Does your Church need a mission/vision statement?

Mission and Vision statements allow for the framework of your unique ministries to be organized and completely conceptualized; in all areas of your Kingdom work. By defining the mission and vision of your Church, you create a foundation unto which every communications objective can be derived. So in short, yes, you do need them.  

But what are they? What's the difference? 

Mission and vision statements are carefully chosen words which create a concise message that conveys the direction of a ministry. By creating a clear mission or vision statement, a ministry can powerfully communicate its intentions and motivate itself towards a common vision for the future. Both of these statements effectively acknowledge and incorporate the specific audiences of the Church. This means you know who they are, what they value, and how your message or mission relates. 

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Vision Statements define the ministries purpose but they do so in terms of the ministries values. The values of the Church become the guiding beliefs of how things in the organization should be done. 

Mission Statements define the ministries purpose and primary objectives. Its main objective is to define the key measure or measures of the ministries success. 

• Identify the main idea of the ministry. This is what will make the Church stand out. Customers are more willing to support an ministry  that has a strong and clear idea.

• Identify the key measures of the ministries success. Make sure to choose the most important measures and not too many of them.

• Combine the main idea with the measures of success into a tangible and measurable goal.

• Refine the words until you have a concise and precise statement of the mission, which expresses the ideas, measures, and desired results.

• Identify the ministries mission and then uncover the real, human value in the mission.

• Identify what the customers and other stakeholders will value most about how the ministry will achieve the mission. Instill these into the values that the ministry has or should have.

• Combine the mission and values and polish the words until a vision statement is inspiring enough to energize and motivate people inside and outside the organization.

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One final point: It's not important that you have both a mission and vision statement written out and framed in the Church office. However, it is important that you have developed and understand the meanings behind your vision and mission. Remember, at the end of the day, our actions speak our values, not our communications statements. 

The Chasm between Innovation and Authenticity

It’s virtually impossible to get away from today’s technology and its innovativeness. Whether it’s social media, smartphones, staying connected or about a million other communications options, our world has transitioned into one of technology brilliance.

What does this “Technology Brilliance” mean to the Church?

Well, it all funnels into one thing, opportunity! Unlike any generation before us, we have the resources to connect, disciple and minister to/with the world. The opportunities to accomplish the missions of the Church have reached new heights!

However, this blog isn’t about new communications opportunities; it’s about the chasm between innovation and authenticity. It's about the simple fact that often we are quick to act on something because we can, not because we should. It's important as ministries to understand the value of the communications innovations; it's also important to understand whether or not your ministries should/shouldn't utilize them. In a world that’s rapidly advancing technologically, it’s important that within these advancements our authenticity remains consistent and relevant.

Don't sacrifice your mission due to a "cool" communications tool.

As individuals who consider ourselves "tech geeks," we understand the desire and interest in new technology. However, we've also seen how too much technology can disrupt the authenticity of a mission. Don't let innovation over value or over take your missions; there's no need to create a chasm between innovation and authenticity. Here are some things to think about when it comes to innovative technology: 

1. How/will this help our mission?
2. Is this innovation tested enough to be trusted or proven valuable?
3. Who are the professionals/individuals I could ask about this innovation?

If you have a question about communications authenticity, we would love to answer it! 

Custom Design for Church Websites

In a world where everything has become digital, mobile, and simply technological, many ministries are turning to online representations of their missions and happenings. Whether it’s a website, blog, social media, or smartphone application, there’s one commonality, the need for design. This design can be simple or complex, in template form or customizable. However, regardless of its representation, it’s contextual. We believe that custom design is needed within the Church. This is our case for custom:

• The Process: One of the main advantages of building your Church website with custom designs is the process. By controlling design, functionality and simple format, the process gives you the opportunity and options to create a worthwhile and meaningful website.

• Distinction: A custom designed website distinguishes your ministries according to the style in which you desire to be represented. If that style is fun, professional, contemporary, or traditional, custom design can and will represent your ministries accordingly; this fully encompasses your ministry’s desires, missions and visions.

