Church and pastors alike can greatly benefit from strategic planning. A strategic plan is a document that lays out an organization’s long-term vision and goals, as well as the steps necessary to achieve them for church planning. It gives direction and focus, sets measurable goals, and unites the team around a common cause.
The process of creating a strategic plan typically includes four steps: setting the direction, doing the analysis, developing the plan, and implementation. However, getting started with strategic planning can feel daunting. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Stay focused on your mission. Your mission should be at the heart of your strategic plan. Everything you do should support your mission, so make sure you keep it in mind throughout the process.
2. Involve key leaders in the process. Getting buy-in from key leaders is essential for the success of your strategic plan. Make sure they are involved in setting the direction, doing the analysis, developing the plan, and implementing it.
3. Be open to change. The world is constantly changing, so your strategic plan should be too. Be prepared to make changes as needed in order to stay on track and achieve your goals.
The process of creating a strategic plan is an ongoing one, so don’t expect it to be perfect right away. Be prepared to revisit and revise your plan as needed. If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a successful strategic plan for your church or organization.