The old saying "Aim at nothing, and you will hit it" is as true for ministry as for anything else in life. I have always been impressed with how people in the Bible planned strategically as they sought to carry out the mission of God.
For example:
Moses appointed officials over the people of Israel and had them serve as judges.
David planned and provided for the building of the temple and left everything needed for Solomon to complete the task.
For several weeks, I listened as a variety of leaders lectured on strategic planning. They shared the concept of working with a board to develop a vision (and the strategies to implement it) in the local church, and I began to think about the small church I serve.
On one hand, I was excited: if we could develop a team vision, there would be more commitment to it. And the process could catapult our ...
Scarcely a week goes by that I do not get at least one telephone call from a pastor who says, "We're going to do a congregational survey. Do you have any questionnaires you can send me?"
My standard response is to ask why the pastor wants to do the research. The replies vary:
Because I heard you recommend it, or I have just come back from a church growth conference, and it sure sounds like a good idea. ...
A Winning Plan Strategic planning is especially important when congregations are on the cusp of something big. Ben Heimsath
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Few things are bigger in the life of a church than a renovation or building project. Planning a good renovation or expansion can be compared to moving through an hourglass.
The first stage, developing a strategic plan, is when a congregation is at the widest part of the timepiece. As recommendations are budgeted and implemented, the work becomes increasingly focused. By the time construction starts, ...
A couple decades ago, strategic planning for churches would probably have included a discussion about communication at the end of the planning process. The central question would have been, "How will we communicate our new direction to the congregation?"
Today issues of communication are relevant throughout the entire process. People in our communities are no longer as loyal to denominations or particular ...
Appreciative Inquiry What church leaders can learn from this method of diagnosing an organizational culture. Sharon Swing
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I was trained to be a consultant who blends behavioral science with business acumen. Consultants diagnose and solve problems. Until I heard of an approach to change called "appreciative inquiry," I didn't really think about how the basis of my profession led me to seek out problems and focus on the negative aspects of a situation before working on a solution.
What to Preach Next How to implement a “strategic plan” into your preaching schedule. Ed Young
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Just as a good restaurant boasts a balanced menu with a wide variety of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts, at Fellowship Church we strategically plan both the themes and the placement of our sermon series.
We offer a wide range of practical themes: family, relationships, singles' issues, character, marriage, our vision and core values, and a relevant concentration on a biblical book or figure. ...
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