30 Examples of Church Vision Statements that Work
There are far too many examples of church vision statements that sound like they came from a boardroom, not a prayer room. That disconnect can do real damage. When your vision isn’t rooted in authentic, Spirit-led direction, here’s what starts to happen:
- You struggle to unify your team around a clear sense of calling
- Your calendar fills with activity, but your church’s discipleship feels directionless
- You find it hard to explain why your church exists—beyond general Christian buzzwords
In my experience, these issues don’t come from laziness. They show up when churches adopt vague or copy-pasted language that feels inspiring but means very little. The result? A statement that looks good in print but does nothing to shape real ministry.
That’s why it’s so important to get this right.
What Is a Church Vision Statement?
A church vision statement is a clear, prayerfully discerned description of the future your church is working toward—based on God's calling for your specific community.
It paints a picture of where you believe God is leading you. It’s not just a list of value statements, a catchy slogan, or a mission statement that explains what you do day-to-day. It’s about where you’re going, not just what you’re doing.
BONUS: I’ve put together a free downloadable church vision statement template to make it even easier for you to get started.
30+ Church Vision Statement Examples to Learn From
1. Westover Hills Church
Westover Hills Church, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a thriving Assemblies of God congregation led by Lead Pastors Jonathan and Danae Mussett. Founded in 1986, the church has grown to an average weekly attendance of over 6,000, making it one of the 100 largest churches in the U.S.
VISION STATEMENT: As a church, we exist to create a space where families can meet Jesus, find community, and grow in their faith.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Conveys warmth and hospitality, appealing to people seeking a safe and welcoming environment.
- Targeting families makes the vision relatable and purposeful
- Outlines a healthy discipleship pathway.
- Focusing only on “families” may unintentionally exclude singles, young adults, or older generations.
2. The Journey
Tim Holley is the lead pastor of The Journey West County, located in Manchester, Missouri, with a diverse community united by the love of Jesus.
VISION STATEMENT: To see our city awakened to and transformed by the love of Jesus.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Evokes a powerful picture of spiritual revival and change, capturing attention and inspiring action.
- The statement clearly centers its mission on God’s love as the catalyst for change.
- Demonstrates a commitment to local impact, emphasizing the church's role in community transformation.
- Doesn't specify how the church plans to achieve this vision.
3. Highpoint Church
Highpoint Church, a non-denominational multi-site church based in Naperville, Illinois, is led by Senior Pastor Ron Zappia.
VISION STATEMENT: Helping people believe in, belong to, and become like Jesus.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Provides a straightforward roadmap for spiritual growth.
- Inclusive and relational language resonates with individuals seeking faith, community, and personal transformation.
- Christ-centered focus aligns with biblical teachings and the church's mission.
- While the vision outlines the 'what,' it doesn't detail the 'how’ and therefore lacks specificity.
- Clarifying terms could ensure a unified understanding among diverse audiences.
4. Northpoint Community Church
North Point Community Church, located in Alpharetta, Georgia, is a non-denominational megachurch founded in 1995 and led by Senior Pastor Andy Stanley. The church has grown to encompass eight campuses across the metro Atlanta area, with a combined weekly attendance of approximately 43,830 people.
VISION STATEMENT: To create churches unchurched people love to attend.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- The statement is catchy, to the point, and easy to remember
- Emphasizes inclusivity and a desire to reach unbelievers
- The term "unchurched" may be interpreted differently by various audiences, leading to potential ambiguity.
- Statement focuses on attendance, but doesn't explicitly mention spiritual growth or discipleship.
5. Elevation Church
Elevation Church, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a non-denominational megachurch founded in 2006 by Steven Furtick, who serves as its lead pastor. The church has grown to a weekly attendance of over 17,000 across multiple campuses.
VISION STATEMENT: See what God can do through you.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Empowering statement that emphasizes personal transformation
- It’s brief, concise, and memorable
- It centers on divine empowerment rather than human effort alone
- Too broad and may benefit from additional context that outlines specific goals or methods
- Could be interpreted in various ways, possibly diluting its intended message
6. Faith Alive Family Church
What began as a bible study in a house in 1980, Faith Alive Family Church has grown to a thriving church in Saskatoon, SK, Canada, pastored by Brent and Barb Rudoski.
VISION STATEMENT: With one hand toward God and the other toward people, we commit ourselves to be used by God to Rescue, Recover, & Restore people who have never experienced the Presence and Power of God.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Effectively captures the dual commitment to spiritual devotion and community outreach.
