In today's episode of the Good Shepherd Podcast, we discuss vision statements which differ in scope and use from our previous episode topic of mission statements. We take time to define what vision statements are, and how they are used effectively within your church.

We discuss the vision statement of the Good Shepherd Church, the importance of creativity, and how to develop freedom within a framework. We will also be talking about the importance of vision statements for the family.

Takeaways

• A vision statement is a more defined and directional goal compared to the mission statement.
• Vision statements are meant to show us direction in the short-term, and they change through time, while mission statements stay the same and offer core direction.
• Everyone needs vision because of alignment and harmony, within even small groups.
• Good Shepherd's Vision Statement - A community of disciples from every generation who creatively make disciples of Jesus.
• Good Shepherd's Church is especially focused on all generations helping to bring in more disciples.
• The Church needs to adapt to changes, changing the rules and the ways things are done.
• It is important for families to have their own vision statements – understanding that they also change.

In This Episode

• What's a vision statement, why everyone would benefit from one and how it is different than a mission statement.
• Why it is important for the Church to foster creativity.
• Why guidance is needed with vision statements and how to have freedom within a framework.
• How a church should keep a balance between creating "events", discipleships and leading people to the Lord.
• Why a church needs to understand change and develop its vision statements accordingly.

Resources

• Every Small Group Needs a Vision – Desiring God
• Proverbs 22:6
• Exodus 31
• Family On Mission - book

Quotables

• "If the mission statement is that directional idea, the vision statement is the first set of directions."
• "Good Shepherd's Vision Statement - A community of disciples from every generation who creatively make disciples of Jesus."
• God is creative and we are designed by the image of God - we are creative.
• "We want to join God in the work he is already doing."