May 21, 2025 • 31 mins
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The foundation of every successful Christian business is built on clear vision and purpose. But creating a vision statement isn't just about stringing together ambitious corporate jargon—it's about declaring your organization's God-given purpose and aligning your entire operation with biblical values and eternal impact.
Most business leaders make a critical mistake by either neglecting their vision statement altogether or hastily adopting someone else's without proper reflection. Your vision statement should be as unique as a fingerprint—no two should be alike. When properly crafted, this powerful tool becomes the compass that guides all strategic decisions, motivates your team, and creates a distinctive culture that stands out in the marketplace.
What separates companies like Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby, and Tyson Foods from their competitors? Their unwavering commitment to God-centered visions that permeate everything they do. Tyson's commitment to spiritual care is evident in their chaplaincy program, which provides pastoral leadership to employees across 400 facilities worldwide. These companies don't just pay lip service to values—they integrate them into daily operations.
Drawing from biblical wisdom including Proverbs 19:21 and Habakkuk 2:2-3, this episode provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to crafting your own God-centered vision statement. From seeking divine guidance through prayer to defining core values, clarifying your unique purpose, and effectively communicating that vision throughout your organization—you'll discover practical strategies that transform abstract concepts into actionable leadership principles.
Your vision statement must do more than hang on a wall; it should speak with a voice that inspires employees, attracts like-minded customers, and creates spiritual and material impact for generations to come. Whether you lead a small startup or an established corporation, this episode delivers the biblical framework and practical tools needed to articulate God's purpose for your business and step confidently into that divine calling.
Ready to create a vision that transforms your business and honors God? Listen, implement, and watch as clarity of purpose revolutionizes every aspect of your organization.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to the Christian Business Concepts with
your host, Harold Milby.
Christian Business Concepts isdedicated to guiding companies
and business owners in becomingeffective, efficient and
successful through God's Wordand godly principles.
Now, here's your host, HaroldMilby.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Thanks, kelly, and welcome everyone to this week's
Christian Business Conceptspodcast.
I'm so very excited, and evenhumbled, really, that you've
downloaded and decided to listento this podcast and I hope and
I pray you'll be encouraged,enlightened and empowered today
by what we talk about and, moreimportantly, I hope you'll
(00:42):
implement the biblicalprinciples that we discussed
today to find true godly successin your career or your business
and even in your personal life.
That's what we're about here atChristian Business Concepts and
we're so glad that you're apart of it Now this week.
I want to give a big shout outto the people in the Netherlands
(01:04):
Now this week.
I want to give a big shout outto the people in the Netherlands
.
What a great country and we somuch appreciate you in the
Netherlands for downloading somany podcasts.
And also I just want to kind ofgive another shout out to
Houston, texas, here in the US,for all of the downloads that
they've had this week, thatthey've had this week.
Thank you and thank all of youfor really for making CBC a part
(01:28):
of your weekly list of podcaststo listen to.
You could be listening to a lotof different people, but you
choose to listen to this podcastand we're so glad that you do
and we hope that you'll beministered to through the
different podcasts that youlisten to with us.
So we appreciate you.
Thank you so much.
(01:50):
You know, in our companyspotlight this week, I'd like to
draw your attention to thecompany here in the US.
They're worldwide but they'rebased here in the US and that's
Tyson Foods.
Tyson Foods they're primarily afood processing company.
They were founded by John Tysonand you know Tyson Foods.
(02:13):
They strive to honor God and bea faith-friendly company.
You know it's amazing, they'reone of the few companies that do
this but they actually employover 120 chaplains that they
have to help provide pastoralleadership and pastoral care to
(02:36):
their employees.
They care about their employeesbut they care about their
employees spiritually, but theycare about their employees
spiritually as well asphysically and financially.
And that chaplaincy program itwas started in 2000.
It offers so that's over 25years ago and it really offers
(02:56):
spiritual and emotional supportto all of their employees
worldwide.
They have 400, more than 400facilities worldwide and so they
really try to enhance theworkplace morale and the mental
health and a lot of that is donethrough their chaplaincy
program where they have all thechaplains.
(03:18):
You know, they fund Tyson fundsa lot of faith-friendly
business development and theysupport a lot of community
initiatives such as things likefood banks and disaster relief,
and they're also trying toaddress global hunger issues as
(03:39):
well.
So the company invests in a lotof sustainable practices.
They're trying to do their bestto reflect biblical stewardship
of their resources and theyreally have and try to have
purposely try to have aninfluence on the food industry
to try to get them to adopt alot of the same measures that
(03:59):
they're taking.
So they've had a great economicimpact.
They're actually the world'slargest chicken company and they
employ over 140,000 people andso that really supports
agricultural economies aroundthe world continue to strive to
(04:24):
be a leader in the food industryand they see that as a calling
and they just really try to leadwith their Christian business
values.
So you know we appreciate TysonFoods and we appreciate what
they're doing and what they'retrying to do in being a
Christian-run company.
So well done, tyson Foods.
We're so glad that you're doingwhat you're doing and keep it
(04:46):
up.
Thank you very much.
You know, one of the greatestmistakes that I see companies
make is this they do not takethe time or the seriousness of
having a well-thought-out visionstatement and, for Christian
(05:08):
businesses, a very God-centeredvision statement, and we're
going to talk about that.
We're going to talk about whatis a vision statement and
principles that can help youdraft and to write a
God-centered vision statement.
But there's so many companiesout there that just kind of on a
(05:31):
whim will read something andsay, oh, I like their vision
statement and they just kind ofadopt it.
It's a mistake, because youneed to know what the vision
statement is for your companyspecifically, individually, and
not try to take someone else's.
It really doesn't work that way.
It doesn't matter what theorganization is, whether it be a
(05:54):
church, whether it be anonprofit, whether it be a
business, a factory, it reallydoesn't matter.
