III.  Developing a Mission Statement
          
              We have put this section toward the end, not
         because it is the least important, but because it is the
         most important.  It is at the end of the booklet in
         hopes that it will be first in your considerations as
         you move ahead to put what you have learned into
         practice.
          
              Statements of purpose in mission must grow out of
         our understanding of the situation.  After you have
         familiarized yourself with the college or university and
         the community, it is critical that the group consider
         its mission.
          
              An interfaith or interdenominational group will
         represent a plurality of theological assumptions.  It is
         important that these be expressed.  Out of these
         expressions and your understanding of the academic
         institution and the community you will arrive at your
         purpose.
          
              Ask the individuals in the group to state simply
         "Why am I or my religious group involved in this
         ministry?" or "What in my faith challenges me to become
         involved in this ministry?"  These should be shared to
         help the group arrive at a clear statement of its
         purpose.
          
              Developing a statement of purpose can help campus
         and parish leaders clarify the priorities and focus on
         program expectations.  The ensuing discussion can
         provide an opportunity to discuss differences and to
         discover similarities.  It can set the stage for setting
         goals at a later time.