By Brian Coates

Church leaders talk a lot about mission and vision—but too often, those statements end up on a wall or in a binder instead of shaping daily ministry. At Brentwood Baptist, we’ve learned that clarity around mission and vision is not just a leadership exercise. It’s the foundation for how we make decisions about calendars, budgets, programs, and even staff roles. Without that clarity, mission drift is inevitable. With it, we can lead with confidence and unity.

Here are five ways to ensure your church’s mission and vision move from theory to practice.

1. Revisit the Mission and Vision Regularly

Mission and vision statements aren’t meant to be dusted off once a year at a staff retreat. They should be part of the regular rhythm of leadership. At Brentwood, we embed them into meeting agendas, staff evaluations, and even everyday conversations. The more consistently leaders return to these statements, the more naturally they shape the culture of the church.

2. Use Them as a Filter for All Ministry Choices

Every program, event, or budget request should be evaluated through the lens of mission and vision. This means asking hard questions: Does this align with what God has called us to do? Is it helping us fulfill the Great Commission? Sometimes that filter helps us say “yes” to initiatives with clear impact. Other times, it helps us say “no” to good ideas that don’t advance our mission. That kind of clarity protects us from busyness and keeps us focused on disciple-making.

3. Align Staffing and Leadership Roles

Staffing decisions are one of the most practical ways to reinforce mission and vision. Job descriptions, hiring priorities, and performance reviews should all be connected to the church’s core calling. When staff understand how their work contributes to the larger mission, they stay motivated and aligned. Without that connection, even the best employees can lose sight of why their work matters.

4. Communicate Alignment to the Congregation

Alignment isn’t just for leadership teams—it needs to be visible to the congregation. When members understand why decisions are made, they’re more likely to trust leadership and engage in the mission. One of the best ways to do this is through storytelling. Share how a program, event, or initiative is tied to the mission and celebrate examples of the vision being lived out in the church.

5. Create Accountability Structures

Finally, mission and vision need accountability. It’s not enough to set them once and hope for the best. Churches must build systems that keep ministries from drifting into “good but off-mission” work. That means regular evaluations, clear goals, and honest conversations. Accountability protects the church’s focus and ensures resources are stewarded well.

Moving Forward with Clarity

Mission and vision aren’t abstract ideas—they’re practical tools that shape every part of ministry. When we revisit them regularly, use them as filters, align our staff, communicate with clarity, and create accountability, we move beyond slogans to true alignment. And when that happens, our churches can focus fully on what matters most: making disciples who look like Jesus and live on mission with Him.