There are many types of missions, but today, we don’t mean the type you go on overseas unless that is your God-given journey. I am talking about your family mission (your family’s overall goal). This could be for the year or life-long. It could be subject to change as you all grow and God guides you on your paths. This family goal or mission should be written as a Family Mission Statement. This statement will act as a placeholder and destination to strive toward. This could be a ministry venture, a mission pressing on your heart, a needed habit in your household, or some kind of project.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says:

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

The Necessity of Purpose

We all need vision, a destination, and a purpose, and when we are young—even as adults, for that matter—it’s not always clear what that is. God can guide us, but there can be conflicting voices and events that we feel have set us back or changed the direction we should go. This mission goal could be to:

> Affect 100 homeless people’s lives
> Build a tiny house together
> Work the land and plant a veggie garden to feed yourselves or thousands
> It could also be to be in a regular routine
> To spend 1000 hours of the next year outside (thats 3 hours a day)

Whatever the mission, big or small, it’s important the whole family are in on it and are excited about it; this is a lot like normal goal setting except this, in particular, is on a much bigger scale because it encompasses the whole family’s willing participation (or at least majority of the family.)

Proverbs 29:18 says:

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Be sure to position this ‘mission’ as something greater than any regular goal. We want the mission to have a greater meaning, one of responsibility and importance. We want our children to feel that they are part of the team that makes our family strong, courageous, and effective.

These family missions will give you and your family a chance to create memories, connect, and face adversity together as you go through trials and tribulations, just like in other goals. Heart issues can be exposed, allowing you to help correct your child’s behavior and equip them with the tools they need for later life. You also teach them determination, teamwork, diligence, preparation, and perseverance through these missions. These character traits will serve them well in later life.

Philippians 4:13

​I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

How to Write a Family Mission Statement

• Reflect on your family’s current state.
• Jot down what holds significance for your family’s life.
• Envision the legacy you wish to leave behind.
• Identify each family member’s deepest passions.
• Close your eyes and imagine looking back on these days of family life.
• Dare to think big and do not restrict yourself—no goal is too small or too grand.
• Think of all the things that make each member of your family unique. What are each of their strengths and talents?
• Consider the impact you desire to make in the world and how your skills can contribute.
• Keep the statement concise.
• Use an exercise to condense the Family Mission Statement: start with five words that describe your family and their purpose, then reduce it to two, and finally to one. These words can inspire or be added to the mission statement.
• Be authentic and true to your family as a whole and think about its individual members. Ensure your mission statement accurately represents the passions, beliefs and values of your family.
• Recognize that while this overarching Family Mission Statement is crucial, embrace the possibility of editing and changing this mission statement as you all learn and grow, remaining open to the transformation facilitated by the Holy Spirit within every member of the family.

Mission Statement Templates:

To use my [unique value or trait] to [action verb] [life goal or expected outcome] for [whoever or whatever].
To [what you want to do] by [how you’ll do it] so that [what impact you hope to make].
I value [one or multiple things you value] because [why it matters to you]. To do this, I will [how your path will align with these values].
To use my [character traits or skills] to inspire/lead [someone or something] so that [goal].

​Make it a habit to regularly engage in reflection and consider your family’s goals. By crafting a powerful “Family Mission Statement,” you ensure that each decision your family makes brings you all closer to becoming the people you were made to be.