“Where there is no vision, the people perish,” the writer of the Old Testament book of Proverbs declares (Proverbs 29:18). Without a vision and an understanding of their mission, churches will continue to struggle and falter. Without a clear sense of identity people begin blaming each other over the plight of the church. People will blame their pastor or church leaders for the problems the church is experiencing. The church might even lose members; no one wants to be part of a church where members are in strong disagreement with each other over trivial matters.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Churches have been developing vision and mission statements for years. Some are precise and to the point, “to make disciples of Jesus Christ,” or “to know Jesus and make him known,” or…