Mission Statement Evaluation

Mission Statement Evaluation:

Evaluate the mission statement and process for “refocusing” of your organization based
on the principles outlined by Drucker, Brinckerhoff and others. You will need to distill a
list of principles from the reading and then use it evaluate your nonprofit organization.

Salem Heights Church Purpose Statement:
“To reach people with the love of Jesus Christ, provide a safe and supportive environment, proclaim the standards of God's truth, duplicate the Christian life in others, and celebrate the majesty and works of our great God” (salemheightschurch.org).

A mission statement by design is created for the express reason of setting the direction and purpose of an organization and keeping it on track. The best mission statement will clearly define who, what and where they will impact the world. To be an effective guide, mission statements must be concise, motivational, current and an integral part of each person involved. Salem Heights Church uses a purpose statement rather than mission statement and I will use them interchangeably throughout my discussion.
Salem Heights does a great job of setting the parameters of their ministries with the mission statement. Each of the five aspects mentioned are clearly God centered. The focus on God and what He sent Christ and the Holy Spirit to accomplish on earth and in the hearts of people is evident in every aspect of ministry that I have been involved. Drucker states, “a mission statement has to focus on what the institution really tries to do and then do it so that everybody in the organizations can say, This is my contribution to the goal. (Drucker, p4)” Clearly everyone from the grounds crew, to the choir, to the staff understand, and are reminded often, that they are here to serve God by accomplishing the tasks set out in the mission statement.
Salem Heights uses a very broad statement to describe those who are targeted by it's ministry; “people”. All people are included regardless of age, race, location or situation in life. There is some room for improvement in that they should be able identify a group of people for example: the people of Salem and around the world. Since the ministries are targeted at believers and unbelievers it is acceptable that there is no clarification in the statement.
The next piece that should be present is the what the organization does. This is the most complete section of their purpose statement. Five different action are projected: 1) share the love of Christ, 2) provide as safe and supportive environment, 3) proclaim biblical truth, 4) duplicate the christian life and 5) celebrate God. If anything, this clearly section communicates what is being accomplished but there may be too much information here. However, it would be difficult to consolidate any further without loosing the message and even some of the direction.
The last element needed is communication of the commitment of the organization to uphold the mission. I think the third statement identifies their passion to pass the vision along: “duplicate the Christian life in others”. Ultimately, this encompasses the desire to pass on the entirety of the mission. The “Christian Life” lived according to the Bible is: “To reach people with the love of Jesus Christ, provide a safe and supportive environment, proclaim the standards of God's truth, duplicate the Christian life in others, and celebrate the majesty and works of our great God”. I don't think you could find anyone on staff or in leadership that does not reflect this passion with their actions.
As far as the motivational aspect of the purpose statement I believe that there is some room for improvement. The words of the mission do not necessarily inspire me, but there is unmistakeable motivation everywhere you look. This drive comes from the Holy Spirit. Biblical, faith based organizations empowered by the Almighty God depend less on motivational missions and more on the ability of God to move and work through His people. When believers are growing there is a God given desire to serve Him and His people and to see others come to a saving knowledge of Him. I think that is where the motivation comes from, which is far better than depending on leader to keep people interested.
The last aspect I would explore is how up to date the statement is. Although this purpose statement was adopted many years ago, it is still accurate to what the Church is trying to accomplish. There is currently an increased priority placed on the mission field. Although the statement makes no distinction about where the mission is to be carried out, it would be wise to consider making a revision to include the new emphasis on international missions. Another part to look at is how it is communicated. There are printed materials available from the Church office as well as the Church Welcome Center and it is easily accessed and found on the Church website www.salemheightschurch.org. Brinckerhoff discusses the importance of using technology and other tools to improve efficiency of the mission (Brinckerhoff, p17). Salem Heights has a great podcast ministry that allows free downloads of all Sunday messages and even special events. This can be a far reaching impact on people all around the world.
Overall the mission statement is in good shape. An update may be in order to accommodate or more clearly define the area in which ministry is to be accomplished. The Church is using technology in advanced and appropriate ways and continues to innovate for better mission penetration. The activities of the Church are clearly spelled out and in line with the purpose statement.






Resources:
Brinckerhoff, P. (2004). Nonprofit Stewardship: A better way to lead your mission-based organization. Fieldstone Alliance, Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Drucker, P. (1990). Managing the non-profit organization: Practices and principles. Harper Collins Publishers, New York.

NASB (1995). New American Standard Bible, Updated edition. La Habra, Ca: The Lockman Foundation, 1995.

salemheightschurch.com (2009). Salem Heights Church, Website homepage. Retrieved July 24, 2009 from: http://www.salemheightschurch.org/ .