A vision statement, in the mostsimplistic definition I can give
you, a vision statement is aconcise declaration.
It's a declaration or astatement of an organization's
(06:19):
purpose, what their aspirationsare and what their guiding
principles are.
So for Christian businessleaders, a God-centered vision
statement aligns thatorganization's mission.
It aligns their mission withbiblical values and what God's
(06:41):
purpose is for that business andwhat God's purpose is for that
business.
And so you know you want tomake sure that it reflects faith
and stewardship, because youknow your business can serve as
a beacon.
It really can, and so can yourvision statement, your vision
(07:04):
statement.
You know, if your business is abeacon to your community, then
your vision statement is abeacon to you and the
stakeholders and the people thatwork for you.
It is a great help if you'retrying to guide a lot of your
strategic decisions or you'retrying to motivate people or
you're trying to create culture.
So, for business leaders, awell-crafted vision statement.
(07:26):
It is so important, it is so,so, very important I cannot say
that enough for aligning yourteams and driving growth and
just giving you a lot of success.
So today we're going to explorethe importance of a
God-centered vision statementand we're going to try to
provide a step-by-step guide tomaking sure that you have one,
(07:47):
and I'll give you some examplestoo, as we go.
So why, first of all, is aGod-centered vision statement so
important?
Why does it matter?
Well, first of all, it alignsyour business with God's purpose
.
You know, proverbs 19, verse 21says many are the plans in a
person's heart, but it is theLord's purpose that prevails.
(08:10):
So a God-centered vision.
It ensures your business isserving God's kingdom rather
than just personal ambition.
It also and it matters becauseof your stewardship.
You know, christian leaders,we're called to be stewards of
(08:31):
our resources, which includesour time, our talent, finances,
and that's your organization,that's your department.
If you manage a department andwe're supposed to do that, we're
supposed to be a good stewardfor those resources and the
purpose of that is so we canglorify God.
That's what it says in 1Corinthians, 4 and 2.
(08:53):
So a vision statement is rootedin faith.
It's rooted in faith and itdirects all of these resources
towards the greatest impact thataccomplishes that purpose that
God has.
So, chick-fil-a, they have acorporate purpose and it says to
(09:13):
glorify God by being a faithfulsteward of all that is
entrusted to us and that reallyreflects a commitment that they
have to God's purpose.
It influences everything theydo, it influences all their
operations, it influences theircharacter.
So you know, that's why we needa God-centered vision statement
(09:37):
.
It also provides a lot ofclarity, a lot of direction.
You know, you get a lot offocus because a God-centered
vision statement it reallyclarifies the priorities and it
gives you really great biblicalprinciples to go along with that
, like integrity and compassionand justice, and it helps you to
(10:00):
make decisions, because you canlook back at that vision
statement and help makedecisions that are compatible
and that line up with thatvision statement.
So when you've got ethicaldilemmas or strategic choices,
that vision kind of serves as acompass, if I can say it that
way.
So a commitment to say somecompany would say honoring God
(10:24):
through excellence.
Well, that might help a leaderprioritize quality over cutting
corners.
You know, proverbs 16 and 3says commit to the Lord whatever
you do, and he will establishyour plans.
I think it's so important thatwe commit our plans to God and
understanding that when we takethe time, we take the time to
(10:45):
get that vision statement done,it really, really helps us to
commit our plans to him.
You know, for example let megive you an example.
So you know, maybe it's acompany, it's a Christian-owned
bakery, okay, so they mightadopt a vision statement that
says something like nourishcommunities with love and
(11:07):
integrity.
You know it just helps them toguide decisions that they make
when they look back at that.
And another thing that aGod-centered vision does it
inspires people, it inspires theemployees, it inspires
customers and partners.
You know it just helps tomotivate us because we're doing
(11:31):
this work as unto the Lord,which is what Colossians 3 and
23 says.
So it really enhances morale.
It helps you to have goodemployee retention rates so you
keep good employees.
It's good for your customersand partners because that vision
reflects your faith and yourvalues and you'll attract
(11:53):
like-minded customers andpartners and you build a lot of
trust and loyalty.
Proverbs 29, 18 says where thereis no vision, the people perish
.
But he that keepeth the lawhappy is he.
Where there is no vision, thepeople perish.
Because without a vision thepeople don't know where to go.
(12:14):
You know, yeah, you can day today tell people what to do, but
if they have a vision statement,it not only tells them why they
do it, but it gets them onboard and they understand the
importance of what they're doing, and so it just motivates
people.
But you've got to have a vision.
(12:35):
You have to have a vision.
Without it the people justbegin to die on the vine.
I mean they really do.
You know Hobby Lobby's visionreally emphasized.
Part of their vision statementsays honoring the Lord in all
that.
We do At that.
You know, they really try toresonate with customers who
share a lot of the same valuesand there's nothing wrong with
(12:57):
that.
It helps to develop a reallygood loyal customer base.
And then also, having aGod-centered vision statement,
it also reflects your faith.
It really publicly declares theleadership's faith, the owner's
faith.
It kind of serves like atestimony to who God is and what
(13:23):
his role is in your businessand I think that's important to
understand.
You see that in Matthew 5,verse 16.
You can read that and so itdoes that, and then it ensures
long-term impact.
Long-term impact, it's reallygot an eternal perspective, a
(13:50):
God-centered vision.
It really prioritizes theeternal outcomes, not temporary
profits.
It helps to focus on people'sspiritual and physical
well-being in these eternaloutcomes and it creates a legacy
, a legacy of faith whichimpacts future generations and
communities.
So you know there may bethere's a, for example, a
Christian nonprofit company mayhave a vision of to transform
(14:14):
lives through Christ's love.
That really emphasizes lastingchange over short-term gain.
And the other thing that it doesis that it really
differentiates your company oryour organization.
A vision statement should belike a fingerprint.
There should not be two alike.
