Session Three · Mission Portrait

To warm up

Mission Portrait

Create your Mission Portrait

In this session, you will individually create your Mission Portrait — a powerful tool that serves as a daily visual reminder of your core values and life mission. This isn’t just about personal development; it’s about deepening your connection with your future spouse by understanding and appreciating what drives them. The Mission Portrait will reveal how your individual purposes beautifully complement each other and bring more meaning and unity into your relationship. This tool will help you uncover your purpose and unleash your full potential in your life and relationship.

The Mission Portrait is more than a simple exercise — it’s a journey into discovering who you truly are and what you hold most dear. Creating your Mission Portrait is also a chance to reignite that sense of awe and appreciation for each other, revealing how your individual journeys are part of a greater purpose. Imagine the possibilities for your relationship when you both clearly understand each other’s dreams and values. Think about how this awareness can transform the way you communicate, support each other, and grow together.

Watch · Mission Portrait

QR code — Scan to watch this session’s video

After playing the video, answer the following question. (If group time is short, skip this video and focus on the Mission Portrait Step-by-Step video below to create your Mission Portrait.)

How could knowing your future spouse's core values and life mission change your interactions and help you build the relationship you're preparing for?

Scripture to Set the Tone

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

What unique purpose do you believe God designed each of you with? How could knowing each other's purpose bring strength and unity to your relationship?

Key Concepts and Principles

Create your individual Mission Portrait

Dedicate some uninterrupted time to thoughtfully complete the following pages to create your Mission Portrait. Reflect deeply on your core values, mission, and purpose. Approach this exercise with curiosity and sincerity, viewing it as a window into your heart.

Watch · Mission Portrait Step-by-Step Guide

This video walks you through the process of creating your Mission Portrait, offering clear instructions and examples to help you complete each section thoughtfully and effectively. As you watch, use the built-in timer to keep on track — start or stop the video if you need more time or finish a section early. Use your responses to each section to fill in the Wildfire Whiteboard.

What is a Wildfire Mission Portrait?

Our custom-tailored Mission Portrait is a daily visual reminder of who you are and your mission. It acts as a compass, pointing you to your purpose of making a difference in the lives of others.

The five pieces of your Mission Portrait: Core Values, Vision, Mission, ID / Slogan, and a Passage or Quote.

Section 1 · Core Values

The Core Values section helps you discover and understand the attributes that truly reflect Christ. Self-awareness helps guide an understanding of who you are and what makes you unique or different from others — no one else on Earth will ever have the same DNA as you.

“So God created human beings in His image. In the image of God he created them.”
Genesis 1:27 (NCV)

If you had to describe yourself to someone who didn't know you, how would you describe yourself? What makes you unique or different from the next person?

Circle the ones that fit — then choose your top 4.

SensitiveDisciplinedHonestFaithfulCaringCompassionateRespectfulLoyalKindOutgoingGenuineWittyForgivingConfidentBraveGenerousThoughtfulPeacefulCourageousVisionaryUnderstandingAuthenticNurturingEncouragerPassionateDependableCreativeStrongMotivatedLeader

My top 4 core values

Section 2 · Vision

The Vision section is vital to carrying out God’s will for your life. Where there is no vision, the people perish — but where there is vision, there is LIFE.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

The vision and plans the Lord has for you are very good, and your vision should be written out in a simple manner, so that you are already ready to run with it.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“Write my answer plainly… so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.”
Habakkuk 2:2 (NLT)

“Find your vision, and let it guide you in all you do. If you lack vision, look inside yourself. Draw on your natural gifts and desires.” — John Maxwell

If you were looking down from a helicopter, what would you love to see yourself doing to positively impact someone else's life?

My gifts and talents

EncourageTeachTrainListenHostServeEquipGiveLeadDevelopCreateCoachInfluenceNetworkSupportBuild

The impact I want to make

To EncourageTo FulfillTo HelpTo FocusTo ChangeTo OvercomeTo FacilitateTo FindTo Lead

My vision — gifts / talents + impact

Section 3 · Mission

Your mission is the power of your story that shows how you will accomplish your purpose. Weaknesses are excuses, bad habits, or anything that stops you from achieving your goal. The key is to “flip the script” so you can focus on the strengths that will allow you to live out your vision.

