Last time, we talked about the importance of defining, writing down, and applying your family’s values and virtues. Now, it’s time to take the next step: crafting your family mission statement.
Why Is A Mission Statement Important?
When you walk into a business, especially a Christian-run organization, don’t you often see a mission statement posted? This is because having a well-defined mission statement serves as a foundation for all decisions and actions made in the organization. The same goes for family life.
The Oxford Dictionary defines a mission statement as “a formal summary of the aims and values of a company, organization, or individual.”
A mission statement answers questions like:
- Why do you get up and do what you do?
- How do you make wise moral decisions?
- Why do you treat others the way you do?
- What sets you apart from others?
Jesus gave us a mission statement in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
So, why does your family exist? Who do you serve and why? What are your overarching goals?
Take time to think about the answers to these questions. Use these answers to come up with a short, easy-to-memorize mission statement with your husband. Write it down.
Research shows that those who write down and vividly describe their goals and mission are significantly more likely to meet their goals than those who don’t. There are neurological changes that happen in the brain when you see and repeat things over and over again.
Teaching the Mission Statement to Your Kids
Once you’ve crafted your family mission statement, it’s time to teach it to your kids. Explain to them what it means at a level that’s appropriate for them. Explain the significance. Give examples of how living out this mission statement will play out in their lives – at school, at home, with friends.
Post the mission statement where everyone sees it daily. Remember the research and neurobiology we talked about earlier.
Here are a few examples to inspire you:
“Our family exists to glorify God through our love for Him and others, striving to live out His teachings daily.”
“We serve others with kindness, honesty, and respect, following Jesus’s example in all that we do.”
“We are the {insert family name} family, and our family lives to grow in faith, love, and unity, encouraging each other to reach our God-given potential.”
Now, let’s break it down into practical steps:
- Discuss with Your Spouse: Sit down together and talk about your family’s values, virtues, and goals. Reflect on why your family exists and what you want to achieve together.
- Write It Down: Create a mission statement that is short, memorable, and meaningful. It should reflect your family’s core beliefs and aspirations.
- Teach Your Kids: Explain the mission statement to your children. Use simple language and relatable examples to help them understand.
- Display It: Post the mission statement in a central location where everyone can see it daily. This could be on the refrigerator, a bulletin board, or even framed on the wall.
- Live It Out: Incorporate the mission statement into your daily life. Refer to it when making decisions and resolving conflicts. Celebrate when family members exemplify the mission in their actions.
Don’t wait until your kids are older, mumma. Start instilling these values and goals in them now. A family mission statement provides direction and purpose, helping your family grow stronger together in faith and love. Take the time to craft it, teach it, and live it out every day.
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