Last month we shared our new vision statement and what it means to us. This month we want to share our newly formulated mission statement.
A mission statement, cascading down from the vision statement, describes exactly what part we hope to play in the fulfillment of the vision. It provides focus for One Challenge leaders and teams in the planning and implementation of ministry. Before entering into a ministry activity, we should ask, “Does this ministry portray one or more aspects of the ministry God has asked One Challenge to do?”
The words and phrases in our mission statement have been carefully chosen in order to describe the ministry we feel God has called One Challenge to do. In unpacking those terms, it renders a fuller picture of how God has and is using us for his kingdom purposes.
We serve
Inspired by Barnabas’ ministry in the Book of Acts, we come alongside the body of Christ to encourage and assist. One Challenge’s highest value is serving the body of Christ for the sake of accomplishing the Great Commission. Our service may take a variety of forms as we discern how God is at work in each ministry context and faithfully steward our lives for kingdom advance (2 Corinthians 4:5).
We equip
We are called to help God’s people develop in maturity (being) and works of service (doing) (Ephesians 4:11-13). A variety of avenues may be used to help individuals and groups grow, including providing ministry tools, mentoring/coaching, workshops and conferences, degree programs, and online learning. In each situation, we seek to utilize indigenous, reproducible training methods. In One Challenge, we seek not only to “train” a person, but to follow them into implementation so that they move to being truly “equipped.”
We connect
One Challenge encourages the body of Christ to love and collaborate in ways that accelerate the spread of the Good News (Ephesians 4:16). We encourage the formation of authentic friendships that lead to mutual care, peer learning, and shared ministry vision. One way we measure success is by the successful ministry of our partners1. We frequently work behind the scenes, affirming local partners in their leadership roles. With our commitment to unity, we build bridges between various parts of the body of Christ as we seek to help them work together.
The Body of Christ and its leaders
We are committed to help communities of believers bear much fruit that will last. Toward this end our ministries can serve people of all ages and kinds in the body of Christ. We recognize that by investing in leaders our ministry has the greatest potential to impact the many (2 Timothy 2:2). By leaders, we refer to persons who influence others toward God’s purposes. Such people serve as agents of change within churches, in the marketplace, in schools, in the athletic arena, and throughout society. We look for influencers who desire to multiply what they learn into the lives of others.
To Advance God’s kingdom among all people
We long to see the reign of God in the hearts and lives of increasing numbers of people in ways that impact all of life. Vibrant communities, submitted to the King and aligned with his mission, are to be the dynamic and active conduits through which the values and lifestyle of the kingdom are incarnated in a neighborhood.
The ultimate standard by which our ministry is measured is the fruitfulness of our partners in multiplying fellowships of maturing, obedient disciples bringing God’s blessing to all peoples. Our ministries help believers and churches bear more fruit as they follow Christ and serve others. In contexts where disunity and persecution inhibit fruitfulness, we seek to advocate for unity, mercy, and justice (Matthew 6:10).
Same mission, new mission statement
One Challenge is an international organization of Christians whose purpose is to obey our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by passionately living out the Gospel in word and action and assisting the global body of Christ to make disciples of all nations.
Our Mission – We serve, equip, and connect the body of Christ and its leaders to advance God’s kingdom among all people.
In the same way that we felt it necessary to adapt the expression of our vision statement for the changing United States environment, so we have carefully formulated an adaptation of the mission statement to remain relevant for emerging generations. Same mission, new mission statement.