Like it or not, your church has an image. It's your reputation. It's how people both inside and outside your congregation perceive you. It's what you're known for.

Most churches have the same basic purpose or vision of seeing people come to know God and then develop in their relationship with him. Any given church, however, has unique ways of fulfilling that vision.

The new testament is clear that the basic components of a church are worship, bible study, evangelism, caring for those in need and developing community. What's exciting is that God has given us freedom to be creative in how we accomplish those activities.

Further, just as each believer is uniquely gifted to contribute to the work of the Body of Christ, each congregation has unique strengths within the Body of Christ at large.These strong points are the basis of your image and identity. They are the unique niche that your church fills that your community desperately needs.

Having a clear understanding of your image generates focus and gives direction to your ministry. Without direction your church loses its effectiveness and in a sense is "spinning its wheels." With clarity and focus you can make decisions and invest your church's time and resources in programs and activities that support the unique calling God has given your congregation.

It's important to realize that your image is somewhat dynamic. In other words, over time, your image, the unique niche you fill may adapt and evolve. This can be due to cultural changes within your church or within the community your church is called to serve.

So whether you're a ministry in its infancy or a congregation with deep historic roots, take a look inward and find out what your unique strengths are. Find your niche. This will help you gain direction. Without it, you're not moving forward, only sideways. And in the meantime, you're losing effectiveness.

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
- Romans 12:4-6, NIV