Remaining true to your life mission personally and organizationally is the greatest challenge of our time. Rapid changing environments are forcing decisions that may or may not allow organizations and individuals to stay on task with guiding mission principles. In terms of the religious world of North America, Thomas Rainer reports from his research that 90% of churches are loosing ground in their communities. He reports that it takes 86 church members to gain one person for Christ in a 12 month period. Yes, there is pressure! Yes, drifting is a real possibility! However, drifting is not inevitable!

I would suggest three truths to keep you and your organization missionally true!

1. Remaining mission true is built on knowing why you and your organization exists. This begins with a comprehensive understanding of the historical journey that has brought you to this time and place. Celebrating victories and learning from failures. This journey of comprehension gives you the ability to articulate the reason for existence.
2. Remaining mission true differentiates between means from mission. In other words you need to know personally and organizationally what is immutable/unchangeable! Gains can have compromise attached to it – will you choose the gain and sacrifice the mission? You must settle where you will budge and where you will absolutely STAND!
3. Remaining mission true only changes when the core is strengthened. To remain mission true does not imply that you become stagnant. Change is eagerly embraced when it strengthens the core reason for existence and thereby allowing expansion for the right reasons. Expediency forces poor choices that can lead to drift.

Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church states that we should be stubborn about the vision. Be flexible with your plans – strategies and timelines are always up for grabs. Remaining mission true always begins with understanding purpose. Defending the purpose becomes the chief responsibility in your life and for the board member of any organization.

What are your thoughts? Have you been part of mission drift personally or with an organization? How did you recover? Leave an comment or voice message. I will respond to your comments.