”…The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me…”
Acts 20:24 (NCV)

Flip each weakness into the strength it can become, then into an action. For example: Fear → Courage → “Be bold and courageous.” Depression → Hope → “Hope is my anchor.” Controlling → Surrender → “Letting go and trusting others.”

Weaknesses — what stops you

Strengths — what will help you

Strength in action = Mission

My mission

Section 4 · ID / Slogan

Your ID is an individual declaration — a word or statement you speak over your life daily to activate the destiny of your values, vision, and mission, and keep it in motion.

When you have a day where you feel off track, what do you tell yourself to get motivated and back on track?

Section 5 · Passage or Quote

Choose a passage or quote that speaks to your mission and vision, inspires you, and encourages you. (Try biblegateway.com for passages, or a favorite quote you return to.)

What passage or quote might support or relate to your mission and vision?

Section 6 · Picture

Sometimes a picture can bring special memories or positive feelings. You can use your own photo or choose from picture options after you enter your responses in the tool.

What image motivates you to overcome obstacles and fulfill your vision?

The Wildfire Whiteboard

Bring it all together here, then submit it in the tool. Fill in each box from your responses above — Core Values, Vision, Mission, ID / Slogan, Passage or Quote, and your Picture.

Open the Mission Portrait tool →

Password: invest · Enter your responses, choose your picture, and submit before the next session.

Practical Steps

Review and reflect. Once both of you have completed each section of the Mission Portrait, share yours with each other. Practice active listening — truly hearing your future spouse without planning your response. Ask questions that help you better understand your future spouse’s dreams and values, and express how their mission moves or challenges you. Reflect on how your core values and life mission can bring more depth and joy into your relationship.

Highlight areas of connection. Identify and discuss where your Mission Portraits align or complement each other. Celebrate shared values, discuss how you can support each other in pursuing your individual goals, and look for ways to align your purposes to create a foundation of unity. This conversation can be a powerful moment of clarity, helping you both see the intentionality of your partnership.

Go Deeper — optional

For couples who want to linger. Skip it if you’d rather keep things light.

How does knowing that God has created each of you with a unique purpose inspire you to support one another?
What qualities or values do you see in your future spouse that align with God’s purpose for them?
How can you encourage each other to live out these unique callings in your daily lives?
What is one thing your future spouse wrote or shared in their Mission Portrait that you appreciate most about them? Take a moment to affirm your future spouse — for example, if one of their values is “justice,” say, “Thank you for living a life focused on doing what’s right.”

Next Steps

1. Submit your Mission Portrait. Before the next session, make sure your Mission Portrait is fully completed and submitted in the tool above. It’s crucial to complete it, because you’ll refer to it in the upcoming sessions.

2. Plan your Marriage Mission Portrait. The one you just made is yours alone — and that’s the point, because you can’t share a vision you haven’t named. The next step is a shared one: a single portrait of the values, purpose, and vision the two of you are building together. You’ll create it as the capstone in the final session, so put it on the calendar now. If you have children, you can make a Family Mission Portrait the same way afterward — but start with the two of you.

3. Daily check-in. Use your Mission Portrait as a daily reflection tool. Take five minutes each day to focus on one of your values or purposes and think about how it can shape your interactions with your future spouse. Throughout the week, share one insight or act of appreciation — a heartfelt compliment or a small gesture that shows you care.

A Closing Thought

By embracing the Mission Portrait, you’re clarifying your own identity and purpose and investing in a relationship centered on God’s plan and built to thrive. Your Mission Portraits are a pivotal step forward in your journey toward greater understanding and connection. Let it be a foundation upon which your love and partnership continue to grow.

Example Mission Portraits

Here are ours, to show you what a finished portrait can look like.