Addressing Ministry Needs

Each organization across the world needs planning to continue surviving in the dynamic environment in which it carries out its operations. This holds true for ministries as well, which have traditionally avoided formal planning (Solanki, 2012). However, while these ministries or churches realize a decreasing number of congregants, and a decrease in the level of finances, strategic planning can offer a feasible solution to such challenges (Solanki, 2012). Ministries that engage in strategic planning build the potential for their churches to realize sustainable growth and the strategic planning may be undertaken on an annual basis. The potential ministry needs that would require annual strategic planning include; facility improvements, youth programs, leadership training and spiritual growth among others.

Four main steps characterize the process of strategic planning needed to achieve growth in a ministry. The first step is creating a mission, vision and a statement of values that guide the organization. This step enables the church leaders and the members of the board to spell out the reason why the church exists, and to ascertain what the organization is aiming to achieve (Heuser & Shawchuck, 2010).

The next step is to do a SWOT analysis. This involves analyzing both the external and internal environment. In analyzing the external environment, the ministry considers the opportunities and threats that it faces while, in analyzing the internal environment, the ministry considers the church’s strengths and weaknesses. A comprehensive SWOT analysis can assist the ministry to identify the factors over which it has control and on which it can capitalize to realize the opportunities (Solanki, 2012). For instance, if it is found out that the children’s church program is the church’s strength, there may be need to continue committing more resources to the program to ensure continued growth and development. Conversely, in a situation where the church is located in an area where crime is prevalent, an opportunity to set up a “youth outreach program”, to offer support to this unique demographic, arises (Solanki, 2012).

The third step is to carry out a gap analysis, which seeks to answer the question: “where are we compared to where we want to be?” (Lotich, 2012, p.1). This process involves reflecting on the church’s vision. It inquires of the ministry’s targeted destination compared to its present status. The gap analysis can be undertaken in relation to the customer experience, ministry’s program development, financial viability and discipleship among other areas. All the areas will have to be “identified and targeted for strategy through the gap analysis process” (Lotich, 2012, p.1).

The fourth and last step will involve writing the organizational goals. After carrying out the SWOT and the gap analyses, writing the organizational goals provides the ministry with a benchmark to evaluate performance. Several organizations utilize the SMART goal process to make sure that the goals that they have set are achievable. SMART stands for “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely” (Lotich, 2012, p.1).

In conclusion, as the ministries strive to deal with the need to increase their congregations, a strategic plan may prove the most appropriate solution. This plan can help the ministries address the challenges of decreasing number of congregants and financial resources. Leaders of ministries all over the world need to be trained on incorporating strategic planning in their churches. By defining their vision, evaluating their strengths and weakness in comparison to the opportunities and threats they face, assessing their current status with respect to the envisioned status, and setting attainable goals, ministries can develop strategies that ensure they retain and acquire more congregants, while remaining true to their mission to spread the gospel.

References

Heuser, R. & Shawchuck, N. (2010). Leading the congregation: caring for yourself while serving others. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press.

Lotich, P. (2012). Church Planning – 4 steps to church strategic planning. Retrieved from, http://smartchurchmanagement.com/church-strategic-planning/

Solanki, P. (2012). Strategic planning for churches. Retrieved from, http://www.buzzle.com/articles/strategic-planning-for-churches.html