(14:36):
A vision statement reallyhighlights what sets your
business apart.
It helps you to stand out, Iguess, in the competitive market
.
It helps you to stand out as adifferent type of company and it
really helps you to strengthenyour brand.
It helps you to strengthen yourbrand, it helps you to create
that brand, it reinforces yourbrand's promise, if we can say
(15:02):
it that way, and it helps you tobuild this recognition and,
more importantly, credibility.
So it's like Nike's vision tobring inspiration and innovation
to every athlete in the world.
That really emphasizesinclusiveness, it emphasizes
(15:22):
innovation and it really helpsthem to distinguish themselves
from their competitors.
And, lastly, what it does foryou, it really fosters
accountability.
It fosters accountability.
You know, jack Welch said onetime good business leaders
create a vision, articulate thevision passionately, own the
vision and relentlessly drive itto completion.
(15:47):
That's what good businessleaders do.
Jack Welch, of course, wasknown for really bringing
General Electric, or GE, to itsgreatness that we've seen over
the last 20 or 25 years, and sohe was credited for that as he
was at the helm of leadershipthere and led GE during that
time period.
(16:09):
You know, habakkuk, chapter 2,verses 2 through 3, says and the
Lord answered me and said Writethe vision and make it plain
upon tables that he may run.
That readeth it, for the visionis yet for an appointed time,
but at the end it shall speakand not lie.
Though it tarry, wait for itbecause it will surely come.
(16:32):
It will not tarry Now.
That, in a nutshell, is thepower behind having a vision
statement.
You know people will look atthat and you may not be there.
You know what your visionstatement says.
You may not quite be at thatplace, whatever that vision
statement is.
You may not be there yet, butthat's your vision, that's where
(16:54):
you want to go there yet, butthat's your vision, that's where
you want to go, that's what youwant to become.
And so you've got to look atthat vision.
You constantly look at it.
You constantly talk about it.
You may not say it exactly,like just repeat the vision
statement, but you talk aboutwhat that vision means all the
time in meetings and in thethings that you're trying to
accomplish.
(17:14):
It says the vision is yet foran appointed time.
You're going to get there.
You're going to get there.
But it also says notice, inHabakkuk 2 and then verse 3, it
says but at the end it shallspeak and not lie.
Your vision statement speaks,it has a voice, and that's why
it is so very, very important.
(17:35):
You know, if you really want tounderstand vision.
Take the time to read the bookof Nehemiah.
He had a powerful vision and hewas so good at communicating
this vision to all the remnantpeople of Israel in Jerusalem
that were under.
Basically, they were enslavedand they had been taken over.
(17:57):
And Nehemiah had this desire torebuild the walls and put the
gates back up in the city ofJerusalem.
A lot of people came againsthim, but he was able to cast
that vision to the multitudes.
But he was able to cast thatvision to the multitudes, which
helped them to rebuild the gatesand the walls in record time.
(18:20):
So that's a great place tostudy and look for and
understand the vision.
So how do you write aGod-centered vision statement?
When you begin to craft,crafting a God-centered vision
statement, it's going to requireprayer, it's going to require
reflection and you've got to beintentional about it, you know.
(18:44):
So let's talk a little bitabout a step-by-step guide here
to help you.
So first thing, step one,you've got to seek God's
guidance.
You need to pray, you need toask God for wisdom.
You know James 1 and 5 says ifyou lack wisdom, let him ask of
God who giveth liberally andupbraideth not.
God will give you that wisdom.
(19:04):
You know you need to study theWord of God, study the Bible,
you know.
Read Proverbs 3, 5 through 6.
Read Matthew 6, 33.
So that you can, you know, canground that vision in biblical
truth.
So you got to seek God'sguidance.
(19:30):
And then you've got to havethis reflection You've got to
consider how God's called you tolead and how the business can
glorify God.
That's important.
So you have to reflect on that.
Step two you've got to defineyour core values.
What are your core values?
You've got to know what yourcore values are.
Maybe they're integrity andstewardship, compassion,
excellence, humility.
(19:51):
So if you're a constructioncompany, humility, so you know
if you're a construction company, you might prioritize
stewardship.
You know, being careful withyour resources.
Or excellence, you know reallyhigh quality work and then
community serving others.
So you've got to know what yourcore values are.
So you have to define those.
And then you number three youreflect on purpose and on values
(20:16):
.
What is your purpose?
Why does your business exist?
I know there's a business partof that, but you were looking
for the spiritual side of thattoo.
So what impact, what kind of animpact do you want to have in,
say, five years, 10 years, oreven 20 years down the road.
So what are those values thatdefine your organization?
And so, to do that, I encourageyou get input from your
(20:39):
employees, get input from yourcustomers and partners, ask them
about things and begin to putsome good questions out there
for them to ensure that thatvision statement that you're
going to write really reflectswhat these people see as the
vision for your business.
(21:00):
Because they can have a clue,trust me.
Philippians 3 and 14 says Ipress on toward the goal to win
the prize for which God hascalled me heavenward in Christ
Jesus.
So he presses on towards thegoal to win the prize.
That's a vision, that's hisvision, that's his purpose.
So he's got that, that's thegoal, he's pressing towards it,
(21:23):
he's looking at it.
So that's important.
Paul's focus was on a God-givengoal, you know, and it really
inspired perseverance, not justin him, but in others around
Paul, those that he ministeredto.
I just think it's important.
(21:46):
So maybe, for example, a localbakery, maybe they identify
their purpose as bringing joythrough fresh baked goods.
It could be something like that.
The next step that you need totake is you need to envision the
future.
You need to think big.
Think big.
(22:07):
Imagine what you feel like thefuture of your industry, or your
business, maybe, or yourcommunity, or even your world.
How does your businesscontribute to that future?
What is it?
And, like I said, think big,don't be afraid to think big,
david Schwartz said one time.
He said believe big.
