Guidance for Writing Mission Statements and Mission Policies

Introduction

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life

John 3.16 (TNIV)

God’s self-sending in Christ for the world is where Methodist mission begins. The Methodist Church’s participation in God’s mission is defined by two key statements of the Conference. The first of these, ‘Our Calling’states that ‘The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission’ It then goes on to outline the four areas of Christian activity through which our churches and circuits are do this:

  • WORSHIP
  • LEARNING & CARING
  • SERVICE
  • EVANGELISM

The second Conference statement ‘Priorities for the Methodist Church’ sets out the priorities for the church if it is to fulfil its calling to participate in the Missio Dei.In partnership with others wherever possible, the Methodist Church will concentrate its prayers, resources, imagination and commitments on this priority:

To proclaim and affirm its conviction of God's love in Christ, for us and for all the world; and renew confidence in God's presence and action in the world and in the Church

As ways towards realising this priority, churches and circuits are to give particular attention to the following:

  • Underpinning everything we do with God-centred worship and prayer
  • Supporting community development and action for justice, especially among the most deprived and poor - in Britain and worldwide
  • Developing confidence in evangelism and in the capacity to speak of God and faith in ways that make sense to all involved
  • Encouraging fresh ways of being Church
  • Nurturing a culture in the Church which is people-centred and flexible

In drawing up Mission Statements and Policies, churches and circuits should pay close attention to these two statements, especially the four areas of Christian activity in ‘Our Calling’. The Northampton District’s provision of resources, both in terms of staff and finance is focussed around these areas. Every church and each circuit should have a Mission Statement and for District funding of property schemes it is a requirement that a circuit submits a more detailed Mission Policy statement [SO 932(i)]

Mission Statements

In modern parlance, a mission statement might be described as a ‘sound bite’ or a ‘strap line’ It is a statement of one or two sentences which describe what the church or circuit is about. The temptation to cram every aspect of the church/circuit’s life into it should be resisted!

For a church mission statement the function is to be memorable as an encompassing of the church’s mission in its community. Useful words to include in a church mission statement include ‘share’, ‘demonstrate’, ‘make known’ or ‘offer’. Given that the statement should become part of the public face of the church - appearing on publicity material, communications, notice boards etc - ‘churchy’ language (e.g. witness, evangelise, disciples etc) is best avoided. A good example of a Mission Statement from elsewhere in the Connexion is that of Leyland Methodist Church in Lancashire whose mission statement simply reads ‘Linking Lives through Jesus’.

For a circuit mission statement the function is to be memorable as an encompassing of the circuit’s role in enabling the work of its local churches. Useful words to include in a circuit mission statement include ‘enable, encourage, empower, resource, support’ A circuit mission statement should ideally be drawn up as part of the process of formulating a Circuit Mission Policy (see below) A good example of a Mission Statement from elsewhere in the Connexion is that of the Reading and Silchester Circuit in the Southampton District whose mission statement reads ‘to resource local churches under the power of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to function as effective worship, witness, mission and caring centres.’

The importance of a mission statement comes when a new piece of work is being proposed and a formula to measure it by is needed. If the statement ‘By doing X we are (fill in mission statement here) makes sense (probably with some unpacking!) then there is a high probability it should be on the church or circuit’s agenda.

Mission Policies

A Mission Policy is a more detailed strategic document which shapes the circuit’s future direction and use of resources. Such a document is of course also useful for a local church and so what is written here about circuit policy statements can also be applied to a similar document shaping the direction for a local congregation.

In drawing up a Mission Policy statement four stages can be usefully employed. Understandable temptation to skip a stage or two to get to more seemingly pressing matters should be avoided!

i/ What is the circuit for?

In creating a mission policy for the circuit, and a necessary strategy to put it into action through the work of the churches, it is important to ask questions which explore the relevant issues, such as:

  • How can the leadership circuit team of be made most effective?
  • Where are the key mission opportunities within the circuit and how can they be best resourced?
  • How can the circuit empower people to share faith?
  • How can the circuit best enable the churches to be effective in their neighbourhoods and to share good practice across the circuit?
  • How might a fresh expression of church to be encouraged to develop within the circuit?

ii/ Formulating the Mission Statement

Discerning a vision of the circuit’s mission and the practical consequences, a mission statement can be devised – an expression of the vision - ideally not more than a couple of sentences. The circuit meeting should agree the statement before policy making begins.

iii/ People, Property and Finance

A circuit mission policy review needs to take into account the resources of the circuit before formulating policy. Things to prayerfully consider include:

People – what talents and gifts are available in the circuit already and how best might they be utilised?

Property – how does the location and layout of the buildings suit the needs of congregations and the opportunities for outreach and service?

Finance - how does the way the circuit’s money is used enable ‘Our Calling’ to be fulfilled across the circuit?

iv/ Mission Policy

A mission policy can then be drafted to include deployment of resources, administration, and support for circuit churches, in consultation with churches and the circuit meeting. The statement is best arranged under the four areas of Our Calling (see above) so that the holistic calling of the people called Methodists is being resourced.

This process can be facilitated by the District Director of Mission, using the Connexional resource Shaping the Future and will enable the circuit to be clear about its future mission strategy as expressed before making long term decisions about staffing needs and priorities.

Rev Tim Woolley

District Director of Mission

Tel 01604 784424

11/08

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