Corporations spend a great deal of time and effort to develop strategic frameworks and at the heart of any strategic framework are vision and mission statements. Visions define what an organization wants to become and give shape and direction to the organizations future. Westin hotels vision is; “Year after year, Westin and its people will be regarded as the best and most sought after hotel and resort management group in North America.”

Underneath vision statements are mission statements that are precise descriptions of what an organization does. They are definitions of why organizations exist. Westin’s mission is; “In order to realize our vision, our mission must be to exceed the expectations of our customers, whom we define as guests, partners, and fellow employees.”

Strategic frameworks are further defined by values that shape actions, strategies that support the mission and goals and action plans that guide daily and weekly activities. Studies have shown that corporations that have well defined strategic frameworks that are communicated and understood by all are significantly more successful than corporations that do not.

The admonition in Proverbs is true; “Where there is no vision, the people perish; …” We see it with corporations, and there are countless case studies in scripture and the historical record that also prove this to be true. Perhaps this is why the Lord has been so clear to articulate in his word and through the ministry of his son what our vision should be.

Many scriptures could be cited but an oft quoted one comes from latter day revelation:

“… make known his wonderful works among the people, call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth; that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth; wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, may be glorified in heaven, so on earth, that thy enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power, and glory, forever and ever. Amen.”   — Section 65:1d-f

The kingdom of God on earth is our vision and to support this vision the Church has been given very specific missions. The savior himself stated our primary mission when he said; “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:14) In our day this mission has been rearticulated:

“Send forth the elders of my church unto the nations which are afar off; unto the islands of the sea; send forth unto foreign lands; call upon all nations; firstly, upon the Gentiles, and then upon the Jews. And, behold, and lo, this shall be their cry, and the voice of the Lord unto all people: Go ye forth unto the land of Zion, that the borders of my people may be enlarged, and that her stakes may be strengthened, and that Zion may go forth unto the regions round about; yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord.” – Section 108:3a-d

The actions that we take in fulfilling our mission are shaped by values that qualify us to participate in the work of the Church and they too are given in scripture as faith, hope, charity, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, humility, and diligence.

Even specific strategies to support our mission and vision of the kingdom of God on earth are given in latter day revelation. We are told to buy up lands, organize stakes, establish storehouses, and send elders two by two. These are not ends in themselves but are enablers that support the overall mission of the Church.

Districts and branches often set short term goals and activities that further support the overall vision and mission. Planning a preaching series or witnessing weekend are good examples.

While the vision, mission, values and strategies of the Church are clear to most we get lost sometimes in what specifically we can do personally or as a branch. Should we also have a personal vision or a branch vision and mission? I think the clear answer is yes. And they should be aligned with the overall vision and mission of the Church.

I plan to make it a matter of prayer and work with the priesthood and membership of our branch to better define what our specific branch mission should be. We can then define strategies, goals and action plans to work towards our mission. Your thoughts and comments are wanted, needed and welcome.

May the Lord bless us as we endeavor to do his will.