(22:29):
The size of your success isdetermined by the size of your
belief.
Think little goals and expectlittle achievements.
So think big, don't be afraidto dream.
You know, and dream big, don'tbe afraid of that.
Don't let people tell you that,oh, you're always, you know,
have these grandiose ideas andplans.
(22:50):
Great, that's what you want,you know.
It should really stretch you.
It should stretch yourorganization's current ambitions
, but yet it needs to beachievable, you know needs to be
achievable.
Jeremiah 29 and 11 says for Iknow the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord plans toprosper you and not harm you,
(23:10):
plans to give you a hope and afuture.
This, again, is letting youknow that God wants you to have
a vision and a purpose, and it'sso important for businesses to
do that.
The next thing that you need todo, then, is clarify your
purpose.
You need to ask what is yourbusiness's unique role in the
(23:31):
kingdom of God.
How does it serve customers,employees or the community, or
your community, in a way thatreally honors God?
You know, for example, maybe aChristian bookstore might say to
equip believers with resourcesfor spiritual growth.
That may be their purpose.
So you need to be able toclarify the purpose.
(23:55):
Then you need to envision whatGod's impact is going to be.
So imagine that long-termimpact of your business if it
really follows that visionstatement that God has.
How's it going to transformlives right?
Next, you've got to craft thatstatement.
Now you've got to begin towrite it, and what you want to
(24:18):
do is you want to make itconcise, so you want to aim for
about 10 to 20 words that aregoing to be very clear but
people will be able to rememberthem.
So you want to be concise.
You want to make sure youincorporate faith.
You want to have a reference toGod in there, or Christ,
(24:39):
biblical principles.
You got to make itinspirational.
So focus on the future and makeit something that inspires
action.
It inspires people to dosomething, and ensure that it
aligns right, that it reflectsyour purpose and your values,
(25:00):
your core values.
So you want to make sure thatthat happens.
But the next thing that you dobeyond that, once you've got it
written, you want to test it,you want to refine it.
So you want to get feedback.
Share the draft with a bunch oftrusted people maybe advisors
that you have, or people thatyou work with that you trust,
(25:22):
maybe mentors in your life tomake sure that it has that
clarity and it aligns with thefaith and the purpose that you
have.
So make sure it also alignswith the word of God too.
That's so important.
So make sure your statementreally reflects the word of God
(25:42):
and the biblical principles andmake sure it's practical.
Make sure it's practical.
You got to make sure it'sactionable.
You know what I'm saying.
It's got to be relevant to whatyour daily operations are.
And then, after you do that,you've got to begin to integrate
it and communicate it.
(26:03):
You've got to make it a part ofyour culture.
You just have to incorporateyour vision into every
department.
You've got to incorporate yourvision in your hiring practices.
If you don't think that personcan really get behind the vision
that you have for your business, then you shouldn't hire them.
It's that simple.
It should be reflected in yourtraining.
(26:24):
It should be reflected in anykind of decision-making
processes.
And then, after you've done this, you need to share it publicly,
display the vision.
Make sure it's on the website,make sure it's on your marketing
material, make sure it's framedand on the wall in office
spaces because you want toinspire people.
(26:44):
So there's a lot of differentways you can do that.
You can do banners.
I used to have banners all overthe factory that talked about
our vision, that talked aboutour mission.
So you can have signs, you canput it in your email signature,
you can put it in emails and,again, like I said before, your
literature or your promotionalmaterial.
(27:07):
And then in your meetings.
You know, make sure when youhave meetings you talk about it
right, and then live it out.
You got to live it out, you gotto model that vision.
So you, as a leader, you haveto live it, you have to show
them, you have to walk it,you've got to be authentic in
that vision, right?
So that's so critically, socritically important, so that's
(27:32):
so critically important.
So a couple of examples I'llgive you.
There's a Christian coffee shopand their vision is to create a
welcoming space where peopleexperience Christ's love through
community and exceptionalcoffee.
That's a great vision statement.
There's a financial firmcompany and their vision
(27:56):
statement is to honor God byguiding clients toward financial
stewardship and generosity.
What a great vision statement.
It helps them to reflect theircommitment to biblical
stewardship.
You know, there's amanufacturing company that has a
vision statement that says tocraft products with excellence,
(28:17):
reflecting God's creativity andcare for his people.
And then there's a healthcareclinic also that has a vision
statement that says Also thathas a vision statement that says
to provide compassionate carethat restores body and soul,
reflecting Christ's healing love.
So those are just some examples.
(28:52):
But make sure, once you'vewritten this vision statement
especially if it's your firsttime you want to make sure you
review it on a regular basis.
You want to make sure that youincorporated your employees, you
engaged them when you wereputting it together, but also,
when you train new employees,make sure they understand the
vision and that they canarticulate it before you get
them fully trained.
So that's one of the things youneed to do and just be
accountable.
Be accountable to it.
So take time this week, I think, to pray and reflect on your
(29:17):
business's purpose and thendraft a God-centered vision
statement, using the steps thatwe talked about today, and share
that with somebody that youtrust for feedback, and then you
begin to integrate it into youroperations and you begin to
communicate it and I guaranteeyou you'll see a transformative
power at work in your business.
(29:41):
I truly believe that, because aGod-centered vision statement is
a powerful tool.
It's a very powerful tool forChristian business leaders,
powerful tool.
It's a very powerful tool forChristian business leaders and
it helps you to align your workwith God's purpose.
It helps you to inspire leaders,inspire other employees and
ensure really a lasting impact.
(30:03):
Lord, we come before you todayand, lord, I ask you humbly,
lord, that you would help everyone of those people who have
listened to this podcast todayto see the importance of it and
the power, lord, of having aGod-centered vision for their
organization.
Lord, I pray that you'll helpthem to see the impact, lord, of
(30:24):
having this vision that theycan articulate and help them to
communicate it well.
