Developing a Personal Mission Statement
Laurie Beth Jones, in her book, The Path, states that “having a clearly articulated mission statement gives one a
template of purpose that can be used to initiate, evaluate, and refine all of one’s activities.”
Definitions:
“Mission” is defined as a specific task that a person or group is sent to perform. Having a personal
mission statement helps you to focus on what God has called you to be and do.
“Vision” can be defined as looking into the future and visualizing the results that you anticipate
happening as a result of your mission and the plan of action that is implemented. Developing a personal
mission statement is the first step in identifying/clarifying what God has called you to do. This becomes the
basis for formulating your ministry plan.
Romans 1:5, expresses in a few words the personal mission statement of the Apostle Paul. “Through him and
for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the
obedience that comes from faith.”
There are several simple steps that you need to take to develop your mission statement.
Step One: Every mission requires action, and action words are verbs. Select the three verbs from this list
which most excite and inspire you, (or add your own.)
accomplish confirm enlist integrate progress speak
acquire connect enliven involve promise stand
administer consider entertain keep promote summon
adopt construct enthuse know provide support
advance contact envision labor realize surrender
affect continue evaluate launch receive sustain
affirm counsel excite lead reclaim take
alleviate create explore master reduce tap
amplify decide express mature refine team
appreciate defend extend measure reflect touch
ascend delight facilitate mediate reform trade
associate deliver finance model regard translate
believe demonstrate forgive mold relate travel
bestow devise foster motivate relax understand
brighten direct franchise move release uphold
build discover further negotiate rely use
call discuss gather nurture remember utilize
cause distribute generate open renew validate
choose draft give organize resonate value
claim dream grant participate respect venture
collect drive heal pass restore verbalize
combine educate hold perform return volunteer
command elect host persuade revise work
communicate embrace identify play sacrifice worship
compel encourage ignite possess safeguard write
compete endow illuminate practice satisfy yield
complete engage implement praise save
compliment engineer improve prepare sell
compose enhance improvise present serve
conceive enlighten inspire produce share
Step Two: Combining Your Verbs - Write down your three most meaningful,
purposeful, and exciting verbs.
1.______________________, 2._________________________, and 3._________________________.
Q. Write a sentence or two about what each verb means to you.
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Q. How do you feel looking at the verbs you selected? Did any of them surprise you?
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Step Three: Identifying Your Core Values
Examples of Core Values
Truth Self-worth Inner Peace Equality Humility
Safety Dignity Service Positive Attitude Simplicity
Integrity Relationships Trust Nobility Joy
Honesty Kindness Love Excellence Charity
Respect Freedom Faith Hope Justice
Wholeness Honor Righteousness Family Commitment
Q. What do you most want to teach and represent in this world?
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Q. What concept or principle would you be willing to die for?
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List your Core Values: ___________________________________________________________________
Step Four: Identifying Your Tribe - Get clear on whom you want to serve, be around,
inspire, learn from, and be affected by.
Q. Who do you most want to impact, influence, and be with?
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Q. Why?
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Step Five: The Formula for Your Mission- Mission = V3 + CV + t
This formula puts it all together. Write your mission statement below.
M= My mission is to:
V3 (Your three verbs)
____________________, ___________________and_______________________
+ CV (Your core value or values) ______________________________________
+ (to, for, with or through) t (your tribe – the group/cause which most moves/excites you)
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A good mission statement will be inspiring, exciting, clear, true, and engaging.
Example of a mission statement:
My mission is to:
• To communicate to young people the urgent need to know Christ and to make Him known.
• To inspire others to commit themselves to reaching the youth of the world by giving adequate
resources.
• To motivate, train, and assist qualified men and women who will go to the ends of the earth to
reach young people who have never heard the Gospel.
Step Six: Wordsmith Your Mission Statement
Strive for the greatest clarity, brevity, and impact.
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