- Outlines a comprehensive approach to ministry, addressing various stages of personal and spiritual healing.
- Underscores the church's focus on transformative spiritual experiences.
- Somewhat lengthy and may lack memorability and clarity.
7. Christ Community Church
Christ Community Church, located in Huntersville, North Carolina, is pastored by Dr. Ronnie Parrott, whose passion is to equip disciples to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth.
VISION STATEMENT: Making Gospel-centered disciples among all people for the glory of God.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Emphasizes the centrality of the Gospel in disciple-making, aligning with biblical teachings.
- Underscores a commitment to reaching diverse populations without discrimination.
- Highlights the ultimate aim that activities are directed toward honoring God.
- Lacking specific strategies or methods for disciple-making.
8. Macquarie Life Church
Macquarie Life Church, located in Macquarie Hills, New South Wales. Church leadership roles vary, such as this congregation led by Senior Pastor Roz Zaia, who operates the church with a Fivefold Leadership Team.
VISION STATEMENT: Towards Christ
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Places Jesus at the heart of the church's mission, emphasizing a clear spiritual direction.
- Memorable and concise, serving effectively as a guiding principle.
- Continuous movement and growth in faith, inviting individuals to draw nearer to Christ.
- Potential ambiguity
9. Renewed Church
Renewed Church, located in Kingsport, Tennessee, is led by Lead Pastor Winston Johnson, who founded the church in 2017 after decades of ministry experience.
VISION STATEMENT: A church where all are loved, purpose is found, and lives are changed.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Conveys a strong message of inclusivity
- Emphasizes helping individuals discover their unique purpose
- Highlights the church's commitment to facilitating personal and spiritual transformation
- Too broad and may benefit from additional context
10. Redeemer East Side
Redeemer East Side is located in New York City, New York. Led by Senior Pastor Dr. Crawford Stevener since 2024, the church is part of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church family.
VISION STATEMENT: Redeemer East Side exists to see Manhattan's East Side—and the entire city—renewed spiritually, socially, and culturally through a movement of the gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Statement emphasizes spiritual, social, and cultural renewal
- Reflects a commitment to broader urban engagement
- Underscores the centrality of the gospel in driving change
- Terms are expansive and may benefit from more specific definitions
- Outlines ambitious goals but does not specify measurable objectives
11. Abyssinian Baptist Church
The Abyssinian Baptist Church, located in Harlem, New York, is a historic African-American congregation founded in 1808. As of June 2024, the church is led by its 21st Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson.
VISION STATEMENT: The vision of The Abyssinian Baptist Church is to create the beloved community by supporting the poor, saving lost souls, providing a sanctuary for all who seek salvation and spiritual growth, strengthening youth and families, engaging in social activism, and economic development of our world and our Harlem community.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Addresses various aspects of community life, reflecting a holistic ministry approach.
- Commitment to social justice
- Encompasses both the Harlem community and the broader world
- Fairly lengthy and complex, which may make it less memorable.
- Broad terminology leaves the statement open to interpretation.
12. Point of Light Church
Point of Light Church, located in Cedar Hill, Texas, is led by Pastor Julius Harris. Founded in 2008, the church began as a Bible study in the Duncanville library and has since grown into a vibrant congregation.
VISION STATEMENT: We’re here, by God, for you!
The ministry of Point of Light Church exists to transform and build lives by teaching principles from the Word of God with the temperance of the Grace of God.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Conveys a warm and inviting atmosphere, emphasizing the church's dedication to serving individuals.
- Indicates a commitment to personal growth and spiritual development.
- Emphasis on scripture and grace
- Somewhat lengthy and contains complex phrasing
- Less memorable or harder to quickly grasp
13. Hill Country Bible Church
Hill Country Bible Church, located in Austin, Texas, is a non-denominational congregation led by Lead Pastor Tim Kuhl. Founded in 1985, the church has grown to support over 6,000 worshippers weekly across multiple campuses and online platforms.
VISION STATEMENT: Together, our vision is to be a movement of changed lives that impacts greater Austin and beyond for Christ.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Underscores the importance of community
- Highlights the church's commitment to personal and spiritual growth
- Reflects an ambition to extend influence both locally and internationally
- Somewhat vague terminology that doesn’t clearly convey the church's objectives
14. Life.Church
Life.Church, headquartered in Edmond, Oklahoma, is an evangelical multi-site megachurch founded in 1996 by Senior Pastor Craig Groeschel. As of 2024, it operates 45 physical campuses across 12 U.S. states and maintains a robust online presence, with a weekly attendance of approximately 76,000 people.
