FROM VISION TO

STRATEGIC

PLANNING

FINAL REMARKSAN EDUCATIONAL NUGGET BASED

ON TOM BANDY’S WRITINGS

Rev. Dr. Pablo A. Jiménez

Introduction

In our previous videos we have

studied the meaning of concepts

such as vision & mission.

We also saw two models for Church

development and growth, namely the

Declining Church and the Thriving

Church.

Strategic planning

In this occasion we turn our sight to

strategic planning, a key topic for any

Church revitalization plan.

Our video has been developed in

dialogue with Thomas G. Bandy’s

“Moving Off the Map” (Nashville:

Abingdon Press, 1998).

A Book we Strongly

Recommend

Final Remarks

Weaknesses

Just as the Congregational Mission

Assessment will reveal certain broad

strengths for Churches dedicated to

systems of belonging, so also the

assessment will usually reveal broad

weaknesses.

Common Findings I

Ambiguous identity.

Low mission emphases.

Unwieldy organizations.

Informational worship.

Demographic homogeneity.

Common Findings II

Little adult spiritual discipline.

Clergy dependency.

Little lay training.

Minimal team mission.

Poor communications.

Common Entry Points I

The most common entries into

Church transformation are:

The spiritual discipline of listening to

the public.

The spiritual discipline of visioning.

The formation of spirituality cell groups.

The process of spiritual gifts

discernment.

Common Entry Points II

The creation of a proscriptive organizational model.

The spiritual discipline and growth of a cadre of key lay leaders and clergy.

The initiation of the first of a series of multitrack worship services.

And the relation or acquisition of property (especially the worship center).

Bedrock Beliefs I

The bedrock beliefs of congregational

life are the principles or symbols of

faith that matter most in the daily life

of congregational participants.

It is to these principles or symbols

that participants immediately turn in

times of crisis.

Bedrock Beliefs II

Bedrock beliefs articulate short form

the rationale and purpose of

congregational life and ministry.

Bedrock beliefs articulate in short

form the point behind life and death.

Bedrock beliefs celebrate paradox

and mystery and invite animated

conversation.

Bedrock Beliefs III

In other words, bedrock beliefs are

not a matter of correct thinking,

reasoned opinion, or personal life

philosophy. Bedrock beliefs are

matter of one’s own experience of the

Holy--and why that experience might

keep people from suicide tomorrow

morning.

Bedrock Beliefs IV

Once bedrock beliefs have become

clear, the congregation can begin to

address issues of identity, message,

direction, and stragetic planning.

Irregular worship attendance, chronic

helplessness, boredom, and stagnant

ministry all result from ambiguity

about beliefs.

Bedrock Beliefs V

The expression of bedrock beliefs

should not be limited to traditional

doctoral language, however. Indeed,

such language is often too abstract

and does not reveal the depth of

personal experience with God.

Thematic key words that express

bedrock beliefs might include:

Bedrock Beliefs: Examples I

God is love

Ecstasy

Forgiveness

Prayer

Joy

Jesus

Unity

Bedrock Beliefs: Examples II

Christian duty

Worship

Scriptural authority

Friend

Universality

Compassion

Mission

Bedrock Beliefs: Examples III

Acceptance

Oneness

Growth

Calling

Mercy

Justice

Goal of the Focus Group

The goal of the focus group is to

facilitate a full and complete sharing

of visions so that patterns and trends

can become visible and the group

can refine and build a larger team

vision that includes the enthusiasm of

each participant.

Emerging Visions

Leadership should report emerging

visions to the worship planning team

for inclusion and the worship

services, and if needed, assist

individuals in sharing their visions.

Remember, a true vision can never

be contained in mere words.

Alternative Vehicles

Therefore, do not be afraid to use,

symbols, pictures, stories, poetry,

dance, or any other creative vehicle

to communicate the emerging team

vision.

Already Brewing

Sometimes an emerging vision is

already building such shared

enthusiasm that is practically carrying

you away.

It may seem that focus groups are

not necessary.

Authentic Biblical Visions Are

Authentic Biblical visions are always too

hot to handle.

Authentic Biblical visions elicit

extraordinary courage and build self-

esteem.

Authentic Biblical visions build team

relationships.

Authentic Biblical visions are always

linked to Jesus.

Vision is Dynamic

Do remind participants that this

vision, like the core values and

bedrock beliefs of the congregation,

will not be carved in stone.

It will always be defined, refined, and

celebrated through future annual

congregational meetings.

Three Common Mistakes I

Congregations make three common

mistakes make mission statements. First,

a mission to survive is not a mission. The

perpetuation of a heritage has no value

itself, and it is neither interesting nor

helpful to the public. The survival of an

institution--no matter how large, glorious,

or expensive--is of no consequence for

God. Biblical visions never leave people to

survive. They lead people to grow.

Survival vs. Growth

The survival of an institution--no

matter how large, glorious, or

expensive--is of no consequence for

God. Biblical visions never leave

people to survive. They lead people

to grow.

Three Common Mistakes II

Second, a mission statement is not a

summary of program. It is not an

abbreviated version of a

congregational constitution or

structure, nor is it a summary of

committee mandates. Mission

statements are all about purpose,

and they make no assumptions

whatever about tactics, structures,

leadership.

Three Common Mistakes III

Third, a mission statement is not an essay. It does not interpret congregational identity or practice for public recognition. It does not offer a rationale or an explanation that justifies Church membership. It is rarely longer than twenty words in length. Mission statements articulate in a nutshell where the congregation is going in the twenty-first century.

Powerful Mission Statements I

Powerful mission statements emerge

from the clarity you have gained about

the core values, essential beliefs, and

motivating mission of the congregation.

They have the following

characteristics:

Powerful mission statements are

clearly motivational.

Powerful Mission Statements II

Powerful mission statements are

clearly congregational.

Powerful mission statements are

clearly distinctive.

Powerful mission statements are

deserving of sacrifice.

Powerful Mission Statements III

People recognize that it is more than

a dream--it is a possibility. It deserves

an immense personal sacrifice not

only because it is worthy but also

because it can be done.

-Powerful mission statements are

supported by perpetual prayer.

Benefits of CMA I

I mentioned at the beginning of the process the three principal benefits of this clarity and consensus about congregational identity. (1) Clear congregational identity provides the basic boundaries for the permission-giving organization. It is the primary vehicle of accountability for all ministries and all entrepreneurial leadership.

Benefits of CMA II

2) Clear Congregational identity

creates the foundation for all reliable

long-range planning. The

congregation can be decisive about

its future, and confident that even the

most ambitious goals can be pursued

with confidence to the end.

Benefits of CMA III

(3) Clear congregational identity

establishes a context for both plan

programming and spontaneous

action. The response time required

for emerging opportunities for mission

can be dramatically reduced.

How we Grow

The real work of the planning team is

spiritual growth.

They grow relationally.

They grow personally.

They grow spiritually.

In Conclusion

The future of the Church in the

twenty-first century will not be

determined by planning. It will be

determined by leadership

development.

These leaders may be clergy or laity,

and they will probably not care about

the designation.

They will be you!

It will be risk-takers and adventurers.

They will always be wondering what

opportunity lies over the next cultural

hill. They will be the explorers of the

unknown. They will be you.

THE END

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