• Professional: Another advantage of custom designs is the professionalism that it encompasses. With custom designs Churches are able to provide relevant, valuable, and quality representations of their ministries, missions, and Church happenings.

• Jurisdiction: Custom design allows your ministries the control and jurisdiction necessary to create the most appropriate and contextual online platform. Unlike templates, the value of custom design provides the opportunity for creativity, relevancy, and uniqueness; all of which your ministries have and should have exemplified.

• Durability: Martin Van Buren once stated, “It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.” Well, that is the same with a website. Custom design provides a durable and lasting solution for your church’s online needs. If custom designed, the structure, format, and presentation of your site will be created durably.

• No Limitations: By designing your website on a custom platform you allow your church the opportunity and privilege of having no limitations (at least design limitations). The room for growth, addition, expansion, implementation, and adaptability is vast! You’re not stuck in a one-dimensional template; you don’t have to color within the lines.

• Brand Imagery: Unlike other website options, custom design provides the ability to design your website according to the guidelines of your brand (or alongside your new/recent rebrand). Your website should encompass your brand, not be similar to it; custom design provides this opportunity.

Given that each digital representation is contextual, it is important to remember that similarities confine us and differences define us. Custom design enhances our messages without restricting our mediums. The content, imagery, and marketing of ministries are in dire need of the individualistic and relevant representation custom design provides. Although it may not be – completely – necessary for every Church’s digital endeavors, we believe custom design provides the best representation of your ministry in an increasingly digital society.

Church Websites on Squarespace

The majority of our Church Websites are built upon the Squarespace platform; about 70% actually. We believe that this Content Management System (CMS) is the best opportunity and option for ministries. We’ve found that whether you have a full team of communicators or simply a few volunteers, this platform provides the best solution to fit the needs of Churches online. So, what is Squarespace?

This is why you’ll like it:

It’s easy to create Pages, Galleries and Blogs

• The Squarespace CMS allows you to build new pages, galleries, and blogs with a click of the mouse; you don’t need to be a developer or understand any coding to do this. This allows your website to grow along side your Church.

Layout-Engine makes building pages easy

• Squarespace V6 has created a revolutionary Layout-Engine technology that give you the freedom to create visually rich pages with any configuration of text, images, or blogs by dragging items where you want them. Basically, a drag and drop solution.

Connect to the services you love

• In this age of technology we’ve become accustom to Social Media, many photos and blogs. The Squarespace platform lets you pull in your latest content, displaying it beautifully on your website. Your communication mediums will never be too far away.

Real-time statistics

• With every Squarespace website, you have access to real-time statistics. You’ll have access to built-in analytics to view the traffic and behavior of visitors. Learn where they’re coming from and what Keywords they’re using to find you.

Our greatest skill: Pondering Boston

In light of yesterday’s events in Boston, I’ve done much thinking about the response of the Church, Christians and myself. As I’m sure many of you are feeling this morning, I simply feel stuck, left to my thoughts and my emotions. My heart breaks for all of those involved in this horrific act of terror and I’m questioning, everything. Although I don’t have all of the answers, my hope is that you will find some peace and comfort in our greatest human skill, our capacity to love.

“Our love is strongest in our darkest hours; the moments when we’re completely vulnerable and hopeless. It shines bright, a beacon of strength and comfort that cannot be broken. It’s in these moments that not only do we find what we need, but we find what we’ve been missing all along.”

In the last twenty-four hours we’ve seen this love from thousands and thousands of people all over the world. We’ve seen its power, its purpose and its presence. If there is any good that can come from a horrendous situation like this, it’s our response of love. As we’ve seen before, love can and will outlast. As you go about your day today, whether at work or at home, remember that our capacity for love is our greatest skill, and there are opportunities to use it right in front of you.

Our hearts go out to all those affected by yesterday’s tragedy in Boston. Our thoughts, prayers and love are heading your way!