Your Guide to Creating a Family Purpose Statement for a Year of Intentional Living

What if your family had a clear, guiding purpose that shaped every decision and action this year? Would that make your journey as a family easier to walk in God’s purpose as you face day-to-day life? 

One of the most powerful tools that your family can have in their toolbox is a Family Purpose Statement - a declaration that reflects God's calling for your family. This statement will keep you aligned with His will, and guide every decision, action, and interaction with a focus on fulfilling your family's eternal purpose in His kingdom. 

If your family has not taken the time to dive into what your purpose is and how to articulate that into  a statement, here’s a step-by-step guide to building just that. Let’s start by understanding the what and why behind a family purpose statement: 

What Is a Family Purpose Statement?

A family purpose statement is a concise declaration that clarifies your family’s specific calling in God’s plan. It’s not just about goals or values; it’s about discerning and being obedient to the purpose God has ordained for your family. It acts as a roadmap that keeps your family in His Word and reinforces that every decision reflects His design for your lives. 

Why Is a Family Purpose Statement Important?

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Your Family Purpose Statement creates piggybacks off of your family’s decided mission, vision and values (if your family has not yet established those, do so first by establishing those statements with our guide here). 

Purpose is your clear understanding of what God has called your family to be and do. It keeps your family rooted in faith to help you say "yes" to His calling and "no" to distractions. Without clear direction and understanding, you could invite chaos into the trajectory of your family’s legacy. 

When your family is aligned with God’s purpose, you become a vessel for His work, not just in the present but for generations to come. Your family’s identity, actions, and faith are transformed as you walk together in obedience to His calling.

How to Create Your Family Purpose Statement

1. Pray Together: Start by inviting God into the process. Seek His wisdom and guidance as you discern His will for your family. Ask Him to reveal the unique purpose He has for your household.
2. Reflect on Your Family’s Calling: Gather as a family and pray about what God has specifically called you to do. Ask questions like: How does God want us to serve? What is our role in His kingdom? What legacy do we want to leave for future generations?
3. Define Your Actions: Reflect on the purpose God has placed on your hearts as a family. This is the action part - what your family is called to do together in service of His Kingdom.
4. Write Your Purpose Statement: Combine your insights into a simple, meaningful statement. Keep it short, easy to memorize, and focused on God's calling.
5. Display and Review: Once you’ve written your Family Purpose Statement, display it where it is visible to everyone. Make it part of your daily life by reviewing it regularly at the dinner table or in your family meetings to ensure your family is always walking in your purpose statement. 

Living Out Your Family Purpose Statement

Creating a family purpose statement is only the beginning. The real impact comes from using it as a guide for daily decisions. Here’s how:

• Set goals: Align your family’s actions with your purpose statement. For example, if service is a priority, plan monthly volunteer activities.
• Stay accountable: Regularly check in to see how well your routines and actions reflect your purpose. Make sure to use this resource on how to have an effective family meeting.
• Encourage growth: Use the statement to inspire personal and spiritual development within your family.

Digging Deeper

If your family would benefit from taking your statements to a deeper level, visit the Legacy Stone Family Mission & Vision resource page for more guides, worksheets, and practical application for your family.