Lord and Lord, I thank you andI ask your blessings upon them
and their businesses in the nameof Jesus, amen and amen.
Well, thank you again fordownloading and listening to
this week's CBC podcast.
(30:45):
Please help us to grow theChristian Business Concepts
family by sharing this podcastwith four or five other people,
and even posting the link to thepodcast on your Facebook and
your LinkedIn pages.
So make sure you just do a postand post that on your LinkedIn
and your Facebook as well.
(31:06):
So looks like that's all thetime we've got for this week, so
until next time, remember thatJesus is Lord and he wants you
blessed.
Speaker 1 (31:18):
Thank you for tuning into this week's Christian
Business Concepts podcast.
Go tochristianbusinessconceptscom for
more information and resources.
Be sure to check out otherpodcasts that will help you take
your business and your personallife to a whole new level of
success.
Welcome to the Christian Business Concepts with
your host, Harold Milby.
Christian Business Concepts isdedicated to guiding companies
and business owners in becomingeffective, efficient and
successful through God's Wordand godly principles.
Now, here's your host, HaroldMilby.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Thanks, kelly, and welcome everyone to this week's
Christian Business Conceptspodcast.
I'm so very excited, and evenhumbled, really, that you've
downloaded and decided to listento this podcast and I hope and
I pray you'll be encouraged,enlightened and empowered today
by what we talk about and, moreimportantly, I hope you'll
(00:42):
implement the biblicalprinciples that we discussed
today to find true godly successin your career or your business
and even in your personal life.
That's what we're about here atChristian Business Concepts and
we're so glad that you're apart of it Now this week.
I want to give a big shout outto the people in the Netherlands
(01:04):
Now this week.
I want to give a big shout outto the people in the Netherlands
.
What a great country and we somuch appreciate you in the
Netherlands for downloading somany podcasts.
And also I just want to kind ofgive another shout out to
Houston, texas, here in the US,for all of the downloads that
they've had this week, thatthey've had this week.
Thank you and thank all of youfor really for making CBC a part
(01:28):
of your weekly list of podcaststo listen to.
You could be listening to a lotof different people, but you
choose to listen to this podcastand we're so glad that you do
and we hope that you'll beministered to through the
different podcasts that youlisten to with us.
So we appreciate you.
Thank you so much.
(01:50):
You know, in our companyspotlight this week, I'd like to
draw your attention to thecompany here in the US.
They're worldwide but they'rebased here in the US and that's
Tyson Foods.
Tyson Foods they're primarily afood processing company.
They were founded by John Tysonand you know Tyson Foods.
(02:13):
They strive to honor God and bea faith-friendly company.
You know it's amazing, they'reone of the few companies that do
this but they actually employover 120 chaplains that they
have to help provide pastoralleadership and pastoral care to
(02:36):
their employees.
They care about their employeesbut they care about their
employees spiritually, but theycare about their employees
spiritually as well asphysically and financially.
And that chaplaincy program itwas started in 2000.
It offers so that's over 25years ago and it really offers
(02:56):
spiritual and emotional supportto all of their employees
worldwide.
They have 400, more than 400facilities worldwide and so they
really try to enhance theworkplace morale and the mental
health and a lot of that is donethrough their chaplaincy
program where they have all thechaplains.
(03:18):
You know, they fund Tyson fundsa lot of faith-friendly
business development and theysupport a lot of community
initiatives such as things likefood banks and disaster relief,
and they're also trying toaddress global hunger issues as
(03:39):
well.
So the company invests in a lotof sustainable practices.
They're trying to do their bestto reflect biblical stewardship
of their resources and theyreally have and try to have
purposely try to have aninfluence on the food industry
to try to get them to adopt alot of the same measures that
(03:59):
they're taking.
So they've had a great economicimpact.
They're actually the world'slargest chicken company and they
employ over 140,000 people andso that really supports
agricultural economies aroundthe world continue to strive to
(04:24):
be a leader in the food industryand they see that as a calling
and they just really try to leadwith their Christian business
values.
So you know we appreciate TysonFoods and we appreciate what
they're doing and what they'retrying to do in being a
Christian-run company.
So well done, tyson Foods.
We're so glad that you're doingwhat you're doing and keep it
(04:46):
up.
Thank you very much.
You know, one of the greatestmistakes that I see companies
make is this they do not takethe time or the seriousness of
having a well-thought-out visionstatement and, for Christian
(05:08):
businesses, a very God-centeredvision statement, and we're
going to talk about that.
We're going to talk about whatis a vision statement and
principles that can help youdraft and to write a
God-centered vision statement.
But there's so many companiesout there that just kind of on a
(05:31):
whim will read something andsay, oh, I like their vision
statement and they just kind ofadopt it.
It's a mistake, because youneed to know what the vision
statement is for your companyspecifically, individually, and
not try to take someone else's.
It really doesn't work that way.
It doesn't matter what theorganization is, whether it be a
(05:54):
church, whether it be anonprofit, whether it be a
business, a factory, it reallydoesn't matter.
A vision statement, in the mostsimplistic definition I can give
you, a vision statement is aconcise declaration.
It's a declaration or astatement of an organization's
(06:19):
purpose, what their aspirationsare and what their guiding
principles are.
So for Christian businessleaders, a God-centered vision
statement aligns thatorganization's mission.
It aligns their mission withbiblical values and what God's
(06:41):
purpose is for that business andwhat God's purpose is for that
business.
And so you know you want tomake sure that it reflects faith
and stewardship, because youknow your business can serve as
a beacon.
It really can, and so can yourvision statement, your vision
(07:04):
statement.
You know, if your business is abeacon to your community, then
your vision statement is abeacon to you and the
stakeholders and the people thatwork for you.
It is a great help if you'retrying to guide a lot of your
strategic decisions or you'retrying to motivate people or
you're trying to create culture.
