Strategic planning can be wrought with obstacles, especially when working with a group of people. Egos, personal agendas, and preferences can get in the way. Conflict may ensue. Sometimes as leaders we may be tempted to take the easy road rather than put in the time and effort of doing it right. We may plan as though the end justifies the means, giving little attention to how we treat people along the way. For us as leaders to have a positive effect on strategic planning, we need Christ-like leader qualities.
5 Christ-like Qualities in Leaders That Have a Positive Effect on Strategic Planning
We should want our strategic planning to arrive at God’s agenda, using a process that aligns with His heart, purposes, and design for the Church. For that we need the following Christ-like qualities.
1) Humility
Rather than act like we always know the best way to proceed, we’ll prioritize prayer in strategic planning, asking God for wisdom (James 1:5). We’ll take time to get input from others. Leaders, it’s okay to admit we don’t know it all. Despite all his education and leadership experience, the Apostle Paul said, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Phil. 3:12)
2) Integrity
We must be concerned with process, not just end results. If, and how, we involve others in strategic planning matters. How we communicate with others matters. The way we proceed matters. We will be concerned with “how”, not only “what”, we do when we do it all for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31) and when we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col. 3:17).
3) Love
We’re to “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph. 5:2). Sometimes we may need to lay aside our own preferences for the greater good. To love, we can “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” but look out for “the interests of others” (Phil 2:4). Such love will lead for respecting others rather than belittling their ideas. Without love, all our strategic planning is merely a “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” and we “gain nothing” (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
4) Perseverance
When strategic planning gets tough, we hang in there until we arrive at a mutually accepted plan. We work through conflict rather than around it. As far as it depends on us, we “live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). We don’t give up. Nor do we rush ahead without regard to others. Instead, we look at the big picture and believe we will come out better on the other side. Remember, Jesus “for the joy set before him” endured much on our behalf (Heb. 12:1-2).
5) Self-Control
Rather than get defensive, we hold our temper and guard our words when someone disagrees with us or holds up progress with their many questions and concerns (Eph. 4:31). “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)
(Click on the traits listed above for input on that particular quality.)
For More About a Leader’s Character, Go To: Leader Qualities and Attitudes Resources
All Posts about Strategic Planning:
- Strategic Planning Biblically Defined
- At the Core of Strategic Planning
- Trust God Yet Consult with Others?
- Outcome of Strategic Planning
- A Christ-like Pattern for Strategic Planning
- A Christ-like Perspective in Strategic Planning
- Power Struggles in Planning
- God’s Big Strategic Plan
- More Lessons about Strategic Planning from the Gospel
- Where Prayer Takes Our Strategic Planning
- Where the Holy Spirit Takes Our Strategic Planning
- Help in Forming a Strategic Planning Team
- Test Plans Against God’s Word
- How the Resurrection Affects Strategic Planning
- Strategic Planning That’s Not Rooted in Pride
- Leader Qualities that Positively Affect Strategic Planning
- Lies That Thwart Spiritually Successful Strategic Planning
Shifting from being a facilitator of corporate strategic planning to being a facilitator of Bible-based strategic planning has been a very interesting growth experience for me — one that the information found here has elevated considerably. Thanks to all who put in such tremendous effort to render the finest, most comprehensive wisdom I’ve found online with respect to planning to fulfill God’s Will through the church.
How wonderful that you have seen the need for a shift. While some of the skills and practices may be similar, there are some major differences. The motivation and purposes that drive our planning shift from merely growing an organization and making money to fostering love for God and others and bringing glory to His name. We’re on mission with the Almighty God, not a corporate entity. And so, we not only align with Him but pull on His wisdom and power to do so. May God continue to use this experience in your life to draw you near to Him as you seek to help your church fulfill His will.