What is mission drift?

Answer

Mission drift is a significant challenge for many organizations. It can be described as a deviation from the objectives outlined in an organization’s mission statement. Organizations that were once focused and purpose-driven can lose their way, becoming less effective and failing to achieve their intended goals. Mission drift is a common issue that can impact any organization.

Instances of mission drift include a church that shifts its primary focus to its food pantry, a parachurch ministry that becomes overly involved in politics at the expense of sharing the gospel, or a Bible translation ministry that expands its activities to include child sponsorship and well drilling, detracting from its core mission of translating the Bible.

If left unaddressed, mission drift often results in complete mission abandonment. A notable example of this is the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), which has moved away from its Christian roots. Many YMCA centers no longer prioritize Bible-based spiritual growth; instead, they emphasize healthy living, social responsibility, and humanitarian efforts.

Another well-known case of mission abandonment due to prolonged mission drift is Harvard University. An early publication from Harvard emphasized the importance of students focusing on knowing God and Jesus Christ as the ultimate purpose of their education. The university’s original motto,

Adopted in 1692, the motto of Harvard University was Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae, meaning “Truth for Christ and the Church.” However, the current motto is now simply “Truth,” and reading the Bible is no longer mandatory.

Mission drift appears to be a common tendency in various organizations, including churches. Over time, the challenge we all encounter is staying faithful to our mission. The temptation to deviate from our original purpose—resulting in mission drift—is a genuine concern.

Mission drift can occur either intentionally or unintentionally. In most instances, mission drift happens unintentionally and has adverse effects as it compromises the integrity of an organization. In a Christian ministry, mission drift can be triggered by neglecting the original mission statement, trying to align with changing societal norms, yielding to the preferences of major donors, or opting to soften an unpopular gospel message. As authors Peter Greer and Chris Horst point out, “The natural progression—the regrettable natural evolution of many initially Christ-centered missions—is to drift” (Mission Drift: The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches, Bethany House Publishing, 2014).

Mission drift is not an abrupt occurrence. It transpires when relatively minor decisions, accumulated over time, result in entirely different objectives and identities. Dr. Tony Dale, the founder of The Karis Group, described mission drift as something that “creeps on you so slowly and imperceptibly that if you don’t plan for it, you will have drifted before you realize what’s going on” (quoted by Spradlin, B. in “Mission Drift I: The Danger,” “Higher Thinking Blog,” 1/23/23, https://christianleadershipalliance.org, accessed 4/25/23).

Churches are constantly at risk of encountering mission drift. Some common indicators of mission drift in a church include: 1) a focus more on receiving than giving, 2) a lack of a Christ-centered community, 3) a self-absorbed vision that becomes disconnected from mission fields, and 4) church crises and conflicts.

Conflicts that overshadow the gospel message. Ultimately, a church’s mission statement should be centered on Christ’s Great Commission, which is to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

The temptation for mission drift is unavoidable, but churches and other ministries can take steps to preserve integrity and stay true to their calling:

1) Clearly define what the church’s mission is. Determine what the church’s core identity is and what matters most. Write it down.

2) Stay humble. Realize that anyone can fall prey to mission drift. As Greer wrote, “It’s not if we are drifting, but where are we drifting?” (op. cit.).

3) Abide in Christ «Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. », (John 15:4). The leaders should have an individual, daily practice of prayer and devotional Bible study. Leadership accountability is essential. As Proverbs 15:22 puts it, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.”

4) Create and maintain a team that encourages mission fulfillment. Hire only those people whose practices align with the mission that God has given.