Vision Statement?

Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision the people perish". Almost Everyone knows about the importance of a vision statement. Corporations and organizations have a mission statement, which answers the question of why they exist and for what purpose. Knowing one's purpose is critical to one's success, and that is where a vision statement comes in.

A vision statement points to what this particular success will look like in the future. It's one's mental picture of what this success will look like. John F. Kennedy probably saw a tiny man walking on the moon and showing a hang-loose hand gesture, when he gave Congress his vision statement: "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth." And as one historian would say, "the rest was history."

Today was our first talk (brainstorm) on this subject, and it was a delight to hear from everyone present their vision for our church. Each person shared what they would like to see in the future for our church, and their thoughts seemed to resonate one primary theme: "Depth."

Depth of fellowships, depth of discipleships, depth of evangelism, depth of ministry, and above all, depth of worship.

It all makes sense, people simply want to be a part of a community that is authentic in its faith and authentic in its relationships. It all boils down to two fundamental Christian mandates: Love God and our fellow man (the Great Commandment) and reproduction (the Great Commission)! So how do we hone in and come up with a vision statement?.........well, it will definitely take much prayers, a few more brainstorm sessions and identifying and developing several vision statements to choose from that best communicate our "mental picture" of our future success. It should be an exciting time:-)

Above all, we want God's vision for His Bride, the Church!

Hit the Bullseye

Shoshannah and I flew to San Mateo, California to attend the annual "Hit the Bullseye" conference. Under the leadership of Dr. Paul Borden, the conference was superb, standing apart as one of the best conferences for Pastors and lay leaders of Churches.

The conference started on Sunday (5/20) with registration over coffee, pasteries, and good fellowship. We then headed to two worship services, one at the First Baptist Church in San Francisco, and the second at the New Vineyard Church in Santa Rosa. After each the services, we interacted with the Pastors, who opened their hearts to us and shared some of their hardships and breakthrough experiences.

The last two days of the conference were held at our hotel, which made things much easier and relaxing for us. The additional elements of the conference that interest me were the panels. During the first segment of the conference, a selected group of successful Pastors and regional leaders shared their experiences with a Q & A time. The rest of the time was focused on varied topical seminars, which were top-notched. For further information: www.growinghealthychurches.org

I am grateful for this great opportunity to just be a sponge and absorb what others had to share. It's inevitable that hardships and conflicts will come when a Pastor pushes a church to be outward focused. Whether it be from the church subculture, its lay leaders or governing boards, traditions and fear of change, conflicts will always hang around. The main question is, "are we going to endure and stay the course or give up and jump the boat?"

When I think about the Great Commission from our Commander in Chief, Jesus Christ, it always puts things into perspective for me and helps me question my present comfort zone and the corps' status quo.

Target Population?

Our primary objective during our meeting, which was held 3 days ago (5/15), was on identifying our target population. Any organization knows that to be effective in their marketing "pitch," a population has to be identified and targeted. This translates to knowing who they are, what "turns them on and off,"what are their needs, how can their needs be met, and so forth. An effective tool that many organizations use is a survey.

Knowing this basic method that organizations use can help narrow our target demography. A good example is the radio stations: each station has a target listener. I have not heard of a station that plays all kinds of music........but if you have, please let me know:) Having said this, however, the Spokane Salvation Army does not operate on a firm set of criterias in catagorizing people. Salvation Army, in general, simply helps people who are in need, whatever that need may be. This approach is called "holistic ministry," where people, in all age catagories, are helped with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

And so, our primary "target group" may not be a typical profile (mid 30s couple, middle class/professionals, with a couple of kids). Instead, our target group has to be socio-economical in nature; meaning, it has to be a catagory that is narrow, and yet flexible and inclusive.

The complexity of this topic has to be revisited in our next meeting (May 29th). We know that to be successful and effective, we must identify and put on paper our target population. May God guide and show us "His Target Group" for us.

Meeting Minutes May 15th

The Salvation Army
Assessment Focus Group Meeting
May 15, 2007, 9:30 –10:30 am

Summary:
After prayer, Celestine opened with a devotional thought on Psalm 127:1-2. A brief brainstorming session followed regarding how the Australian delegation could be a support to new initiatives. Some ideas were taking the canteen out for street ministry and canvassing the neighborhood surrounding the church. It would be imperative that local church members get involved and therefore could take over the work.

