Category Archives: Strategic Planning

In “strategic” planning we’re taking great care to make sure our plans follow the best course to arrive at the best outcome. Surely this is God’s desire when He says, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Eph. 5:15-17). As we read on in Ephesians 5, we discover that’s where the Holy Spirit takes our strategic planning. Continue reading Where the Holy Spirit Takes Our Strategic Planning→

Praying is critical from start to finish because of where prayer takes our strategic planning. We need to “pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17) throughout the entire process. As we devote ourselves to prayer (Col. 4:2) each step of the way, we’re acknowledging that this is His Church, not ours. It’s about following His purposes, not pursuing our own interests. . . . Continue reading Where Prayer Takes Our Strategic Planning→

What does the resurrection of Jesus have to do with strategic planning? A lot! The kind of God who can raise the dead is One we can trust to direct our plans. — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:5-6) . . . Continue reading How the Resurrection Affects Strategic Planning→

God designed the Body of Christ to function interdependently. Yet, when it comes to strategic planning some church leaders might have a tendency to function independently as though they are the only ones who can figure out how to proceed to accomplish a given goal. Then they expect everyone to adhere to and accomplish their plans. . . . Continue reading Help in Forming a Strategic Planning Team→

“What went wrong?” you ask. “The plans seemed so good, but we’ve had nothing but problems.” — Perhaps it’s the foundation on which strategic planning began. The upper structure may seem good but if built on a foundation of lies, we have a big issue. Our enemy, the devil, hopes we’ll build on the wrong foundation so he can reap havoc. Remember, “your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). . . . Continue reading Lies That Thwart Spiritually Successful Strategic Planning→

Strategic planning involves determining the steps we will take to achieve a goal. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must be careful not to blindly proceed without first testing our plans against God’s Word. . . . Continue reading Test Plans Against God’s Word→

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. . . . Continue reading Leader Qualities that Positively Affect Strategic Planning→