6 Reasons Why Churches Need An Annual Strategic Plan

Ranch near the North Platte River, Wyoming

I was sitting in a church leadership meeting (Elders/Pastors) in September and the Lead Pastor was talking about plans and ideas for the coming year. As we sat around the conference table, the Pastor said boldly, “I want 55% of all members to be in a small group (Life Group or Community Group) by the end of the year.”  Everyone in the meeting nodded their heads with approval.  Yes, that seemed like a worthy thing to accomplish.  He was about to move on to the next idea when I raised my hand. “Ah…Pastor…how do you plan to achieve that number?” His response was very telling.  After a long pause he said, “I don’t really know.”

Strategic Planning is Critical

It’s a cliché but it’s accurate…without a map, you’re just wandering.  Solomon knew this too. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)

Strategic planning, if done right, can be an extraordinary experience for your church leaders and the congregation.  Think about it, you’re seeking God’s wisdom for the direction of your church (Proverbs 3:5-6), you’re working as a group to solidify goals, and then practically laying out a plan to achieve it (Luke 14:28).  This can be a very exciting process.

6 Reasons Why You Need an Annual Strategic Plan

1.     Scripture says planning is a wise thing to do. Throughout the Bible there are dozens of verses that tell us that we are wise if we develop a plan and foolish if we don’t.  The church needs to develop a sound roadmap for accomplishing the vision.  If we don’t, we’re just wandering.

2.    The process confirms where you’re going (Vision). Any good roadmap has a destination.  Where is God leading your church?  What does He want you to do? Where are you going?  A good strategic plan starts with a clear vision of where you’re going.  Not just a statement you put on your website, but a well-defined description of what your church will look like…what your congregation will look like, and how your church will make a kingdom impact.

3.    A great measurement tool. Strategic plans need to be reviewed, at the very least, monthly if not more frequently than that.  This is not some document that you complete and then put on the shelf and never look at until the end of the year.  From day one, you need to be asking yourself, “Are we on track? If not, why not?” And “What do we need to do differently to make our strategic goals?” Your strategic plan should be dog-eared, with notes scribbled on it and look very used at the end of the year.

4.    Aligns all your ministries to the same vision. There are so many times that the church defines the overall vision and then the individual ministries are off doing their own thing and never contribute to achieving the overall vision.  When everyone is focused on the same goals and rowing in the same direction, the chances of success go way up.

5.    Builds unity. When your entire leadership team is involved in the strategic planning process, it builds unity, harmony, and your team is invested.  When the team is united, it makes it much easier to realize the same from your congregation.  People want to be part of something bigger than themselves.  When you show them where you’re going, how you’re going to get there, and how they can participate…this is a powerful situation.

6.    Proper allocation of resources. Look at your plan.  Compare it to your budget. Examine the allocation of your resources to what you’re trying to accomplish.  Do they match?  Or are they ions apart?  If your goal is to increase member participation in small groups to 55% and you have zero dollars allocated, no assigned leadership, and no support…what are the chances you’ll reach that goal?

Due North Consulting has a process to help you develop a strategic plan for your church which addresses all 6 of these reasons.  To get more information, please go to DueNorthConsulting.net. Ask about our innovative pricing plan…you’ll be surprised!