Mission Drift: The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches

by Peter Greer

Remain mindful of cultural trends. Henry Crowell recognized the cultural shift away from orthodoxy that would only be amplified with time. His foresight led to the Crowell Trust remaining true. Sensitive to the cultural climate, Mission True organizations have the wisdom to build guardrails. Don’t assume successors will inherit the founder’s vision. Unlike Crowell, Howard Pew believed his successors would defend his values, which led to drift. Mission True organizations intentionally train and educate the next generation, a subject we cover more extensively in chapter 9. Attend to the details in constructing safeguards. Crowell advocated for simple practices that now outlive him. Clearly defining his intent in writing, as well as having the board read the charter aloud each year, helped enable Crowell’s vision to flourish today.