Making a (Mission) Statement

I'm wrapping up a wonderful week of youth training in Fort Worth, Texas as I facilitated a program called YouthLeader.  YouthLeader trains youth to be leaders of ministry and forms youth in the vision and values of Jesus; helping them make the connection between their faith and their actions in leadership. 

As part of our closing session today, we had the students create mission statements.  It was a very fruitful process as the youth were able to articulate their strengths, weaknesses and hopes.

I was inspired by the ones that were shared aloud and I encouraged each of them to post it somewhere so they could reflect on it regularly and go back to it when necessary.  As well, I suggested that their mission statements are dynamic – they can change them any time.

I would suggest this process for any ministry (or anyone for that matter) looking to set goals, inspire one another, or keep themselves on track.

Here is mine:

I am husband to Gail. 

I am father to Sean Isaiah, Jacob Isaac, and Kayla Marie.

I am a Catholic and a believer in God, follower of Jesus, dweller in the Holy Spirit.

I am a youth minister, director, writer, speaker, musician and Canucks fan.

I live by my favourite scripture from Philippians:  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Although I have a lot of serious responsibilities, I don’t take myself too seriously.

I strive to be Christ to everyone I encounter.

I am a connector, an advocate, a motivator, and a servant leader.

May I never forget my priorities: my faith and my family.

Because when it’s my turn to go upstairs, He’s not going to ask me: 

-How many people did you speak to?  

-How good of a boss were you?   

-How many kids came to Youth Day and Spirit Day?   

-How many friends do you have on Facebook or followers do you have on Twitter?

Instead, I will be asked:  “The 4 people that I gave you at home to love:  do they know who I am?"

May my answer be a resounding YES!

Clayton Imoo is husband to Gail and father to sons Sean Isaiah and Jacob Isaac and daughter Kayla Marie.  He has served as the Director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver for the past ten years, helping parishes develop their own youth and young adult ministries.  When not doing ministry, Clay enjoys spending time with his family, playing music, playing sports, playing naptime, and writing blogs on topics such as family, faith, and the Vancouver Canucks.  Learn more about him at http://www.claytonimoo.com or follow him @claytonimoo