From Meh…to Meaningful: Mission Statements

I’m going to start this article by saying something that might get me in trouble: Most mission statements are pretty….meh.

That’s tough to admit, because mission statements are supposed to be the heart of a school ministry’s messaging, words that inspire commitment and action.

So why are most mission statements…meh?

Well, let’s be clear about one thing: your school’s mission isn’t meh. Every school that Blueprint has worked with has a beautiful, Gospel mission. But the mission statement? That’s where “meh” can sneak in.

I’ve had the opportunity to evaluate dozens and dozens of mission statements at schools, and here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Meh happens when it’s an event and not a process. Rome wasn’t built in a day…and great mission statements aren’t either. Great mission statements are built with time, prayer, research, and collaboration. Too often mission statements are thrown together in a single workshop, leaving them generic and uninspired.

2. Meh happens when we copy and paste. So many mission statements are simply pilfered from other schools. While the heart and goal of what faith-based schools may be similar, every ministry is unique. When a statement is simply copied and pasted from another ministry, schools miss a huge opportunity to articulate their one-of-a-kind mission.

3. Meh happens when write with the doors closed. Too many mission statements are drafted around the board room table, shaped only by the interests and preferences of the people in the room. The best mission statements keep the people you serve at the center. How? Start with research. Learn about your area schools. Listen to your congregations and families. Understand the hopes and needs of the people you’d love to reach in your community. When you open the doors and take time to understand your unique situation, you’ll craft a mission statements that resonates.

4. Meh happens when there isn’t any cooperation. If people aren’t part of the process, they won’t feel ownership of the result. Mission statements are meaningful to your ministry when they are created in cooperation with your ministry’s people: board members, families, faculty, staff, and church members

Is Your Mission Statement Meaningful…or Meh?

Want to know if your mission statement is “meh” or meaningful? Ask yourself:

• Was it created as a process, not just a one-time event?

• Is it unique to our ministry, or does it sound like it could belong to any school?

• Does it reflect our community’s voice, not just the boardroom’s?

• Did people across our ministry get to participate and give input?

• Does it inspire action, not just describe existence?

If you answered “no” to one or more, you’re not alone. The good news is that a mission statement can always be strengthened!

At Blueprint Schools, we love helping schools rediscover their unique identity and vision through research and collaboration. We’d love to help you, too! Learn more by scheduling a consultation.