Blog

Why Strategic Planning is Not a Waste of Time for Churches

Some people in the church world think that strategic planning is a waste of time. Maybe you fall into this category. In the paragraphs that follow, I’m going to try and convince you otherwise. I understand the complaints:

The plans are too long
There is often no accountability associated with them
There is too much detail and they are often all over the proverbial map

No justification to stop

While these observations speak to serious process problems, it does not provide justification simply to stop planning. In fact, that kind of thinking represents a sharp contrast with the thinking of one of the great leaders I interviewed for my book, Leadership is a Covenant. I’m talking about the late John Wooden who said, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”

Lessons from Coach Wooden

Of course, Benjamin Franklin first made the comment, but Coach Wooden’s teams clearly approached planning perfection. The Coach told me that he and his assistants planned everything, from offensive and defensive execution to living accommodations and uniform fittings for each player. He explained that he didn’t want his players to have any excuse not to play well.

The coaches also executed and sometimes adapted those plans at daily practice, so that when they got to the games they were clearly well prepared. Based on the results – with 10 national championships in eleven years – it’s pretty clear that their planning proved to be fruitful.

Giving account through effective planning

The point that churches really need to understand is that the success of church ministry, church growth, stewardship and much more are all related to effective planning. Among other responsibilities, the church is compelled to be a good steward. Romans, chapter 14 tells us, “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” As church leaders, we cannot afford to neglect our stewardship responsibility for the resources (financial, material and human) in our care. That is best achieved through an effective planning process.

Use the right process and be serious about it

Now, I’m biased, but I believe our fundraising consulting organization has built a process that actually yields results. It is relatively short and we have dozens of thankful clients who have a reliable, useful, and action oriented strategic plan. But they were serious about both the planning process and the implementation of the plan.

I do agree with one thing: many strategic plans are not well built and fewer still are well implemented. However, that does not mean the plan itself was a bad idea. Often, we just need to commit ourselves to actually doing what we say we will do.

So, my suggestion: have a plan! But, if and when you have one, be sure you’re committed to working it. Don’t allow your planning to be wasted. Instead, be an effectual doer, not a hearer only.

by Len Moisan

Fundraising 101 - Lesson 1: 5 Principles Necessary for a Successful Campaign

For the past 19 years we at the Covenant Group have helped hundreds of churches, schools and other nonprofit organizations plan and implement successful fundraising campaigns. In fact, most of the organizations we have helped have been quite successful (about 97% averaging 145% of goal). Often people ask us what it takes to have a successful campaign. While the times have changed since we first started our business, the basic principles of fundraising have not.

by Len Moisan

“I really support The Covenant Group’s strategic planning process because their approach encourages staff-based support with board buy-in, and I felt that was important given what we were trying to achieve. The outcome is an effective plan that builds consensus and provides a clear sense of direction.”
- Jennifer Scott, Director of Development - The Cabbage Patch Settlement House

“The Covenant Group is highly competent, very experienced and knowledgeable. They provided a broad perspective by equipping us with useful data…and best practices in the field. All in all, they are excellent.”
- Dan Jones, CEO - 21st Century Parks

“The campaign has truly been a miracle. People were committed from the beginning, but…even raising $650,000 seemed like a stretch. To nearly double that amount is incredible! When the plan they developed allows you to hit a goal like that, it builds such a sense of community. The momentum built by the campaign is spilling outside the walls of our church and benefiting others in the process.”
-Father John Hollowell - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

“For those of us who don’t do this everyday, The Covenant Group instilled confidence in us. They helped us get through the fear and apprehension by providing us with a process, training and motivation. They taught us and helped us plan in a way that was for the better. We have built lasting relationships with donors and we will continue to steward these relationships long into the future.”
- Sue Finke, Director of Institutional Advancement - Covington Catholic High School

“No one anticipated we could raise this amount. Even the Archdiocese is surprised. The funds raised represent about 15 times our annual giving. But it’s not just the financial results. People stand around talking more than they did before the campaign. There is also a renewed and energized spirit among the parishioners. It’s the most exciting thing to happen in our parish in the last 100 years.”
- Gary Libs, Campaign Co-Chair - St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church

“The Covenant Group’s process involved a lot of people in our congregation doing small tasks … that built ownership. They took our vision and put it into a concrete plan. They helped us understand the importance of making our vision clear and laid out the steps to make the vision a reality. Their process built consensus and showed people how they could help. Their methods are based on a solid theological foundation that includes key documents, prayer support, and requisite training … all of which were invaluable.”
- Daniel Montgomery, Pastor - Sojourn Community Church

“Everything The Covenant Group did to help us…in the initial stages was helpful…the development of the case statement; our materials; the training of our Board members; strategies; all these steps laid the foundation for eventual success. They brought such a high level of professionalism, a wealth of experience and a strong track record of integrity and success… just being associated with The Covenant Group helped us.”
- Nancy Doctor, Development Director - Wellspring

“The structure The Covenant Group provided was excellent. It allowed our members to use their God-given talents to benefit the church community They helped us develop a plan and identify key leadership candidates to chair the effort, as well as engaging between 80 to 100 people to carry out the work of the campaign. It was truly a whole congregation effort and The Covenant Group helped facilitate that. They helped us reach our full potential as a congregation.”
- Ron Poisel, Pastor - Christ Lutheran Church