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Setting Direction for

Ministry under Christ

Congregational Planning

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• God does - creation, salvation, election, eternal life.

• God encourages us to do so – “The plan of the diligent lead to profit …” (Prov. 21:5).

• It provides an opportunity to develop a coordinated vision and plan, under God, for the next years to come.

Why Plan?

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• It gives members a sense of ownership in our church and her vision as it provides members with an opportunity for in-put;

• It helps us see achievements for which to thank God as well as failures for which to seek God’s forgiveness and help;

Why Plan?

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• It heightens awareness among our members of the opportunities and challenges we face.

• It provides opportunities to communicate our church’s mission, objectives, vision and goals.

• It helps our people to understand the ministry their offerings support.

• Other? 

Why Plan?

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… may lead to ministry…• …confusion• …poor stewardship• …frustration• …paralysis

Lack of Good Planning…

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What might be reasons that congregations don’t plan for

ministry?

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Starting out – Option 1

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Someone or some group, bold and respected, sells the congregation’s leadership on the need to plan.

Starting out

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With council approval gather a coordinating team of 3-7 people.

Starting out

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...Respected …Faithful …Spiritually mature…Competent …Mission minded …Goal oriented

• Pastor• A church councilman• Men• Women

Members who are …

Coordinating team including…

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Coordinating team lays out process and time-line

Starting out

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• Review of mission and objectives

• Assess present ministry

• Summaries, observations & recommendations

Establishing Process

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• Report to leaders (and members)

• Develop vision

• Establish priorities• Set short-term and long-term goals/plans

• Establish SMART goals / strategies

Establishing Process

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• Prioritize new efforts & work into budget

• Communicate to congregation / seek approval

• Implement first year plans

• Review, revise and prioritize plans annually

• Evaluate progress toward vision regularly

Establishing Process

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Develop Vision & Plan – Option 2

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Each board evaluates their area

Boards identify items that need attention(Gaps … Enhancements … Opportunities)

Boards develop a 3-yr. vision for their area

Boards prioritize vision components (based on importance & timing)

Boards set 1-yr. priorities

Develop Vision & Plan – Option 2

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Council reviews board priorities & establishes the top emphases for the vision, prioritizing and timing them.

Council establishes major emphases for the next year as short-term the next 2-3 as mid-term, and beyond as long-term.

(Classifications depend on urgency, feasibility,

planning necessary, etc.; plans are general)

Develop Vision & Plan – Option 2

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Communicate Plan to Congregation• Inform

• Solicit reaction

• Seek approval

Develop Vision & Plan – Option 2

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Includes ……what …why …who …how …when …how much

S = specificM = measurableA = action orientedR = realisticT = time driven

Boards Establish SMART goals Develop Vision & Plan – Option 2

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Budget for next budget year Set good and reasonable assumptions.

New programs will require additional offerings or elimination of existing programs or a combination of the two.

To increase offerings requires a well-developed communication plan for the whole congregation.

Develop Vision & Plan – Option 2

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Implement Those responsible for implementing

goals pursue them.

Boards clarify the …what, why, who, how, when, how much, accountability, etc.

Develop Vision & Plan – Option 2

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Regularly review, revise & prioritize• Plans – are goals being achieved, plans

updated, and priorities renewed?• People – are people achieving their

goals?• Problems – are there issues that need

attention?• PR – is the congregation being informed?

Develop Vision & Plan – Option 2

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After ?? yrs. repeat process & renew the vision

Triggering the process is a role that needs to be in some leader’s or group’s job description.

Council, president, vice-president, planning committee chairman or pastor are possibilities.

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Strategic Planning – a big job … but …

It sets direction for council, boards and staff.

The bigger the congregation, the greater the job in planning, but also the greater need for planning.

Good planning is important for good stewardship.

Good planning done to God’s glory brings blessing!

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St. Paul’s New Ulm

Planning Process & Timeline

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St. Paul’s New Ulm

Vision & Planning Docment

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MN District Planning Document

Smart Goals

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Discussion

Issues in Implementing

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Summary of Book by Gino Wickman

Traction

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Gym 12:15-1:00

Lunch

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Prioritization for Budget

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Planning / Implementing Exercise

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Questions / Discussion