We Are Driven

A couple of decades ago the Datsun automobile company used the phrase, “We are driven,” as their advertising motto. Even though the Datsun Motor Company no longer exists, (They are now Nissan.) the fact remains that we are driven.

Some people are more driven than others. Some are driven to succeed in their professions. Some are driven to accumulate wealth. Some are driven to academic achievement. Some are driven to find the best possible person to date and marry. Some are driven to excel at sports. Some are driven to be the best possible parents they can be. Others are driven by internal concerns, external conditions and powerful factors. Things like: The approval of others; fear of failure; fear of success; the need to control others and our circumstances; addictions such as – alcohol and drugs, gambling, sex, shopping, hoarding, controlling, lying, and the list goes on. And the church is driven.

Every church is driven by something or things. Some are driven by their denominational ties. When something new is proposed the question is asked, “Is this what our churches do?” Some are driven by finances. The first question asked is, “Can we afford to do this?” or “Is it in the budget?” Some churches are driven by history and the first statement made when something is proposed is, “We have never done that here.” Or “We don’t do that at this church.” Some churches are driven by a person or group of people with strong personalities. (A nice way to say, overbearing.) The first question asked is, “What will he or they think?” or “Will so and so get mad?”

Over the past few weeks several of us of the church have spent some wonderful time together working on crafting the Mission Statement of the church. During those times we have talked about the fact that the mission statement is God’s message to the church. It is the message of what He wants us to DO. It is His calling for this church.

Later we will be looking at the values we live by that will empower this mission statement. The mission statement, empowered by our Godly values will produce our Vision and our vision will dictate what ministries we will invest in to support and complete the mission God has given us. It all fits together.

And when we fit all of the pieces together, we become a powerful, life-changing, healing, encouraging and healthy influence for the Kingdom of God in our community. We have a choice, as a church, to decide what drives us. We now have the choice and the opportunity to be a church driven by the mission God has given us.

In just a few days we will be rolling out our new mission statement for our church. I want to encourage you to keep your eyes and heart open to receive this statement and to allow our church to be driven by this message from God.

I also want to invite you to continue in this journey toward the future God has for us. Come to THE EVENT – PART 2 as we take a look at the values we will embrace that will provide the foundational impetus for us to fulfill our mission. Join together with others as we put together the engine that will drive us into the future.

This is a pivotal and exciting time in the life of our church. Soon we will be able to say – “We are driven – driven by the Spirit of God and His will for us.”

Copyright © 2012, William T. McConnell, All Rights Reserved