Is your Strategy NO Strategy?

We’re drawing close to the end of the year. That means it’s time to talk strategy, planning and preparation for the new year. What I’m going to share with you over the next several posts very well could be the SINGLE GREATEST training that you’ve ever received. If you’re a typical pastor who attended a typical seminary, I would be shocked if you ever received this kind of training.

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL TO YOUR CHURCH!

In fact, NO strategy is still a strategy. It’s not a very wise strategy. Although, in reality, the majority of churches I come in contact with opt for the no-strategy strategy. Wasn’t it Einstein who defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? If you’re not pleased with the current status of your church, then you need a new strategy!

So, for the next few posts, that’s what we’ll break down. If you’re wondering how to plan out a 12-month message calendar, it all starts with strategy. If you’re wondering what kind of events your church should put together next year, it all starts with strategy. Let me share with you the key elements…

1. Critique

You should never plan next year without first analyzing the previous year. What when well and what didn’t go so well? If you could do it all over again, what would you change and what would you keep the same? I’ll take this to a much deeper level in the next post.

2. SWOT

Nope, I’m not talking about the police raiding your church. I’m talking about taking a deep, honest look at your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. There will always be common themes that will show you the direction you need to head.

3. Key Questions

This one post will be worth all your time. In fact, I’m going to give you a list of questions for you and your pastoral staff to answer that will shed an incredible amount of light on your direction and strategy. I should charge a hundred dollars for this one document, but I’m going to give it to you for free!

4. Connecting The Dots

Once you’ve accomplished all of the above, then it’s time to connect the dots. In other words, what similarities are you seeing between SWOT and all the questions you’ve just answered?

5. Planning

Once you’ve connected the dots, then you’ll see a very clear direction you need to lead your church in the new year. You’ll know the topics you need to preach on. You’ll know the type of events you need to plan. You’ll form a strategy rather than settling for NO strategy.

One final thing. Please know going into the strategy and planning process that this is not something you can sit down and do in a couple of hours. In fact, I take my entire pastoral team off site for close to three days each year just to go through the above five steps. It’s always amazing to see how God works in our hearts throughout that retreat. I’m confident He’ll work in yours as well.

I’ll be back the beginning of next week to talk through the critiquing process. Till then, get ready to plan!

Be Blessed,

Scott

www.churchculture.guru

There was an issue loading your exit LeadBox™. Please check plugin settings.