VISION STATEMENT: At Life.Church, we want to help you become the person God created you to be. This is a safe place where you can wrestle with questions and learn more about Him and yourself.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Fosters a sense of connection and care for each individual’s spiritual journey.
- Affirms that doubt and inquiry are part of the faith journey
- Centers on discovering one's God-given identity
- Vague on spiritual outcome
- Highly individualistic (“you” and “yourself”), and doesn’t reflect the communal aspect of church life
15. Redeemer Churches & Ministries
Redeemer Churches and Ministries, headquartered in New York City, New York, is a network of Presbyterian churches founded in 1989 by the late Rev. Timothy Keller. As of 2017, the network reported a weekly attendance of over 5,000 across multiple congregations.
VISION STATEMENT: The Redeemer family of churches and ministries exists to help build a great city for all people through a movement of the gospel that brings personal conversion, community formation, social justice, and cultural renewal to New York City and, through it, the world.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Integrates spiritual transformation with societal impact
- Emphasizes urban engagement and inclusivity
- Indicates an ambition to influence beyond the local context, suggesting a broader mission strategy
- Does not specify measurable objectives or strategies
16. Willow Creek Community Church
Willow Creek Community Church, located in South Barrington, Illinois, is a non-denominational evangelical megachurch founded in 1975 by Bill Hybels. As of April 2025, Shawn Williams serves as the Senior Pastor, succeeding Dave Dummitt. The church has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years, with a reported weekly attendance of approximately 9,800 in 2024.
VISION STATEMENT: Willow Creek is a multi-generational, multi-ethnic multiplying movement of Christ followers passionate about worshiping Jesus, growing in faith, sharing our lives & faith with others, reaching people who don’t have a relationship with God, and blessing our communities and world through our transformed lives & radical generosity.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Emphasizes the church's commitment to diversity and inclusivity
- Welcoming environment for all individuals
- Outlines a holistic approach to faith
- Quite lengthy and packed with multiple concepts
- Lacks specific, measurable goals or strategies to achieve these objectives
17. Crossroads Bible Church
Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Crossroads Bible Church is led by Lead Pastor Rod VanSolkema. Their mission is a biblical community where Jesus Christ transforms lives, renews the city, and the nations.
VISION STATEMENT: The Kingdom of Heaven
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Directly references a central theme in Jesus' teachings
- Points toward a divine ideal
- Concept transcends cultural and denominational boundaries
- Statement is quite broad and does not provide clear guidance
- Phrase may be interpreted in various ways, leading to potential misunderstandings about the church's mission and objectives
18. Catch the Fire Church
Catch The Fire Toronto is a dynamic church located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, led by Murray and Ash Smith.
VISION STATEMENT: Our city and world changed by God’s love and power, communities on fire with the Holy Spirit, people becoming more like Jesus
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Emphasizes transformation through God's love and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit
- Underscores the importance of collective spiritual vitality and communal impact
- Provides a clear, biblical benchmark for personal and communal growth
- Abstract language may be perceived as vague without specific examples or outcomes
- Does not specify how success will be measured or what concrete actions will be taken to achieve these goals
19. Mars Hill Bible Church
Mars Hill Bible Church is a non-denominational Christian megachurch located in Grandville, Michigan. Founded in 1999 by Rob Bell, the church has undergone several leadership transitions. As of 2021, Troy Hatfield leads the congregation .
VISION STATEMENT: A Jesus people for the sake of the world.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Emphasizes the centrality of Christ in the church's identity and mission
- Highlights a commitment to global outreach and service
- Short and impactful, making it easy for members to remember
- May benefit from more concrete details about how the church plans to fulfill this mission
20. Dwelling Place
Dwelling Place Church is a gospel-centered community located in Seattle, Washington, led by pastors Wes and Adrienne Walls.
VISION STATEMENT: We exist to see Jesus treasured by multiplying faith-filled disciples through multiplying missional/maturing Gospel Communities throughout our area in Seattle and among unreached peoples.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Places Jesus at the heart of the church's mission, emphasizing the desire to see Him treasured
- Underscores the importance of both individual growth and communal engagement
- Shows a commitment to impacting both local neighborhoods and global communities
- Complex terminology may be unclear to those unfamiliar with church-specific language
- Somewhat lengthy and packed with concepts
21. Calvary Baptist Church
Calvary Baptist Church in Concord, Virginia, is led by Pastor Chad Harris and has an average Sunday worship attendance of approximately 120 people.
