From a biblical perspective, strategic planning for a church deals with one of four key questions… Where is the church going? What is the purpose of the church? What values will guide the church? What strategies will be used to achieve the church’s goals? The Bible emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and mission for the church and adhering to biblical values and principles. Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” This verse reminds us that a church can quickly lose sight of its purpose and mission without a clear direction. Additionally, the Bible teaches us to live according to specific values, such as love, integrity, and humility, that should guide the church in all its decisions and actions. By aligning the church’s vision, mission, values, and strategies with biblical principles, the church can fulfill its purpose and positively impact the world.

Vision

Having a clear vision is crucial for strategic planning in churches. Habakkuk 2:2 states, “And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” This scripture highlights the importance of writing down and communicating the vision for the church so that all members can understand it and work towards it. An idea that aligns with biblical principles and values will guide the church in making decisions and taking actions that fulfill its mission and bring glory to God.

Mission

A mission that aligns with biblical principles and values will guide the church in making decisions and taking actions that fulfill its purpose. Matthew 28:19-20 states, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This scripture highlights the church’s mission as to make disciples, baptize them and teach them to obey Jesus’ commandment; it’s a mission that guides the church in fulfilling its purpose and reaching out to others to share the message of salvation.

Values

Shared values among stakeholders of a church are essential for strategic planning. Bible-based values shape the culture and priorities of the church, providing a framework for making decisions. For example, the belief that “teaching someone to fish” is more effective than just giving them a fish for a day can guide the church in identifying long-term solutions to help those in need and aligning its resources and efforts to achieve its mission and vision. These values help to bring clarity and focus to the decision-making process, ensuring that resources are used in the most effective way possible.

Strategy

A clear “strategy” is crucial for “strategic planning” in churches. Strategy is essential for churches because it allows them to effectively carry out their mission and reach more people with the message of the Gospel. A well-crafted strategy can help a church identify its strengths and weaknesses, set clear goals, and allocate resources to maximize impact. Proverbs 21:5 states, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” This verse emphasizes the importance of planning and diligence in achieving success and growth. A church that is strategic in its approach is more likely to see positive results and significantly impact its community and the world.