Having gone through all of the church planting seminars and having read all of the recommended church planting books, I can say that I'm rather familiar with the whole strategic planning process. I can also say that I don't like it at all. I never have. There's just always been something about it that just didn't settle well with me, and I recently figured out what it is.
I've been reading Church Unique, a book that offers a different way to think about mission, vision, values, and all that other stuff that goes into strategic planning for existing congregations. However, rather than just trying to paint a picture of where the church should be, it begins much more with where the church is, what's unique about the historic congregation, and tries to figure out how to maximize what's there, when casting a vision of future mission endeavors.
I was talking about this with Anita over dinner the other night and it hit me, this really links to the "wind" section of the elemental life, but for churches. Traditional strategic planning always asks the question, "Where does God want me?" It's focused not on where you are, but where you think you're supposed to be. Of course, getting there requires all kinds of energy and work with no certainty that, upon reaching the destination, you're actually in the right place.
However, Church Unique seems to operate from more of a, "Where am I?" position. This means figuring out who you are, where God has you, what makes you who you are, and then seeking to figure out how to live faithfully. The big difference is that, when you operate from "where you are," as opposed to "where you want to be," God gets to be the one who guides you to wherever you're going to end up ... you're just trying to be faithful on the journey.
So, for example, if you have a small church near a university, a strategic planning approach would seek to change that small church so it looks more like other successful campus ministries ("Where does God want me?"). However, the Church Unique approach might notice that the existing congregation has some amazing loving relationships that are going on, that they are very encouraging and supportive of one another ("Where does God have me?") and ask, "How can we extend those relationships to the students on campus?"
Thoughts?
Hey there Joe,
Sounds like my situation to a "t". This is my first time through the strategery, but I think I resonate with you and not agreeing with exactly *everything*. I think it's helpful, but it's not everything.
It's also interesting to attach this to the past and especially interesting that you attach this to the "wind" section of your book. I discuss the Holy Spirit in my "formation" class (sort of like catechism classes for people 18-35). When I do that, I link the HS with the local church and give my students the assignment of finding out about the past of the church here.
Keeping your vision in congruence with your past is essential, and sometimes can lead to a renewal of its own. That happened several times in Scripture including with Jeremiah and the rebuilding the walls. I think it is important to note, however, that not all looking into the past is good - the Israelites looked into their past when they complained that Moses had brought them to a place without leeks and garlic.
It's a delicate balance. I'll have to see about checking this book out.
in Christ,
jW
I think it's important to have an honest view of the past. I mean, to grumble about the desert because slavery was better, is a bit off basis. It seems that looking back helps you see the good and the bad, and how to focus more on the good in the future, and maximize the good for mission, while casting off the bad.
Thoughts?