Clear.
Clarity is one of the things I’ve sought more than almost anything else in life. And I know I’m not alone. I know dozens of leaders right now who are searching for clarity—some navigating complex business circumstances, others running teams that seem to be pulling in different directions, and still others re-evaluating what they’re even trying to achieve in the first place.
That’s normal, by the way.
Many ventures begin with a sense of competency in a particular field or a passion for a specific cause. Once things are in motion, the learning begins—and often, so does the questioning. Re-evaluating what you're trying to impact is not a sign of failure; it's a sign of growth. It’s healthy.
I’ve gotten this wrong in the past. But because of those mistakes, a few of the things I’m involved in today have become much clearer. Tithe Foundation is one of them.
What I love about the mission we’re on through Tithe Foundation is that it’s simple and clear:
"Honor God with our work, love our neighbor with proceeds, and help others do the same."
Missions that last typically revolve around just a few meaningful components. When those components are aligned, clarity becomes the foundation. Here are five key questions I’ve found essential to creating and sustaining clarity in any mission:
WHO?
Who should be on the mission? Just as importantly, who is the mission for?
WHY?
Why is the mission important enough to pursue? This answer can’t be manufactured—it has to come from something real.
WHERE?
Where is the impact focused? Are we going broad, or are we aiming to influence a specific place or group?
WHAT?
What actions will we take to fulfill the mission? Ideas must translate into action over time.
HOW?
What systems, rhythms, and accountability structures will we use to ensure we’re progressing and staying on course?
These questions may seem simple, but they’re not easy. If the answers are too vague or shallow, the cracks will show over time.
Let me walk you through how we’ve addressed each of these within Tithe Foundation:
OUR WHO
The mission is for Christ—to advance His Kingdom through our work.
Christian business leaders are on this mission with us, and more are welcome to join. There is room for all.
We carry this out by fueling local nonprofits so they have what they need to make an impact in their cause areas.
OUR WHY
Jesus says in Matthew 22:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
Our mission is a direct response to this call.
We exist to honor God with all that we do and love those in need around us.
We believe this glorifies the gifts God has given us and the time He’s blessed us with on earth.
OUR WHERE
We work in our local markets.
We chose to stay local because we want to be the hands and feet of Jesus and witness the direct impact of our mission.
Our business partners know that our aim is to serve and uplift the very communities where we live and work.
OUR WHAT
We tithe.
Each business in our network has dedicated their work to God and committed to return the first 10% (or more) of company profits to Kingdom causes.
Many also give their time, encouraging employees to serve within select nonprofit uorganizations.
Money and time—poured out to meet real needs. Tracked, compiled, and distributed at agreed upon intervals.
OUR HOW
We give throughout the year and gather quarterly to vote on grant distributions.
Here’s how it works:
Nonprofit partners apply for grants.
Our internal team vets applications and nonprofit needs.
The most impactful opportunities are presented to our business partners on a quarterly basis and in a specific and repeatable format.
After fully understanding the needs, partners vote on grant awards.
Distributions go out the very next day.
Impact is tracked and stories—both successes and struggles—are shared at each meeting.
Annually, we produce a full impact report for all partners to review and celebrate the year’s progress, while preparing for what’s ahead.
We don’t claim to be perfect.
But we aim to be clear.
If you’re a leader wrestling with uncertainty, I hope this framework helps.
If any of the five questions above haven’t been answered for your mission, start there!
One thing's for sure - your team needs clarity.
It may not be easy to define, but they crave it—and when you can help them understand the WHO, WHY, WHERE, WHAT, and HOW of your work, the momentum will follow.
-Mark
