Mission, Vision & Values Introduction
Today, we roll out our new Mission, Vision, and Values statements. This journey began last March, and I initially believed we would launch this in September as the ministry year started. However, those involved can testify that this process took longer than anticipated.
We held four or five weekend meetings with Dan Moose from the district, spanning Friday evening through Saturday morning. Between those, we gathered for additional evening meetings as a team. For nine months, our conference room walls were covered with giant post-it notes. It was intense, exhilarating, and, most importantly, a journey of listening to the Holy Spirit confirming our direction.
God Has Been at Work
Updating our Mission and Vision statements does not mean God hasn’t been working in our church—quite the opposite. He has been active for years, through many people, including all of you. The purpose of this revision is to focus on what God has started and ensure we are aligned with His work moving forward.
Throughout this process, we consistently stopped to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us. As we discerned the direction God was leading us, we witnessed members of the church stepping up, initiating small groups, and launching ministries—confirming that we were on the right path.
A Personal Confession
For decades, I avoided senior pastoral ministry because I didn’t understand how I would receive a vision for it. However, when God called me to this role, He provided the vision—something I only understood after stepping into it. Similarly, as we embrace these new Mission and Vision statements, we must all rely on the Holy Spirit to align ourselves with them.
I encourage you to pray over these statements and consider how you fit into them. This is where it becomes exciting!
A Word of Encouragement
Nothing we unveil today is groundbreaking. In fact, our Mission and Vision statements may look similar to those of other churches. However, it will take time for the Holy Spirit to illuminate your role within them. As we see these statements come to life in our church, they will take on a deeper, more personal meaning.
The subtlety of these statements will ultimately shape how we operate as a church.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Starting with the End in Mind – The Marks of a Log Church Member
We began this process by envisioning what a Log Church member should look like, grounded in scripture:
- Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission
- Matthew 22:36-40 – The Great Commandments
From these foundations, we identified five key characteristics of a Log Church member:
- Delights in the Word of God – Holds a biblical worldview and lives in obedience to Scripture.
- Delights in Holy Living – Reflects humility, repentance, and a pursuit of a sin-free life.
- Delights in Healthy Relationships – Faithful within the church, generous with time and resources, and nurtures healthy family and church relationships.
- Delights in the Great Commission – Possesses a servant’s heart and cares for the lost.
- Delights in the Holy Spirit – Exhibits the fruit of the Spirit, living a life yielded to God.
These marks serve as our goal—a standard we strive for as a church body.
Our Five Core Values
Over the next several weeks, we will explore these five values that will guide our growth toward these marks:
- Vibrant Worship & Prayer
Psalm 63:1-4 – A wholehearted pursuit of God transforms us. - Rooted in the Word of God
Psalm 1:1-3 – Engaging with God’s Word daily strengthens and sustains us. - Walking in Step with the Holy Spirit
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Yielding to the Spirit leads to an obedient, fruitful life. - Loving People through Authentic Relationships
1 Peter 4:8 – We are called to love and serve one another in community. - Reaching Our Community with the Gospel
2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are Christ’s ambassadors, bringing the message of reconciliation.
These values are not new but reflect how God is uniquely shaping The Log Church today.
Our Mission Statement
Joyfully inviting every person to experience a transformed life in Christ.
If we are truly transformed, we will radiate joy and invite others to take one step closer toward Jesus.
Our Vision Statement
The Log Church will be fertile ground where everyone matures in Christ. As we abide in Jesus, we will grow like acorns into oaks of righteousness, through the power of the Spirit, being rooted deeply in God’s Word. Our ensuing fruitfulness will overflow into lives, families, and our community.
If this vision remains merely words on paper, we have wasted nine months. But if we live it out, we will change lives—including our own.
Turning Vision into Reality
To make our vision a reality, we have established three key targets, each with short-term (3-month), mid-term (1-year), and long-term (3-year) goals:
- Adding 100 Family Units
- Initially targeted “young families” but broadened to include anyone seeking connection to The Log Church.
- The goal is to intentionally invite those who do not yet know Jesus.
- 50% of Attenders Engaged in Corporate Prayer
- Corporate prayer includes small groups that pray together.
- Matthew 18:20 – Where two or three gather in Jesus’ name, He is present.
- Everyone Involved in Discipleship
- Through small groups, apprenticeships, or mentoring.
- Paul & Timothy Model – Everyone should have a mentor and be mentoring someone.
If you only have one hour per week to commit, we encourage you to join a small group over attending a service—this is how life transformation happens!
Discussion Questions
- Which of the five marks of a Log Church member resonates with you the most? Why?
- How can you personally contribute to making the Mission and Vision a reality in our church?
- What steps can we take to strengthen our commitment to vibrant worship and prayer as a congregation?
- What does discipleship look like in your life? How can you take one step deeper?
- How can we more effectively invite new families and individuals into the church community?
Let’s commit to making these words a lived reality and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us!