We’ve been looking at how the Great Commission provides a good example for leaders desiring to work through their purpose, mission, vision, and goals.
- The Purpose Statement (why we do what we do): love (We had to look beyond the Great Commission itself for that.)
- The Mission Statement (what we’re to do): go and make disciples of all nations
- The Vision Statement (how we’re to do it): baptizing and teaching
But it ends there, not giving us specific, tangible goals for getting there.
How Are We to Know What Goals to Set?
While the Great Commission doesn’t give us a detailed plan or list of specific goals, we do find the help we need for determining the right goals for the setting and times in which we live. Look at the context of the Great Commission. The goals to reach the vision must be governed by what comes before and after the Great Commission.
1) Jesus began, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18).
We need to move out under His leading or authority. That means we will invest much prayer into the setting of goals. We will seek to get on page with God, not relying on human wisdom. As we trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, He will direct our paths (Prov. 3:5-6).
2) Jesus ended, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20).
We need to sense His presence in what we do, not only as a sign of approval but also for the help we need. That means we will look to Him for the power to accomplish what He wants us to do, not relying on our own efforts. We are not alone in this. As we acknowledge our constant need for Him, we will be able to do all things as we find our strength in Him (Phil. 4:13).
In addition to what you read here, the Steering the Church Toward Discipleship Leadership Guide suggests some reasons why Jesus might not have given any specific examples of goals in the Great Commission.
For More, Go To: Great Commission Discipleship Resources
All Posts about Vision Casting & Goal-Setting:
- Have a Vision that Expresses Your Purpose?
- Have a Vision That Clarifies Your Purpose?
- Have a Vision Challenging Enough to Reach Your Purpose?
- Who Sets the Vision?
- Behind the Great Commission
- Good Example of Mission & Vision
- No Specific Examples of Goals in the Great Commission?
- Christ-like Intent in Vision & Goal-Setting
- Christ-like Pursuit of Vision & Goals
- Christ as the Focus, Not the Vision & Goals
- Power to Grasp and Implement a New Vision for the Church
- Vision and Goals Born Out of Prayer
- Vision and Goals Grounded in the Gospel
- Vision and Goals Enveloped by Grace
- Vision and Goals Guided by the Holy Spirit
- Vision and Goals Pursued Through Spiritual Gifting
- Where Might God Want to Take Your Church?
- Vision Casting That Engages People
- Goal-Setting to Reach Our Vision
- Vision and Goals Protected by Spiritual Means
- Vision Problems Solved
- Vision and Goals Reflect the Hope We Have?
- Vision and Goals Rooted in God’s Word
- How a Leader’s Roles Affects Vision and Goals