VALUES, VISION, and MISSION STATEMENTS

Dear Friends and Members at the PCOP,

Some of you have been working hard to identify PCOP’s “values, vision, and mission statements.” The work has been arduous yet exhilarating. The Session wants to share some of our results and ask for your input as members and friends of the PCOP.

First, what are we talking about and why is it important to discover and name our “values, vision and mission statements.” They help us to focus, come together, to head in the same direction. Without these, our ministry can become diluted, and our efforts disjointed. It will allow us to use resources and money toward a mutually agreed upon common focused purpose.

It is important to know the difference between Vision, Mission, and Values Statements. The following are the definitions I am suggesting as we move forward on our new journey:

A Vision Statement is God's specific purpose for a specific church in a specific context. A vision is a noun that describes who we are (or want to be). It is the description of the kind of church we believe God has called us to be. It usually is short and to the point. A vision statement directs our mission. No more than 2 sentences.

The Mission Statement is our road map. It is a verb, what we do. Someone said it was the “hands and legs” to carry out the vision.

Our Session, committees, and events will focus their work based on our mission statement. Whatever we do will be led by the mission statement. It can be a little longer than the vision. A mission statement is what we are going to do.

Values statement: Values are the things that we believe are important in the way we live and do our work. We all have values. It is important to name them. When actions connect with our values it feels right. Values are the foundation of our vision and mission. Because we believe this – we do this. Values, vision, and mission statements are usually stable, yet as we change, they may change.

Here is where we need your input. Your comments will help sharpen our focus as a church.

The Vision Statement in the process: “God has called PCOP to be the church that courageously throws the net on the other side of the boat “in how we serve, grow, and follow the ways of Jesus."

This vision statement is inspired by John 21:1–6:

“Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, “I’m going fishing.” The rest of them replied, “We’re going with you.” They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him. Jesus spoke to them: “Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?” They answered, “No.” He said, “Throw the net off the other side of the boat and see what happens.” They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in.”

Please prayerfully consider the following questions:

• What does it mean to you when you hear: “throw the net on the other side of the boat”?
• What questions do you have about it? In your opinion, what are the needs of the world? Chicago? Orland Park?
• Who should we be serving? What actions might we do when we “throw the net on the other side?

Our leadership is truly interested in your feedback. I encourage you to respond soon. Send an email, text, person-to-person conversation, or send a message through Facebook. And, if you have questions or need more clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Your voice is critical as we identify the ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Orland Park, IL.

Blessings, Pastor Joy