Description
This article explores the question of when a congregation should engage in formal strategic planning, arguing that although strategic plans are valuable tools for guiding stable organizations through long periods of adaptation, they are not always the right approach — especially during seasons of major disruption, transition, or lack of momentum. Author Susan Beaumont outlines specific conditions under which strategic planning is most and offers alternative strategies for when those conditions are absent. The article is specifically written for church leaders who are evaluating whether to initiate a formal strategic planning process — providing both caution and guidance for timing and readiness.
Features
- Links to related resources
- Discussion prompts
Practical Applications
- Use this article as a preparation tool for your church’s leadership team to assess whether you are organizationally ready for a full strategic planning process or whether you should first pursue smaller, tactical steps.
- Read the article aloud during a board retreat as a discussion prompt to help you identify whether current leadership stability, institutional energy, and resource readiness support launching a multi-year plan now or call for interim action.
