How We Transformed Our Family Life with a Mission Statement
How We Transformed Our Family Life with a Mission Statement
A few years ago, my husband and I realized that our family life looked nothing like we had imagined. We were overscheduled, disconnected, and completely drained from the constant busyness. It became clear that if we wanted things to change, we needed to slow down, reassess our values, and bridge the gap between the life we were living and the life we truly wanted.
That's when we decided to write a family mission statement—a guiding framework to help us live with intention.
The Challenge: How Do You Write a Family Mission Statement?
While I found plenty of advice on why mission statements matter, I struggled to find practical guidance on creating one. So, my husband and I developed our own step-by-step process, which we later shared on Circles of Faith.
We set aside a few hours, grabbed oversized sheets of paper, markers, and pens—plus a warm cup of tea—and worked through our Mission Statement Discussion Sheet. We reflected on our values, passions, and the kind of life we wanted to build for our family.
But even after multiple discussions, something still felt incomplete. Our statement didn't fully capture what we wanted our family to be.
The Missing Piece: Family Culture
As I researched how well-known companies developed their mission statements, I kept running into the concept of culture—and why it was crucial to their success.
That's when it clicked: we weren't just defining a mission but shaping our family culture.
What Is Family Culture?
Culture is the heartbeat of any organization—including families. According to Wikipedia, organizational culture is "the behavior of humans within an organization and the meaning that people attach to those behaviors."
Think about it:
Patagonia is known for its commitment to the environment.
Google is known for innovation and a stimulating work culture.
Chipotle is known for high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.
Just like businesses, families develop a unique culture—a set of values, beliefs, and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Your family culture shapes:
✔️ How you relate to one another
✔️ How you work together
✔️ How you navigate challenges and pursue goals
It's the DNA of your family, the foundation of "This is just how we do things."
Why Does Family Culture Matter?
Studies show that family culture plays a more significant role in shaping a child's development than parenting styles alone.
And here's the truth: Your family already has a culture. The question is—are you shaping it with intention?
👉 In the workplace, a strong culture keeps employees engaged.
👉 In a family, a strong culture fosters connection, belonging, and stability.
When life gets hectic (and it will), your family culture will anchor you and your children, keeping them grounded in shared values.
Want to Create Your Own Family Mission Statement? Here's How:
If you're ready to be intentional about shaping your family's culture, here's our suggestion:
✅ Set aside dedicated time with your spouse. No distractions—just focused conversation.
✅ Gather pen and paper. Take notes as you reflect and discuss.
✅ Reflect on your past together. Talk about your favorite childhood memories. Where did you spend most of your time—at home or a friend's? Why? What sights, sounds, and smells represent home to you?
✅ Consider what makes other homes feel welcoming. When you visit others, what makes you feel at ease? What do you always count on when you're with them?
✅ Determine what you want your family to be known for. You're already building a family culture—whether intentionally or not. Are the habits and values in place the ones you want to continue, or do you need to shift course?
✅ Brainstorm how to bring that culture to life. It may mean adjusting your schedule, realigning your priorities, or even rethinking how you spend money. The things you say yes and no to will shape your family's culture.
The insights from this process—our core values, passions, and priorities—became the foundation of our family mission statement. Just like a successful business, ministry, or organization, our mission statement, when adhered to, would cultivate the culture we desire.
Prefer the ease of listening to reading? No problem! Just click play to listen to this episode of The Family Culture Project. Ep. 1 What is Culture and What Does it Have to Do with Families? (Now the Build Your Best Family podcast.)
Want to start cultivating your family's culture?
Download this free Family Culture Discussion Sheet. It includes questions that will allow you to explore who you are as a family and challenge you to dream about what you could be together.
