Many pastors arrive at churches with a personal motto they call a mission statement. One articulate individual wrote down something flowery and inspirational. Stationary and business cards were printed; a website banner was created. Maybe T-shirts were created. But because it didn’t come from the group’s own clear, deep self-understanding, it’s not a conviction. It’s usually not even a mission statement. It’s just marketing. And since it’s not a conviction, it is easily set aside when it comes time to make tough decisions for the sake of the mission.
