A Sign Over Your Doorpost

DALLAS – Christian families need to have a mission statement. Develop your family mission statement, so you can have a sign over your doorpost. “But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Exodus 12:13 (NLT).

The first part of a family mission statement should contain the action. What is your family going to do? What specific steps or actions are you going to make? What are the specific efforts you are going to make as a family? An example might be “to treat each other with respect and love” or “to communicate more effectively” or “to learn new things and new cultures.” Just remember to make it very action-oriented–something that requires effort on the part of each and every family member.

The second part explores the quality of your actions. In what manner are we going to accomplish this: In a way that gets us what we want no matter what? In a way that nurtures our spirit? In a way that gets us the fastest results possible? In a way that is comfortable to all family members? In a way that lets us be creative? In a way that uses our individual skills and abilities? In a way that everyone can participate? Every action we take to realize our dreams and goals is going to be done in a way that allows us to learn new things, deepen our faith, make our family life better and make us better people. This is where you articulate and express your family values.

The third part is where you capture the results of your actions. What do you want to come out of all of this: Strong independent children? Successful and happy parents? Caring, actively involved children? A better marriage? A closer relationship with your children?

The following are a few guidelines for writing your family mission statement. Mission statements should be timeless. The best mission statements deal with both ends and means. Every member of the family should participate. Even if your children are younger, you can still start using this “family constitution” method. Just keep the mission simple and full of pictures. You don’t invent your family mission. You detect it. You uncover it. Each family possesses special gifts, unique qualities and characteristics. These are clues that God gives you to your family mission statement. Ask God to reveal your unique family mission.

Here are a few helpful steps. Gather Information: Brainstorm, do some green light thinking. Organize: Categorize your ideas. Analyze: How practical is that? Does that fit? Limit: Can’t live with that one. We don’t have the gifts or resources to do that. Start: Start using your family mission statement.

Get the most benefit from your family mission statement by posting it in a prominent place. Deuteronomy 6 suggests placing these reminders by the front door of your home. Examine yourselves against it in your weekly family meetings. A church planting pastor once said, “You must mention your purpose and vision at least every three weeks.” Many of us can quote Star Trek’s mission statement because it was repeated at the beginning of every episode. Repeat your family mission and examine yourself against it often. Lastly, memorize it. Constant repetition will make this easy.

By W.S. and Wilma Lee 

Family Ministries Directors