VISION STATEMENT: We will enable and empower a community of saints to evangelize and embrace the world through Christ’s love.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Christ-centered vision underscores the church's commitment to a gospel-centered approach
- Highlights the church's dedication to equipping its members for active participation in ministry
- Reflects an outward-looking vision
- Does not provide concrete benchmarks or strategies
22. Brown Line Church
Brown Line Church is an inclusive, progressive Christian community located in Chicago, Illinois, led by Pastor Vince Brackett, who co-founded the church in 2013, with approximately 60 adults attending weekly services.
VISION STATEMENT: An inclusive, progressive church with a healthy sense of humor and humility
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Emphasizes inclusivity and progressiveness
- Portrays the church as relatable and down-to-earth
- The brevity of the statement makes it easy to remember and communicate
- While the statement conveys the church's character, it doesn't provide details about its mission values, or the specific ways it serves its community
23. New Spring Church
NewSpring Church, located in Anderson, South Carolina, is a multi-site Baptist megachurch led by a team of six Lead Pastors: Brad Cooper, Riley Cummings, David Hall, Lee McDerment, Michael Mullikin, and Tyler Tatum. The church has grown significantly since its founding in 2000, broadcasting weekly to multiple campuses across South Carolina.
VISION STATEMENT: We want everyone everywhere to have an everyday relationship with Jesus.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Emphasizes the church's commitment to reaching all individuals
- Encourages continual engagement with faith, not limited to weekly services
- Easily memorable and communicable to both members and newcomers
- Does not provide detail on how the church facilitates a daily relationship with Jesus
24. Village Church
The Village Church, located in Flower Mound, Texas, is a Southern Baptist megachurch led by Pastor Matt Chandler. Under his leadership since 2002, the church has grown significantly, with thousands attending services each week.
VISION STATEMENT: We exist to love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Aligns with the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, reflecting core Christian teachings
- Understandable and memorable for both members and newcomers
- Emphasizes the church's commitment to active faith and discipleship
- It doesn't provide details on how these objectives are pursued or implemented within the community
- Statement may be too general
25. Hillsong Church
Hillsong Church, based in Sydney, Australia, is a global Pentecostal megachurch currently led by Global Senior Pastors Phil and Lucinda Dooley. As of 2024, Hillsong Australia reports an average weekend attendance exceeding 20,000 people.
VISION STATEMENT: A healthy church changing lives through Christ.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Emphasizes transformation through Christ, aligning with core Christian beliefs
- Brevity makes it easily memorable and communicable to both members and newcomers
- Underscores the importance of internal well-being as a foundation for external impact
- Could benefit from more detail on how the church defines "health" and the specific ways it aims to change lives
26. Connexus Church
Connexus Church, located in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, is led by Lead Pastor Jeff Brodie. Founded by Carey Nieuwhof, who has written one of the top books every church leader should read. The church has grown into multiple campuses and a significant online presence.
VISION STATEMENT: Our vision is to create spaces and opportunities where faith can flourish, where the lost can be found, and where every person feels at home in God’s love.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Highlights the church's commitment to inclusivity and hospitality
- Underscores its dedication to nurturing individual spiritual development
- Reflects a mission-oriented approach to outreach and evangelism
- Statement does not outline specific, measurable objectives
27. Manna Church
Manna Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, is a non-denominational Christian community led by Pastor Joe Adams. Founded in 2018, the church emphasizes outreach to military families and the broader community.
VISION STATEMENT: At Manna Church, our mission is to glorify God by equipping His people to change their world and by planting churches with the same world-changing vision.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Begins with the purpose of glorifying God, aligning with core Christian values.
- Highlights the church's commitment to preparing members for active ministry and personal growth.
- Demonstrates a proactive approach to expanding their mission and influence.
- Lack of measurable goals which might make it challenging to assess progress or effectiveness over time.
28. Jesus Church
Jesus Church, located in Venice, Florida, is led by Pastors Artur and Lusine Simonyan. The church focuses on equipping believers to share the gospel and emphasizes the presence of God as central to its mission.
VISION STATEMENT: Our vision is to grow in love towards Jesus everyday, and to help people do the same
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Emphasizes daily growth in love towards Jesus,
- Highlights a personal and ongoing relationship with Christ.
- Expresses a commitment to guiding others in their spiritual journey.
- Statement does not address other aspects such as community outreach, service, or discipleship strategies.
