Many people and organizations define mission, vision, and purpose in different ways. Regardless of how you’ve labeled them, it’s imperative that a consistent understanding is shared throughout your entire organization. Here’s how we’ve defined Mission, Vision & Purpose at Elevate Church:

MISSION- The How. Describes actions taken to construct the vision and fulfill the purpose. Mission is where the “rubber hits the road.” It is carried out on a daily basis and is the most “tangible” of the three. Mission is characterized as either long term or short term “assignments.” Mission gets it done.

VISION- The What. Tells what the “next” for you looks like. Vision is broader than mission, but contained in your purpose. Vision paints the picture for a desired future. It is vivid and impossibilities do not exist. Vision is cultivated and is not a destination- you move into vision, and vision moves you.

PURPOSE- The Why. What drives you. your core values are wrapped up in purpose. Purpose touches the very essence of who you are and for what you were created. Purpose motivates.

Mission is specific assignments that bring to pass the vision, which allows you to live out your purpose.

When you accept a mission that does not line up with your purpose, there is a lack of passion, which results in “burn out.”

The mission of many takes them no further than survival, which leaves masses of people unfulfilled.

When what you are doing (mission) does not match up with your core values (purpose) for achieving what you see (vision), you will exist without passion and/or you will experience great frustration.

However you define these terms, be sure that everyone on your team/in your organization has the SAME understanding so everyone can move forward together.