Your Vision, Mission, & Values (Free Worksheet Included!)

You need to hone in on the vision, mission, and values of your ministry if any of these statements are familiar:

1. Your elevator pitch is longer than a couple of sentences.

2. Answering, “What do you do?” is a struggle.

3. Most days end with you feeling stretched thin.

4. Too many tasks hold a high level of priority.

5. You need to overexplain your mission for people to understand.

If any of these rang true, don’t panic! We are here to help.

Adapted from a recent workshop we held for our partners, these next steps are from Dr. Randal Schober. He is on our Board of directors and is a Professor of Management at Point Loma Nazarene University.

First things first, let’s identify some key aspects of your ministry.

We encourage you to sit down with this worksheet as you write down your answers: The Cause Worksheet.

1. Who is the recipient/customer?

2. What role does your team/volunteers serve?

3. What problem are you addressing?

4. Why now?

5. Are there others doing what you’re doing?

6. Who are your supporters/donors?

Next, we’ll explore these three things: Your why, your purpose, and your gifts.

Writing your vision will be a lot easier if you’re already a dreamer and future thinker. Regardless, take this opportunity to filter through all the big-picture ideas.

Our vision is simple at The Cause. Read below the thought process that helped us curate what we use today.

What word speaks to the emotional state we are wanting to inspire?

 “At The Cause, our vision is to empower…”

Who is at the core of our “Why”?

“At The Cause, our vision is to empower Kingdom leaders…”

What are we wanting to see Kingdom leaders do?

“At The Cause, our vision is to empower Kingdom leaders to accomplish their God-given vision.”

Why do we exist? What services do we offer?

 “The Cause provides nonprofit structure, spiritual support, and strategic coaching…”

Who is at the core of our “Why”?

“The Cause provides nonprofit structure, spiritual support, and strategic coaching, to Christian leaders…”

Where and who do these Christian leaders serve?

“The Cause provides nonprofit structure, spiritual support, and strategic coaching, to Christian leaders who serve the under-served worldwide.”

Your values will be the pillars you go back to for all decision-making. This is an important step to keeping you focused on your mission.

We asked ourselves, “What will drive growth and support our partners’ visions & missions? Why?” Here’s what we came up with:

1. Relationships: We value people above projects, always.

2. Stewardship: We see resources as a gift from God and use them wisely.

3. Empowerment: We equip individuals to accomplish the mission God has given them.

4. Holistic Health: Every facet of an individual is important, not just their work.

5. Community: We love collaboration and believe that more can be accomplished together.

    

It’s common to want to take on more than your mission states or to make exceptions to your pillars. Having your vision, mission, and values all written out will help keep you accountable. Once you finish filling out your Worksheet, keep it on hand; Refer to it when making big and small decisions for your ministry.

The path ahead will get windy and rocky. With this in your back pocket, you won’t lose sight of the destination.

Madi Harrison

Madi overlooks communications, social media curation, and fundraising for The Cause. She is an avid rollerblader, singer/songwriter, and thrives in genuine connections and conversations. Madi enjoys leading worship at church with her husband, baking gluten-free goodies late at night, tending to her growing collection of plants, and learning about bees.