Dr. Tom Rusk conducted three of the most memorable days of my University Associates Intern Training. His topic was Self Change, yet what I remember most was what he said about life’s mission. “If you can’t carry out your mission for life while in prison cell or from a hospital bed, it is too small.” So many mission statements are connected to environment, family or occupation. Dr. Rusk understood how we limit our mission by focusing on what we do rather than who we are. We have historical examples of big visions that have changed the world. St. Paul, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mendela were all imprisoned yet their vision could not be contained. Our Lord Jesus Christ’s mission was enfleshed in restrictive humanity and fulfilled in death on a cross. As we are confined, restrained and confused by the COVID 19 epidemic, we have the unique opportunity to honor our core values, live out our vision and accomplish our big mission.
During our Emergent Leadership Events we explore learning opportunities as a group. We explore our mission by looking at our Capacity (Being) and our Competency (Doing) to accomplish our mission.
Our vision for life is a developmental process based on the significant experiences of life both positive and devastating. These formative experiences shape our values as core principles to live by. Insights and core understandings guide what is our passion and specific pursuits become synchronistic with our being.
Our behavior is an ever changing pursuit of what is important to us. If our vision for life is focused and authentic with who we are, our behavior is aligned with that vision. We are constantly preparing, implementing and adjusting our actions to enhance the pursuit of our vision. The alignment of our being with our doing is purpose driven and the result is Mission Accomplished! Your unique, God given, purpose for life becomes more and more comprehended and apprehended.
If you don’t have a Mission Statement for your life, you might consider developing one and if you do, pursue one you can never finish until the great completion of all missions in Christ’s return.
Kurt Bickel, Emergent Leader Trainer, has 25 years of consulting experience. He is a Certified Professional Coach with the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland (2012) He holds a Masters Degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, (1995) and is a Certified Consultant for Organization and Human Resource Development, with The University Associates, San Diego. (1991) He is a Graduate of Concordia