If you look closely at history, you come to realize that organizations have a life cycle. You can trace an organization’s birth, growth, plateau, decline and death. It is good to remember that every church also has a life cycle. I have seen churches with a proud history close their doors in recent years.
HooksIf your church has plateaued or is in decline, then this is a warning sign, and it is time for strategic planning. Churches that have reevaluated their ministries have shown a remarkable rate of growth. Eighty-five percent of these churches have grown from their plateaued status (compared to 59 percent that have remained plateaued or in decline without strategic planning). Churches have used strategic planning to discover their identity, direction, and strategy to be more effective in their mission. Strategic planning ensures the long-term survival of the church.
(We are blessed to have several options in the South Carolina Baptist Convention for the planning process. I am more familiar with CHAMPS, which is a planning process to help churches to develop into biblically healthy churches through the pursuit of excellence in the six functions of the church mentioned in Acts 2:42-47.)
In simple terms, strategic planning is thinking and planning. The thinking aspect provides the DNA for the church, while planning converts the thinking into action. Strategic planning provides flexibility because it is based on the assumption that the future is fluid, with the only constant being that change will occur. Strategic planning is an ongoing process. When you do strategic planning, you allow for adjustments to changes as they occur.
There are seven basic advantages to strategic planning. First, strategic planning allows you to be proactive: The church goes on the offensive in carrying out the Great Commission rather than remaining on the defensive and reacting to the culture. Second, strategic planning brings unity to the church as members come to focus on the mission and purpose of the church, thus setting aside personal agendas. Third, strategic planning encourages good stewardship, as members are more likely to give talents, time, and finances to a church with a clear purpose. Fourth, it allows the church the freedom to cull unproductive ministries and programs, stripping away unnecessary elements that drain limited resources. Fifth, strategic planning gives the church a means to effectively evaluate progress and effectiveness. Sixth, it reveals the church’s strengths and weaknesses so that it may build on its strengths and shore up its weaknesses. Finally, it helps the church to embrace new members and integrate new ideas into the congregation.
Strategic planning involves several phases. First, you establish a team for the project. Second, you evaluate the church’s ministries and relationship to the community. Third, you envision the future for the church. Fourth, you analyze the effectiveness of the ministry of the church in carrying out the mission of the church. Fifth, you develop a plan of action for the church to reach the desired future. Finally, the plan is put into action and its effectiveness is measured to ensure it is working.
The benefits of strategic planning for churches are numerous. It will alter the downward spiral and lead to a renewed focus on the Great Commission. It will enable the church to strip away any ineffective programs that drain the church’s limited financial resources. Finally, it can bring harmony and unity to the church as the members are made aware of the purpose of the church and their role in fulfilling that purpose.
– Hooks is pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church, Effingham.