I’d like to present a model that will put the four phases of planning and budgeting together for us so that we can see a flow to it—a process that we can use either in whole or in part as we approach the planning and budgeting season in our churches.
Strategic Planning: done with the staff or the church leadership, Board, Elders, or with key lay leaders
Income Forecasting: Done with the finance committee, business administrator—can be done before or after constructing the budget—I prefer before…
Budget Preparation: A team-focused, bottom-up approach
Budget Presentation: Culminating with a mission-driven budget that supports a strategic plan- presented to the congregation
Strategic Planning Steps
Mission Statement
1. In light of all that God has commanded and all the needs we see around us, why do we exist?
2. What do we intend to accomplish in this world?
3. What is the rallying cry that will motivate our people in moving forward?
Leveraged Advantage
1. What does your church do really well?
2. What do you do or what do you have that is unique?
3. What are the cultural distinctives that you offer your congregant?
4. What sets your church apart from the others in your area?
Vision Statement
Visualize the future—help people see the end state.
What will your church look like in 10 years?
• To provide a clear mental picture of where the church is going five years from now.
• To set a direction and to provide a path for purposeful action.
• To identify the qualities and character of your ministry into the future.
Core Values
• Enduring, passionate core beliefs
• Unchanging
• Guide to activities, behaviors, goals and attitudes
• Foundation for leadership, culture and decisions
Long-Term Objectives
The effort, actions, and broad direction that will move your church from its’ mission to its’ vision.
What five long-term objectives could you write that would be broad and continuous, and would bring movement from your mission to your vision?
Analyze the Environment
Strengths
• What you do well
Weaknesses
• What you lack or do poorly that places you at a disadvantage
Opportunities
• Situations that exist, which if acted upon, could benefit the mission/vision
Threats
• Conditions which exist and could threaten or be a barrier to accomplishing the mission/vision
Know the Audience
1. Who are your constituents-who do you serve?
2. What do they value?
3. What satisfies their needs/wants?
4. What do they appreciate most about your church?
5. How can you serve them better?
6. What groups exist in your church?
7. How do groups’ needs/wants differ?
8. What are the demographics of your community?
Short-Term Goals
One-year goals that turn the mission, vision and long-term goals of the church into actionable targets.
• Specific
• Measureable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Time-Specific
Action Plan
• The “execution” of your short-term goals.
• Action items that lead to achieving your short-term goals.
• A “To-do” list for each of your short-term goals.
• Assigning responsibility and deadlines: “Who needs to do what in the next 90 days…the next 90 days…”
Budget Support
• Budget is a tool to support the strategic plan of the church.
• Budget is a financial roadmap to get you from where you are to where you want to be.
• …a tool, not an end-in-itself
• …to support short and long-term goals
• …anchored in mission and vision
Ongoing Execution
Measure, Evaluate & Adjust
