission as well.
Then go!