Effective churches and organizations are focused. As much as they can, they’re deliberate with the why as well as what and how they do what they do. This is impossible without planning. Anything sustained and significant in church or organizational life cannot happen by accident. Planning can’t be an optional extra if you’re going to be faithful mission-stewards. You probably know on the importance of planning in your church but this post is worth your attention.
On Planning: Benefits / Dangers Of Not Planning
A lack of planning increases the likelihood of distractions. Planning helps your church stay faithful and focused. Your community needs and deserves an on-assignment church.
Nehemiah comes to mind. He was single-minded in his reconstruction efforts. Because of that it was easier to say, “No” to potential distractions.
When a church or organization doesn’t plan, it’s more likely to fail in dismissing distractions. And we know entertaining distractions is bad for the mission. (Click to Tweet)
I love what James says to the church he was writing to: A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. Without consistency your ministry is not likely to make lasting or sustained impact.
Planning allows us to take a long-term view, making us less susceptible to every whim in the short term. It is crucial for sustained impact and longevity (Click to Tweet).
Cost
Though speaking in a different context, the principle is still valid:
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? ” – Jesus (NLT)
A lack of planning means we could misappropriate, even abuse resources. Planning is matter of stewardship. Faithfulness is also a matter of intentionality. Another practical implication to not planning is failure to completing what we start.
This can easily become a matter of integrity. Leaders / churches who don’t plan how they’ll allocate finances and other resources can fall in the trap of fraud or corruption without realizing. Budgeting is also a matter of integrity and transparency.
When we plan, even budget, we also pre-empt challenges or obstacles. We can have an idea if we have enough to the full distance. Rather fail at keeping a budget than not have one that gives you mandate. In that case, the least you have is point of reference and a clear statement of intent.
In The End
- Of course, we’re about making disciples or _________ but what is our area of focus for said period?
- What will it take to make it happen?
The idea of the post was to encourage you to plan and, think about the cost. At the least, I hope this inspires you to have conversation with your church and teams to be intentional.
The importance of planning in your church cannot be overstated. It is matter of integrity, focus and faithfulness. Get focused and stay faithful.
Paul Steinbrueck says
Good, timely article Blessing, since this is the time of year many churches put together their strategic plans and budgets for the next year. My experience is that churches that plan, are more likely to have goals and more likely to invest in the things that can help the reach those goals, especially technology like a website, SEO, church management system, etc.
Blessing Mpofu says
Yep. ????