The seminar promises a specific outcome: a vision statement, a mission statement, and written, actionable goals for ministry, family, finances, health, social life, intellectual growth, and spiritual life.
You can do all of it in the goal planner—it saves to this device as you type.
Vision and mission
Where is God leading me, and how will I live it out?
Two statements do two different jobs, and confusing them is why most planning stalls.
- Vision is the long-term direction for your life. It answers: “Where is God leading me?” It is the big picture of God's plan and purpose for your life and ministry.
- Mission is how you will live that vision out day by day. It answers: “How will I achieve my vision?” It outlines the steps and actions you will take.
The handout gives a worked example of each:
To lead a life fully dedicated to spreading the Gospel, growing in Christ, and helping others discover the love of God. Vision example
To serve others by teaching the Word of God, using my gifts to mentor and equip young believers, and nurturing my family’s faith in Christ. Mission example
Writing your own statements
Three steps for each
Steps to write your vision
- Pray and reflect. Ask God to reveal His purpose for your life. What direction is He leading you in? How does He want to use you in your family, church, community, and work?
- Think long-term. Your vision should paint a picture of where you want to be in the future as you live out God's purpose.
- Be inspiring. Your vision should motivate and guide you as you move forward.
Steps to write your mission
- Start with your vision. Your mission should flow naturally from your vision and focus on how you will live it out practically.
- Identify key roles. Think about the different roles you play—parent, ministry leader, professional, friend—and how your mission will guide your actions in each.
- Focus on actions. Your mission statement should be actionable, outlining the steps you will take to fulfil your vision.
Exercise: write both statements now, in the planner or on paper. Examples from the handout: “To live a Christ-centred life that reflects God’s love and to lead others to a personal relationship with Jesus through ministry, service, and discipleship” (vision), and “To use my gifts in teaching and leadership to disciple others, to raise my family in the knowledge of Christ, and to live a life that reflects God’s purpose in all areas of my work and ministry” (mission).
Setting SMART goals
Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, Time-bound
Once vision and mission are clear, the goals come next. The SMART framework keeps a good intention from evaporating:
Name exactly what you will do, not the general direction.
Decide now how you will know it happened.
It describes something you do, not something you hope.
Within your actual gifts, season, and capacity.
A date or a duration, or it will drift.
The handout sets one example goal in each of the seven key life areas.
Ministry
Example goal: Lead a Bible study group for young adults every Wednesday for the next 3 months.
Family
Example goal: Spend 30 minutes each evening praying and reading Scripture with my family.
Finance
Example goal: Save 10% of my income each month to build an emergency fund for my family.
Health
Example goal: Walk for 30 minutes, four times a week, for the next 6 weeks.
Social life
Example goal: Host a monthly dinner with close friends to nurture deeper relationships.
Intellectual growth
Example goal: Read one Christian leadership book every month for the next 6 months.
Spiritual life
Example goal: Spend 20 minutes in prayer and Bible reading every morning for the next 3 months.
Goal writing exercise: for each life area, write at least one SMART goal that will help you live out your mission. Make sure each one is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Building the action plan
Three steps, applied to one goal
A goal is not a plan. The handout breaks the work down in three moves:
- Break down each goal. What specific actions will you need to take to achieve it?
- Identify barriers. What obstacles might you face, and how will you overcome them?
- Create accountability. Who will hold you accountable, and how will you track your progress?
The seminar's worked example, applied to leading a weekly Bible study group for young adults:
- Action 1: Choose a study topic and prepare materials.
- Action 2: Recruit participants from the church.
- Action 3: Schedule a weekly meeting time.
- Potential barrier: difficulty in scheduling due to conflicts.
- Solution: survey participants and choose a time that works for the majority.
- Accountability: share progress with a mentor or church leader.
Accountability and follow-through
The part that decides the outcome
The handout is clear that consistency and accountability are the key to actually arriving.
- Find an accountability partner. Share your goals with a trusted friend, spouse, or group who can check in with you regularly.
- Set milestones. Break your goals into smaller milestones and celebrate your progress along the way.
- Keep regular check-ins. Set a specific time each week or month to review your goals and reflect on your progress.
Final encouragement
And a prayer to close the session
Goal setting is a powerful way to align your life with God's purpose. As you begin implementing your goals, remember to trust in God's guidance and strength. The journey may have challenges, but with perseverance and faith, you will see the fruit of your efforts.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me a vision for my life and the tools to achieve it. Help me stay focused on Your purpose, and give me the strength to take the steps necessary to fulfil the goals I have set today. Guide me with Your wisdom, and help me to honour You in all areas of my life. Amen. The closing prayer, Naeem Khokhar
“Handouts for Setting and Achieving Goals for Evangelism”
By Naeem Khokhar. Prepared for the Haggai Leadership Seminar, Sahiwal, 22–24 May 2026. Used here with attribution; the full teaching belongs to the author.