So, for business leaders, awell-crafted vision statement.
(07:26):
It is so important, it is so,so, very important I cannot say
that enough for aligning yourteams and driving growth and
just giving you a lot of success.
So today we're going to explorethe importance of a
God-centered vision statementand we're going to try to
provide a step-by-step guide tomaking sure that you have one,
(07:47):
and I'll give you some examplestoo, as we go.
So why, first of all, is aGod-centered vision statement so
important?
Why does it matter?
Well, first of all, it alignsyour business with God's purpose
.
You know, proverbs 19, verse 21says many are the plans in a
person's heart, but it is theLord's purpose that prevails.
(08:10):
So a God-centered vision.
It ensures your business isserving God's kingdom rather
than just personal ambition.
It also and it matters becauseof your stewardship.
You know, christian leaders,we're called to be stewards of
(08:31):
our resources, which includesour time, our talent, finances,
and that's your organization,that's your department.
If you manage a department andwe're supposed to do that, we're
supposed to be a good stewardfor those resources and the
purpose of that is so we canglorify God.
That's what it says in 1Corinthians, 4 and 2.
(08:53):
So a vision statement is rootedin faith.
It's rooted in faith and itdirects all of these resources
towards the greatest impact thataccomplishes that purpose that
God has.
So, chick-fil-a, they have acorporate purpose and it says to
(09:13):
glorify God by being a faithfulsteward of all that is
entrusted to us and that reallyreflects a commitment that they
have to God's purpose.
It influences everything theydo, it influences all their
operations, it influences theircharacter.
So you know, that's why we needa God-centered vision statement
(09:37):
.
It also provides a lot ofclarity, a lot of direction.
You know, you get a lot offocus because a God-centered
vision statement it reallyclarifies the priorities and it
gives you really great biblicalprinciples to go along with that
, like integrity and compassionand justice, and it helps you to
(10:00):
make decisions, because you canlook back at that vision
statement and help makedecisions that are compatible
and that line up with thatvision statement.
So when you've got ethicaldilemmas or strategic choices,
that vision kind of serves as acompass, if I can say it that
way.
So a commitment to say somecompany would say honoring God
(10:24):
through excellence.
Well, that might help a leaderprioritize quality over cutting
corners.
You know, proverbs 16 and 3says commit to the Lord whatever
you do, and he will establishyour plans.
I think it's so important thatwe commit our plans to God and
understanding that when we takethe time, we take the time to
(10:45):
get that vision statement done,it really, really helps us to
commit our plans to him.
You know, for example let megive you an example.
So you know, maybe it's acompany, it's a Christian-owned
bakery, okay, so they mightadopt a vision statement that
says something like nourishcommunities with love and
(11:07):
integrity.
You know it just helps them toguide decisions that they make
when they look back at that.
And another thing that aGod-centered vision does it
inspires people, it inspires theemployees, it inspires
customers and partners.
You know it just helps tomotivate us because we're doing
(11:31):
this work as unto the Lord,which is what Colossians 3 and
23 says.
So it really enhances morale.
It helps you to have goodemployee retention rates so you
keep good employees.
It's good for your customersand partners because that vision
reflects your faith and yourvalues and you'll attract
(11:53):
like-minded customers andpartners and you build a lot of
trust and loyalty.
Proverbs 29, 18 says where thereis no vision, the people perish
.
But he that keepeth the lawhappy is he.
Where there is no vision, thepeople perish.
Because without a vision thepeople don't know where to go.
(12:14):
You know, yeah, you can day today tell people what to do, but
if they have a vision statement,it not only tells them why they
do it, but it gets them onboard and they understand the
importance of what they're doing, and so it just motivates
people.
But you've got to have a vision.
(12:35):
You have to have a vision.
Without it the people justbegin to die on the vine.
I mean they really do.
You know Hobby Lobby's visionreally emphasized.
Part of their vision statementsays honoring the Lord in all
that.
We do At that.
You know, they really try toresonate with customers who
share a lot of the same valuesand there's nothing wrong with
(12:57):
that.
It helps to develop a reallygood loyal customer base.
And then also, having aGod-centered vision statement,
it also reflects your faith.
It really publicly declares theleadership's faith, the owner's
faith.
It kind of serves like atestimony to who God is and what
(13:23):
his role is in your businessand I think that's important to
understand.
You see that in Matthew 5,verse 16.
You can read that and so itdoes that, and then it ensures
long-term impact.
Long-term impact, it's reallygot an eternal perspective, a
(13:50):
God-centered vision.
It really prioritizes theeternal outcomes, not temporary
profits.
It helps to focus on people'sspiritual and physical
well-being in these eternaloutcomes and it creates a legacy
, a legacy of faith whichimpacts future generations and
communities.
So you know there may bethere's a, for example, a
Christian nonprofit company mayhave a vision of to transform
(14:14):
lives through Christ's love.
That really emphasizes lastingchange over short-term gain.
And the other thing that it doesis that it really
differentiates your company oryour organization.
A vision statement should belike a fingerprint.
There should not be two alike.
(14:36):
A vision statement reallyhighlights what sets your
business apart.
It helps you to stand out, Iguess, in the competitive market
.
It helps you to stand out as adifferent type of company and it
really helps you to strengthenyour brand.
It helps you to strengthen yourbrand, it helps you to create
that brand, it reinforces yourbrand's promise, if we can say
(15:02):
it that way, and it helps you tobuild this recognition and,
more importantly, credibility.
So it's like Nike's vision tobring inspiration and innovation
to every athlete in the world.
That really emphasizesinclusiveness, it emphasizes
(15:22):
innovation and it really helpsthem to distinguish themselves
from their competitors.
And, lastly, what it does foryou, it really fosters
accountability.
It fosters accountability.
You know, jack Welch said onetime good business leaders
create a vision, articulate thevision passionately, own the
vision and relentlessly drive itto completion.
