bits from bob....
I've quit watching, but the quote made the newspaper. "And what would you focus on if you were to be named Miss Bugtussle?" What the beauty contestant said really doesn't matter. You can fill in the blank with your favorite response--I will focus on human rights, world peace, the needs of various speciality groups.... Some things are easy to support with little real plan for making a difference.
"And what do you think the church should focus on?" We answer, "Evangelizing the whole world," or "Caring about everybody," or "Converting McAlester." We pray for the sick and afflicted, and at times "those who are sick of this church." We bemoan the lack of involvement and the many things that need to be done. All of these potential areas of emphasis are good things, but the church, as the beauty contestant, too often lacks a plan.
A mission statement must be broad enough to encompass all of the things to which God has called his church, and focused enough to suggest in a general way the strategies to be employed. A short form of the mission, a motto, must be memorable and repeatable. The specifics of how we will reach the goal represent the short-range and long-range action plan which will move the church forward.
We have made a beginning: The Main and Oklahoma Church of Christ--Sharing the Light of the Gospel Through Christ.
We must develop a mission statement, a vision statement, and a motto.
We must develop a workable, effective action plan.
What do you think?