Mission Drift

The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches

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A Christianity Today 2015 Book Award Winner

Is your organization in danger of Mission Drift?

Without careful attention, faith-based organizations drift from their founding mission.

It's that simple. It will happen.

Slowly, silently, and with little fanfare, organizations routinely drift from their purpose, and many never return to their original intent. Harvard and the YMCA are among those that no longer embrace the Christian principles on which they were founded. But they didn't drift off course overnight. Drift often happens in small and subtle ways. Left unchecked, it eventually becomes significant.

Yet Mission Drift is not inevitable. Organizations such as Compassion International and InterVarsity have exhibited intentional, long-term commitment to Christ.

Why do so many organizations--including churches--wander from their mission, while others remain Mission True? Can drift be prevented? In Mission Drift, HOPE International executives Peter Greer and Chris Horst tackle these questions. They show how to determine whether your organization is in danger of drift, and they share the results of their research into Mission True and Mission Untrue organizations. Even if your organization is Mission True now, it's wise to look for ways to inoculate yourself against drift. You'll discover what you can do to prevent drift or get back on track and how to protect what matters most.


Endorsements

No organization is exempt from the danger of drifting away from its original mission. In Mission Drift, Peter and Chris provide solid guidance for remaining laser-focused on core values--from the board level to daily organizational culture. This book is a timely message for any organization working hard to remain Mission True.

Wess Stafford, president emeritus, Compassion International

Peter Greer and Chris Horst have identified one of the deepest challenges any leader faces: how to ensure that an organization stays true to its mission, especially when that mission becomes countercultural.

Andy Crouch, executive editor, Christianity Today

Essential reading for twenty-first-century believers if we are to gain new vision, unity, and strength. Mission Drift is spine straightening, mind clearing, and courage inspiring. This book is true-north wisdom for leaders--and a gift of hope for the world God loves.

Kelly Monroe Kullberg, founder, The Veritas Forum and author, Finding God Beyond Harvard

Many of us in leadership have learned--often painfully--that our mission needs to be built into every aspect of our organization, from leadership to receptionist, from hiring to implementation. We can't afford not to follow the lessons in this valuable book.

Richard Stearns, president, World Vision U.S. and author, The Hole in Our Gospel and Unfinished: Believing Is Only the Beginning

Keeping an eternal perspective is essential in our work. Mission Drift gives a clear message inspiring and challenging us to intentionally keep Christ at the center of all efforts. As Paul commands us, 'Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.'

David Green, founder and CEO, Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.


The Authors

  1. Peter Greer
    © Michael Rothermel of Cursive Films

    Peter Greer

    Peter Greer (www.peterkgreer.com) is the president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered economic development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Prior to joining HOPE, Peter worked...

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  2. Chris Horst
    © Michael Rothermel of Cursive Films

    Chris Horst

    Chris Horst (www.chris-horst.com) is the chief advancement officer at HOPE International, where he employs his passion for advancing initiatives at the intersection of faith and work. In addition to his role at HOPE, Chris spends an alarming percentage of his...

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  3. Anna Haggard
    © Becky Svendsen

    Anna Haggard

    Anna Haggard is the executive writing assistant at HOPE International, where she collaborates with the president and CEO and the marketing department to share HOPE's message through print and social media. She coauthored The Spiritual Danger of Doing...

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Reviews

Written with clarity, boldness, and urgency, the authors provide insight into and examples of the causes and solutions to drift using the stories of real organizations...A must-read! Recommend this book to every business and church leader.

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From hiring practices to boardroom qualifications, and from measurement modalities to fundraising, the book outlines the common pitfalls to be avoided and the procedures to put into place to establish and protect an organization's original mission. It's a must-read for leaders, easy to read, practical, engaging and inspirational. The principals outlined not only apply to major corporations, but also to any organization, church and even to one's own personal life.

Mission Drift needs to go to the top of every pastor and leader's stack of things to read. It will be well worth the effort and time, and you will find yourself wanting to begin implementing what you've learned to safeguard your organization from drifting away from its mission.

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