(15:47):
That's what good businessleaders do.
Jack Welch, of course, wasknown for really bringing
General Electric, or GE, to itsgreatness that we've seen over
the last 20 or 25 years, and sohe was credited for that as he
was at the helm of leadershipthere and led GE during that
time period.
(16:09):
You know, habakkuk, chapter 2,verses 2 through 3, says and the
Lord answered me and said Writethe vision and make it plain
upon tables that he may run.
That readeth it, for the visionis yet for an appointed time,
but at the end it shall speakand not lie.
Though it tarry, wait for itbecause it will surely come.
(16:32):
It will not tarry Now.
That, in a nutshell, is thepower behind having a vision
statement.
You know people will look atthat and you may not be there.
You know what your visionstatement says.
You may not quite be at thatplace, whatever that vision
statement is.
You may not be there yet, butthat's your vision, that's where
(16:54):
you want to go there yet, butthat's your vision, that's where
you want to go, that's what youwant to become.
And so you've got to look atthat vision.
You constantly look at it.
You constantly talk about it.
You may not say it exactly,like just repeat the vision
statement, but you talk aboutwhat that vision means all the
time in meetings and in thethings that you're trying to
accomplish.
(17:14):
It says the vision is yet foran appointed time.
You're going to get there.
You're going to get there.
But it also says notice, inHabakkuk 2 and then verse 3, it
says but at the end it shallspeak and not lie.
Your vision statement speaks,it has a voice, and that's why
it is so very, very important.
(17:35):
You know, if you really want tounderstand vision.
Take the time to read the bookof Nehemiah.
He had a powerful vision and hewas so good at communicating
this vision to all the remnantpeople of Israel in Jerusalem
that were under.
Basically, they were enslavedand they had been taken over.
(17:57):
And Nehemiah had this desire torebuild the walls and put the
gates back up in the city ofJerusalem.
A lot of people came againsthim, but he was able to cast
that vision to the multitudes.
But he was able to cast thatvision to the multitudes, which
helped them to rebuild the gatesand the walls in record time.
(18:20):
So that's a great place tostudy and look for and
understand the vision.
So how do you write aGod-centered vision statement?
When you begin to craft,crafting a God-centered vision
statement, it's going to requireprayer, it's going to require
reflection and you've got to beintentional about it, you know.
(18:44):
So let's talk a little bitabout a step-by-step guide here
to help you.
So first thing, step one,you've got to seek God's
guidance.
You need to pray, you need toask God for wisdom.
You know James 1 and 5 says ifyou lack wisdom, let him ask of
God who giveth liberally andupbraideth not.
God will give you that wisdom.
(19:04):
You know you need to study theWord of God, study the Bible,
you know.
Read Proverbs 3, 5 through 6.
Read Matthew 6, 33.
So that you can, you know, canground that vision in biblical
truth.
So you got to seek God'sguidance.
(19:30):
And then you've got to havethis reflection You've got to
consider how God's called you tolead and how the business can
glorify God.
That's important.
So you have to reflect on that.
Step two you've got to defineyour core values.
What are your core values?
You've got to know what yourcore values are.
Maybe they're integrity andstewardship, compassion,
excellence, humility.
(19:51):
So if you're a constructioncompany, humility, so you know
if you're a construction company, you might prioritize
stewardship.
You know, being careful withyour resources.
Or excellence, you know reallyhigh quality work and then
community serving others.
So you've got to know what yourcore values are.
So you have to define those.
And then you number three youreflect on purpose and on values
(20:16):
.
What is your purpose?
Why does your business exist?
I know there's a business partof that, but you were looking
for the spiritual side of thattoo.
So what impact, what kind of animpact do you want to have in,
say, five years, 10 years, oreven 20 years down the road.
So what are those values thatdefine your organization?
And so, to do that, I encourageyou get input from your
(20:39):
employees, get input from yourcustomers and partners, ask them
about things and begin to putsome good questions out there
for them to ensure that thatvision statement that you're
going to write really reflectswhat these people see as the
vision for your business.
(21:00):
Because they can have a clue,trust me.
Philippians 3 and 14 says Ipress on toward the goal to win
the prize for which God hascalled me heavenward in Christ
Jesus.
So he presses on towards thegoal to win the prize.
That's a vision, that's hisvision, that's his purpose.
So he's got that, that's thegoal, he's pressing towards it,
(21:23):
he's looking at it.
So that's important.
Paul's focus was on a God-givengoal, you know, and it really
inspired perseverance, not justin him, but in others around
Paul, those that he ministeredto.
I just think it's important.
(21:46):
So maybe, for example, a localbakery, maybe they identify
their purpose as bringing joythrough fresh baked goods.
It could be something like that.
The next step that you need totake is you need to envision the
future.
You need to think big.
Think big.
(22:07):
Imagine what you feel like thefuture of your industry, or your
business, maybe, or yourcommunity, or even your world.
How does your businesscontribute to that future?
What is it?
And, like I said, think big,don't be afraid to think big,
david Schwartz said one time.
He said believe big.
(22:29):
The size of your success isdetermined by the size of your
belief.
Think little goals and expectlittle achievements.
So think big, don't be afraidto dream.
You know, and dream big, don'tbe afraid of that.
Don't let people tell you that,oh, you're always, you know,
have these grandiose ideas andplans.
(22:50):
Great, that's what you want,you know.
It should really stretch you.
It should stretch yourorganization's current ambitions
, but yet it needs to beachievable, you know needs to be
achievable.
Jeremiah 29 and 11 says for Iknow the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord plans toprosper you and not harm you,
(23:10):
plans to give you a hope and afuture.
This, again, is letting youknow that God wants you to have
a vision and a purpose, and it'sso important for businesses to
do that.
The next thing that you need todo, then, is clarify your
purpose.
You need to ask what is yourbusiness's unique role in the
(23:31):
kingdom of God.
