Why Every Couple Needs a Mission Statement

When people hear the phrase mission statement, they often think of businesses, organizations, or nonprofits. But in marriage, a mission statement can be just as powerful—if not more. Creating a mission statement for your marriage gives you and your spouse a clear, shared vision for your life together.

Instead of drifting through the years reacting to challenges, you intentionally build your relationship around shared values, priorities, and long-term goals. A mission statement becomes your compass, guiding decisions and keeping you both aligned, especially when life gets messy.

Helpful Resource: Christian Marriage Devotional Journal – A beautiful place to write and reflect on your mission together.

The Purpose of a Marriage Mission Statement

Think of your marriage mission statement as a foundation. It answers big-picture questions:

• Why did God bring us together?
• What kind of marriage do we want to build?
• How will we handle challenges?
• How will we serve others and glorify God as a couple?

When challenges arise, financial struggles, parenting stress, or career changes, your mission statement reminds you of your “why.” It keeps you from making decisions based solely on emotions in the moment and encourages unity.

Helpful Resource: Couple’s Vision Board Kit – Perfect for visually mapping out your shared goals and values.

Step 1: Pray and Seek God’s Direction

Since marriage is a covenant designed by God, the first step in creating a mission statement for your marriage is prayer. Ask the Lord to reveal His purpose for your union, your strengths as a couple, and the ways He wants you to impact others.

Pray individually and together. Write down any scriptures, impressions, or words that stand out. Often, God will align your hearts in ways that feel unmistakable.

Helpful Resource: The Love Dare Day by Day: A Year of Devotions for Couples – A devotional to keep prayer and unity at the center.

Step 2: Identify Your Core Values

Core values are the unshakable beliefs and priorities that shape your decisions. To define them, start with questions like:

• What matters most to us?
• How do we want others to experience our marriage?
• Which biblical principles do we want to model?

Examples of core values could be:

Faith in God, Honesty and transparency, Hospitality, Generosity, Lifelong learning, Serving together in ministry. Once you identify your values, you’ll have the “pillars” of your mission statement.

Helpful Resource: Couple’s Conversation Card Deck – Great for discovering and discussing each other’s values.

Step 3: Define Your Long-Term Vision

A vision is the big picture of where you want to be years from now. Ask:

• Where do we see ourselves in 5, 10, or 20 years?
• How do we want our marriage to influence our children, family, and community?
• What legacy do we want to leave?

This vision doesn’t have to be perfect or rigid, it’s a guiding light, not a cage.

Helpful Resource: Marriage Planning Journal – Helps couples set long-term goals and revisit them often.

Step 4: Write a Draft Together

Now that you have your prayers, values, and vision, it’s time to start creating a mission statement for your marriage in writing. Keep it:

• Short – One to three sentences
• Specific – Avoid vague phrases like “we want to be happy” and instead focus on how you’ll achieve it
• Biblically grounded – Incorporate scripture that inspires you

Example Marriage Mission Statements:

• “We will honor God through our marriage, support each other’s growth, raise our family in faith, and serve our community with generosity and love.”
• “Our mission is to build a Christ-centered marriage filled with joy, grace, and adventure, while inspiring others through our example.”

Helpful Resource: Custom Engraved Wooden Plaque – Display your marriage mission beautifully at home.

Step 5: Display and Live It Out

A mission statement is only powerful if you revisit it often. Keep it somewhere visible, on your fridge, framed in your bedroom, or as a page in your marriage journal.

Make it a point to review your mission annually, especially before big life decisions. As your marriage grows, you might refine it to reflect new seasons.

Helpful Resource: Scripture Wall Art Print – A daily visual reminder of your mission and God’s Word.

How a Mission Statement Strengthens Your Marriage

1. Clarity in Decision-Making – When opportunities or conflicts arise, your mission serves as a filter.
2. Unity in Purpose – You’re working toward the same vision instead of pulling in different directions.
3. Resilience in Trials – During challenges, your mission reminds you of your covenant and calling.
4. Legacy for Your Family – Your children and loved ones see your marriage as a model worth following.

Scriptures to Inspire Your Marriage Mission Statement

• “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1
• “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
• “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
• “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14

Helpful Resource: NIV Couples’ Devotional Bible – A Bible tailored for couples, with devotions to inspire your mission.

Tips for Keeping Your Mission Alive

• Revisit it monthly – Read it together during a date night or devotional time.
• Pray through it – Ask God to help you live it out in practical ways.
• Celebrate milestones – Acknowledge moments when you see your mission in action.
• Share it – Tell close friends or mentors about your mission so they can encourage you.

Helpful Resource: Christian Marriage Conversation Starters – Helps keep communication and mission-focused talks alive.

Final Thoughts

Creating a mission statement for your marriage isn’t just a one-time exercise, it’s an ongoing commitment. It’s about stepping into marriage with intentionality, aligning with God’s purpose, and building a shared vision that carries you through every season.

Whether you’ve been married for a month or 30 years, it’s never too early or too late to define your mission. When you live with purpose, guided by faith, your marriage can become a powerful testimony of love, unity, and God’s design.

Want more tips on building a Christ-centered relationship? Read our post on Nurturing Emotional and Spiritual Intimacy in Your Marriage for practical ways to strengthen your bond every day.