Discussion Questions:
- Terry A. Smith talks about “keeping the main thing, the main thing.” What do you think that means in the context of church leadership and community?
- Tod Bolsinger mentions that people often assume everyone agrees on what the “main thing” is. Why do you think different people in a church or organization might have different views of the purpose or main thing?
- The episode discusses the importance of asking, “What’s our purpose? What is the reason we exist?” How would you answer these questions for your own organization or church?
- Tod introduces the idea of an eight-word mission statement. Why might limiting your mission statement to just eight words be helpful or challenging?
- What do you think about the process of clarifying the verb, target, and impact when creating a mission statement? How would you apply this in your context?
- The conversation highlights starting with the “who”—the people you’re called to reach. How can clarifying your target audience help your organization stay focused?
- Tod distinguishes between vision, mission, and values, suggesting that “vision is overrated.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- How can clearly defined mission and values help leaders and organizations make tough decisions about priorities, staffing, or funding?
- Jim Collins and Jerry Porras are quoted: “Once you get clear on what should never change, then you have to get prepared to change everything else.” What does this mean to you, and how can leaders embrace this mindset?
- Based on this conversation, what practical steps can you take within your own team or ministry to ensure you are not getting “caught up in the things that keep us from who we are supposed to be”?
