Mission

• Why does this church exist?
• Specifies the key focus of the church
• Identifies primary outreach and major thrust
• Is sensitive to God's purpose for the church

• What can this church do?
• Identifies and develops the talents of the church
• Motivates talents to make them available to the church
• Utilizes those talents
• Builds self-esteem
• Works with congregational and individual strengths and gifts

• Why do we act as we do? What really matters to this church?
• Determines priorities and preferences
• Are guiding principles that govern decisions and conduct
• Reflect strengths and talents
• Focus the activities of the church

• Where are we going?
• Gives integrity and identity
• What will we look like when we achieve the mission?

• What should we do?
• Reflects talents and values
• Frees from fear of failure and builds self-esteem
• Honors diversity within the church

• How shall we do it?
• Is consistent with purpose
• Provides specific targets that are measurable and time-limited
• What are we going to do to accomplish our purposes?

Are we doing it?

Preparation and implementation of an effective church planning model will not solve church problems. We may in fact exchange one set of problems for another more complex. The human response is often, "What's the use?"

From God's perspective, however, the church is accomplishing its mission. In reaching toward God's will, utilizing the strengths and gifts God has placed within it, considering the values of God and the members, envision a future of service in God's kingdom, establishing purposes, and developing a plan of action to reach objectives and goals, the church is doing what God planned for it to do. Such planning is pleasing to God and God blesses it.

Effective planning has its price tags, but it also has its rewards. Foremost is the knowledge that the church is doing what God wants it to do, regardless of its size. The body of Christ is vibrant and alive, and is constantly growing and touching the world. May that reward and awareness be sufficient to encourage members of smaller churches everywhere to plan for effective service.

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