29. Metro Church
Metro Church, located in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, is led by Pastors Alan and Maryann Diaz. Established in early 2019, the church is affiliated with the Assemblies of God and emphasizes outreach to a diverse community.
VISION STATEMENT: Our vision is to reach, connect and serve a multigenerational, multicultural, multi-class, and multiethnic group for Jesus Christ.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Reflects a commitment to inclusivity.
- Provides a straightforward understanding of the church's mission-oriented approach.
- Vision keeps the church's activities aligned with its spiritual purpose.
- Listing "multicultural" and "multiethnic" might be seen as overlapping, which could be streamlined for clarity.
30. The Church of Eleven22
The Church of Eleven22, with multiple campuses across Florida and South Georgia, is a non-denominational megachurch founded and led by Pastor Joby Martin.
VISION STATEMENT: The Church of Eleven22 is a movement for all people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ.
What Works (and Doesn’t)
- Outlines both evangelistic and discipleship objectives,
- Provides a comprehensive spiritual growth pathway.
- Conveys dynamism and a proactive approach to faith, encouraging active participation.
- Could benefit from more specific details on how the church facilitates the discovery and deepening of faith.
- Adding unique church elements could differentiate the vision.
Vision Statement vs Mission Statement
A church mission statement is a clear, concise declaration of a church’s primary purpose—what it exists to do—often focused on its day-to-day ministry and goals. It helps leaders, staff, and members stay focused on what the church is doing right now to fulfill its calling. You can also create mission statements for specific teams within your church, such as the worship team.
In contrast, a vision statement describes what the church hopes to become or achieve in the future—it's forward-looking and inspirational. While the mission guides current decisions and ministry direction, the vision provides a motivating picture of what could be.
Think of the mission as the church’s roadmap and the vision as the destination.
A clear vision that is properly communicated will rally people. People will look at the present situation and agree together that there’s a better future that must be pursued.
Tony Morgan, The Unstuck Group, Signs You Have a Vision That Inspires
FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Church Vision Statement Cheat Sheet
Your vision statement will be as unique as your church is, but there are some specific discussion questions that will help guide the process. Download this resource to help you build your vision statement
Your Church Vision Statement Should Include:
- Clear and Memorable Language: A vision statement should be easy to understand and stick in people’s minds.
- Future-Oriented Purpose: It paints a picture of where the church is headed or what it hopes to become.
- Christ-Centered Focus: The vision should reflect the gospel and align with God’s mission.
- Community Impact Intent: It should express how the church hopes to influence people or places.
- Inspiring and Motivating Tone: A strong vision energizes the church to move forward in faith.
Crafting Your Church’s Vision Statement
When crafting your vision statement, start by knowing and understanding the characteristics and strengths of your church. It should speak to its community, giftings, and the people it desires to reach in the future. Checking the ‘About Us’ page is a great place to start.
Step 1: Involve essential key leaders in the church.
Bring together trusted leaders—such as staff, elders, or long-time members—who understand the heart of your church. Their insight helps shape a vision that reflects the whole body.
Step 2: Consider the unique needs of your church
Think about where your church is located, who attends, and what challenges or opportunities are present. Every church has a different story and calling. Use church metrics to understand your congregation and its characteristics.
Step 3: Discuss the value your church brings to the Body of Christ
Ask what your church does best or most naturally. What are people drawn to? What part of God’s mission are you especially positioned to fulfill?
Step 4: Brainstorm and create multiple first drafts
Don’t try to get it perfect the first time. Write several different versions. Mix and match language. Keep it prayerful and collaborative.
Step 5: Refine your vision statement
Shorten your best draft. Remove extra words. Make sure it's clear, easy to repeat, and full of hope. Test it with a few people to see how it lands.
Church Vision FAQs
Do I really need vision and mission?
Yes—vision and mission give your church direction and unity. Without them, it’s easy to drift or become unclear about your purpose. They also help people know why your church exists and what you’re working toward.
What if it’s the same as other churches?
That’s okay! Many churches share a similar purpose—to glorify God and make disciples. What makes yours unique is how you express that calling in your context, with your people.
How long should it be?
A mission or vision statement should be one or two clear sentences. Aim for simple, memorable language that can be easily repeated and shared.
Who should be involved?
Start with your pastor and key leaders—elders, ministry staff, or long-time members who know the church well. Their insight will help shape a vision that’s faithful, realistic, and shared.
How much time should this take?
It varies, but expect a few focused weeks to several months. The goal isn’t speed—it’s clarity and unity. Give enough time to pray, reflect, and refine together.
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