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Today, I completed the book of Esther, it reminds me of Proverb 16:9. Though we made plans, in the end, God directs our every step. God can create a coincidence on purpose. I witnessed how God rescued His people, how God showed up in many coincidences - amendment to Singapore land lease policy at the right time when we were "voting" for decision, creation of new Code of Governance when we were reviewing our constitution, creation of the Forward Singapore Strategic Plan when we are now formulating our visions, and more to come in a manner that is "just in need, just in time".

God, thanks you thanks you. We commit our Startegic Plans, Vision, Mission and Values onto you.

Humble us to be sensitive to your Will and not to rely on our rigid minds. Burden us that we could not sleep well if we did not get what you call us to be. Give us God-fearing hearts to throw away our ways and always seek for your plans. One step at a time, always willing to make changes and seeking your confirmation when we move forward in our execution.

Amen 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

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A church's core values are like the ballast in a ship. Although storms may buffet a vessel above the waterline, it is the weight of the ballast in the hull of the ship, beneath the waterline, that allows it to weather the storm and reach its destination safely. Likewise, when a church faces crisis, it is the shared values of the congregation-defined, taught, and embraced in times of calm-that sustain it through the storms of transition.

The values of our organizations reflect the importance we attach to something that serves as an influence and a guide for transitioning team members' behavior. Some churches have well-defined and explained core values, but many don't. If the "head" of an organization is its vision and the "heart" of an organization is its mission, the "soul" of an organization is its values. The values of an organization can often be described with the following metaphors:

1. Glue: Values hold an organization together. When there is a discrepancy, alignment and a solution can be settled by reviewing the core values.

2. A foundation: Values provide stability for growth. The ultimate groundwork is that of morality, as noted in Proverbs 16:11 (MSG): "Good leaders abhor wrongdoings of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation."

3. A yardstick: Values set the standard for the transition team's behavior. We all know that what is measured is what gets attention, so clear expectations set the standard.

4. A compass: Values give direction and guidance. This can come in a variety of contexts, but values provide a clear path forward.

5. A magnet: Values attract good team members. Having the right people on the team is invaluable. How do you attract team members that promote the mission of the church? By having well-defined core values that they can identify with.

6. An identity: Values define and identify the team. This identity takes place when values align with behavior. Values without aligned behavior equals energy drain and ineffectiveness. Values with aligned behavior will produce energy bursts and effectiveness.

We all live by core values, whether we are aware of it or not. Organizational core values need to be identified and cultivated in the life of the church. These values not only guide the congregation and transitioning team's approach to ministry, but they also are key to attracting the right new leadership in times of transition. When core values are clearly expressed and practiced, they serve as a filter for identifying-and eliminating-candidates.

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A church's core values are like the ballast in a ship. Although storms may buffet a vessel above the waterline, it is the weight of the ballast in the hull of the ship, beneath the waterline, that allows it to weather the storm and reach its destination safely.

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Template on Vision Statement linking back to SWOT

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Template on Vision Statement linking back to SWOT

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SWOT Analysis - Strength

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Vision, Mission and Value Workshop Materials

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Vision, Mission and Value Workshop Materials

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Harliem's slides

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Breakout to 4 groups ..