How does it serve customers,employees or the community, or
your community, in a way thatreally honors God?
You know, for example, maybe aChristian bookstore might say to
equip believers with resourcesfor spiritual growth.
That may be their purpose.
So you need to be able toclarify the purpose.
(23:55):
Then you need to envision whatGod's impact is going to be.
So imagine that long-termimpact of your business if it
really follows that visionstatement that God has.
How's it going to transformlives right?
Next, you've got to craft thatstatement.
Now you've got to begin towrite it, and what you want to
(24:18):
do is you want to make itconcise, so you want to aim for
about 10 to 20 words that aregoing to be very clear but
people will be able to rememberthem.
So you want to be concise.
You want to make sure youincorporate faith.
You want to have a reference toGod in there, or Christ,
(24:39):
biblical principles.
You got to make itinspirational.
So focus on the future and makeit something that inspires
action.
It inspires people to dosomething, and ensure that it
aligns right, that it reflectsyour purpose and your values,
(25:00):
your core values.
So you want to make sure thatthat happens.
But the next thing that you dobeyond that, once you've got it
written, you want to test it,you want to refine it.
So you want to get feedback.
Share the draft with a bunch oftrusted people maybe advisors
that you have, or people thatyou work with that you trust,
(25:22):
maybe mentors in your life tomake sure that it has that
clarity and it aligns with thefaith and the purpose that you
have.
So make sure it also alignswith the word of God too.
That's so important.
So make sure your statementreally reflects the word of God
(25:42):
and the biblical principles andmake sure it's practical.
Make sure it's practical.
You got to make sure it'sactionable.
You know what I'm saying.
It's got to be relevant to whatyour daily operations are.
And then, after you do that,you've got to begin to integrate
it and communicate it.
(26:03):
You've got to make it a part ofyour culture.
You just have to incorporateyour vision into every
department.
You've got to incorporate yourvision in your hiring practices.
If you don't think that personcan really get behind the vision
that you have for your business, then you shouldn't hire them.
It's that simple.
It should be reflected in yourtraining.
(26:24):
It should be reflected in anykind of decision-making
processes.
And then, after you've done this, you need to share it publicly,
display the vision.
Make sure it's on the website,make sure it's on your marketing
material, make sure it's framedand on the wall in office
spaces because you want toinspire people.
(26:44):
So there's a lot of differentways you can do that.
You can do banners.
I used to have banners all overthe factory that talked about
our vision, that talked aboutour mission.
So you can have signs, you canput it in your email signature,
you can put it in emails and,again, like I said before, your
literature or your promotionalmaterial.
(27:07):
And then in your meetings.
You know, make sure when youhave meetings you talk about it
right, and then live it out.
You got to live it out, you gotto model that vision.
So you, as a leader, you haveto live it, you have to show
them, you have to walk it,you've got to be authentic in
that vision, right?
So that's so critically, socritically important, so that's
(27:32):
so critically important.
So a couple of examples I'llgive you.
There's a Christian coffee shopand their vision is to create a
welcoming space where peopleexperience Christ's love through
community and exceptionalcoffee.
That's a great vision statement.
There's a financial firmcompany and their vision
(27:56):
statement is to honor God byguiding clients toward financial
stewardship and generosity.
What a great vision statement.
It helps them to reflect theircommitment to biblical
stewardship.
You know, there's amanufacturing company that has a
vision statement that says tocraft products with excellence,
(28:17):
reflecting God's creativity andcare for his people.
And then there's a healthcareclinic also that has a vision
statement that says Also thathas a vision statement that says
to provide compassionate carethat restores body and soul,
reflecting Christ's healing love.
So those are just some examples.
(28:52):
But make sure, once you'vewritten this vision statement
especially if it's your firsttime you want to make sure you
review it on a regular basis.
You want to make sure that youincorporated your employees, you
engaged them when you wereputting it together, but also,
when you train new employees,make sure they understand the
vision and that they canarticulate it before you get
them fully trained.
So that's one of the things youneed to do and just be
accountable.
Be accountable to it.
So take time this week, I think, to pray and reflect on your
(29:17):
business's purpose and thendraft a God-centered vision
statement, using the steps thatwe talked about today, and share
that with somebody that youtrust for feedback, and then you
begin to integrate it into youroperations and you begin to
communicate it and I guaranteeyou you'll see a transformative
power at work in your business.
(29:41):
I truly believe that, because aGod-centered vision statement is
a powerful tool.
It's a very powerful tool forChristian business leaders,
powerful tool.
It's a very powerful tool forChristian business leaders and
it helps you to align your workwith God's purpose.
It helps you to inspire leaders,inspire other employees and
ensure really a lasting impact.
(30:03):
Lord, we come before you todayand, lord, I ask you humbly,
lord, that you would help everyone of those people who have
listened to this podcast todayto see the importance of it and
the power, lord, of having aGod-centered vision for their
organization.
Lord, I pray that you'll helpthem to see the impact, lord, of
(30:24):
having this vision that theycan articulate and help them to
communicate it well.
Lord and Lord, I thank you andI ask your blessings upon them
and their businesses in the nameof Jesus, amen and amen.
Well, thank you again fordownloading and listening to
this week's CBC podcast.
(30:45):
Please help us to grow theChristian Business Concepts
family by sharing this podcastwith four or five other people,
and even posting the link to thepodcast on your Facebook and
your LinkedIn pages.
So make sure you just do a postand post that on your LinkedIn
and your Facebook as well.
(31:06):
So looks like that's all thetime we've got for this week, so
until next time, remember thatJesus is Lord and he wants you
blessed.
Speaker 1 (31:18):
Thank you for tuning into this week's Christian
Business Concepts podcast.
Go tochristianbusinessconceptscom for
more information and resources.
Be sure to check out otherpodcasts that will help you take
your business and your personallife to a whole new level of
success.
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