From Aug. 13 – 17, it would be great for the Australian delegation to do a Vacation Bible School – inviting all kids (current church members, neighborhood, camp, children through social service programs). Followed by a “Rally Day” w/graduation on Aug.19th.

Copies of info from “Percept” @ link2lead.com were reviewed. The group discussed what the “ministry direction/target” is for this church. Should we focus on the people we have in our social service programs? The neighborhood? We realize that there is no easy “target” for our ministry - we have people coming to The Salvation Army for various reasons. Therefore, our focus is the people in our “sphere of influence/community”.

July 15th was chosen as a goal date to begin a second service. The rationale is to work out the kinks and be prepared when the program year picks up again (along w/kids programming, Sunday school, etc.)

Msc items/updates:
- Cel is communicating w/center director and property manager regarding changing tables & attachable folding chairs in restrooms
- Major Lani is working on signage for the building, also want to “beautify” Nora doors
- Welcome Committee – still must meet with members and talk about specific details: greeters, people to follow up after church, postcards, ushers, etc
- Dave McConkey found information regarding “vision” – Julie Kelley will hand out this and other information on Sunday, May 27th. Please read before the next meeting.
- Note: August 13-19th is also WYI in Northern California, does this hurt VBS?

Next meeting: Tuesday, May 29th, 9:30 AM, Fireside Room, snacks provided J

Meeting Minutes

The Salvation Army
Assessment Focus Group Meeting
May 8, 2007, 9:30 –10:30 am

Summary:
After an opening prayer, Celestine shared Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 3:5, and Acts 2:42 pointing out that … God will build His church, He makes it grow, and it is He who adds to the number daily those who are saved. We acknowledge that we want to be used by God to further His work and we will follow His lead.

The focal point in our discussion was to create an atmosphere of oneness and teamwork as we tackle the “Corps Assessment” recommendations. The group will first work together on the church’s direction and vision development. Later on, each member of this focus group will lead smaller committees regarding programming and specific needs of the church. It was discussed that the group members must give 100% support outside of meetings once decisions are made. We must not talk negatively about ideas shared or about individuals – we are in this together. We must also find ways to communicate to the congregation the progress since the initial assessment weekend through brief announcements, soldiers meetings, suggestion cards, etc.

Items brought up during meeting:
- Jeff - Australian team coming June 9th – August 25th to work at camp. However, there is an expectation that they will also help more at the corps. How can they help us set things in order for the future?
- Shoshannah - Resource “Percept” at link2lead.com is a place to find some
demographics regarding Spokane. Will email information to the focus group.
- The need for another service and what that might mean to Sunday school structure.
- Corps needs – changing tables & attachable folding chairs in restrooms
- Update: Major Lani is working on signage for the building, Major John’s visitor parking signs are already in use, want to “beautify” Nora doors to look like a church
- Welcome Committee – a few people have already signed up to help, still must meet with members and talk about specific details: greeters, people to follow up after church, postcards, ushers, etc.

Next meeting: Tuesday, May 14th, 9:30 AM, Fireside Room, donuts provided:-)

Minutes compiled by Capt. Shoshannah Ruwethin

Coming Together (Quick Overview)

The Assessment Focus Group (AFG) finally met today at 9:30a.m. Julie K, Becky H, Thomas B, Jeff P, Dave M, Dawn H, Shoshannah and myself came together with opened minds and left the meeting with one focus. The focal point in our discussion was to create an atmosphere of oneness and teamwork as we tackle the recommendations that came out of our Corps Assessment.

Some of the varied bullet points discussed are as followed: Group Expectations, Defining Group and individual's role and updates on the recommendations progress.

Our homework this week is to identify our target population, and come up with a "Profile" which closely represent this population. On top of everything that we do, we'll continue to shower our efforts with prayers. Without praying first, we'll end up no-where.

It appears that everyone were excited about embarking on this "Regenerate" endeavor. This AFG will meet again next Tuesday (May 15th) at 9:30a.m.