Lies That Thwart Spiritually Successful Strategic Planning

“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).

Lies in Strategic Planning that Affect the Basics of Life in Christ

If we begin our strategic planning on premises that go against God’s purposes, design, and mission for the Church, we risk dethroning Jesus as the Head of the Church. Satan would love that!

Have you ever said or thought the following?

Proceed with what you want to do and ask forgiveness later.

That goes against God’s purpose for us to love both Him and others (Matt. 22:37-40). “Love is patient, love is kind. … It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking … Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects …” (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

Make decisions on your own because “too many cooks spoil the broth”.

That goes against God’s design for the Body to be interdependent. Even prior to the establishment of the Church, wisdom said, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Prov. 15:22).

Focus on making church life better, fixing or improving what we’re doing.

Though that may sound good, it often causes us to go against God’s mission to be outward focused, not just inward. Rather than “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mk. 16:15), we merely react to current needs in our little sphere. We also need to look outwardly and at long term effects.

We’ll know our plans worked if our numbers increase.

Using these kinds of metrics in planning can lead to superficial growth rather than true spiritual growth. God’s mission to make disciples goes beyond salvation to teaching them to be fully devoted followers of Christ (Matt. 28:18-20).

Lie that Goes Against Christ-like Character and Ways

If Christlikeness doesn’t mark our strategic planning efforts, then we won’t be an example of Christ to the world around us. Satan would love for people to have a distorted view of Jesus!

Do you plan like you believe this?

How we get there doesn’t matter, as long as we get there.

This line of thinking bypasses process, often resulting in a lack of integrity, walking on people if necessary, manipulation, and maybe even deception. Yet, we’re commanded that in WHATEVER we do, that we’re to “do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17).

Lies that Keep Us from Pulling on God’s Power to be Spiritually Successful

If we rely on our own finite abilities rather than pulling on the power of an Almighty God, we’ll limit ministry effectiveness. Satan would love that!

Do you approach strategic planning with any of these mindsets?

We should do things the way we’ve always done it.

Focusing on what’s most comfortable, we may miss planning for what’s best. Lacking courage and faith to step out of our comfort zones, we fail to recognize that God wants to “do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Eph. 3:20).

We only need to pray about the big, consequential matters.

Not praying “in every situation” (Phil. 4:6) suggests that we can handle certain matters on our own, without God’s help. Yet, we have God’s promise that if we “commit to the Lord WHATEVER” we do that He will establish our plans (Prov. 16:3).

We need to stick with our plans no matter what.

Becoming so rigid about sticking to our plans, we can’t see when the Spirit prompts us to make changes. Rather than put plans in cement, we should say, “… If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15) We need to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25).

Take These Thoughts Captive

All of the above lies can derail our churches and ministries from moving forward with spiritual effectiveness. Remember, the devil “is a liar and the father of lies” (Jn. 8;44). If your strategic planning is built on the foundation of a lie, grab hold of “divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4). Before Satan has opportunity to devour, “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and … take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

Go To: Resources on Divine Weapons for Spiritual Warfare

Also Read: Leadership Skill of Strategic Planning

Lies That Thwart Spiritually Successful Strategic Planning

Lies in Strategic Planning that Affect the Basics of Life in Christ

Lie that Goes Against Christ-like Character and Ways

Lies that Keep Us from Pulling on God’s Power to be Spiritually Successful

Take These Thoughts Captive

All Posts about Strategic Planning:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply