- 1). Brainstorm all the goals that come to mind and list them. Prioritize each goal. Create a plan for the following year. For example, if the goal is to increase participation in worship services, list a target group like youth and describe what actions and ministries will help you achieve your aim.
- 2). Seek the opinions of church leaders and ask God to help discern if the goals they suggest are from His leading or are based on personal agendas. Pray to God for discernment.
- 3). Provide a clear calendar that helps the church keep track of upcoming events, programs, facilities and resources. Include all major activities and the planning sessions of various committees.
- 4). Gather planning information from everyone. Have a church meeting, conduct surveys, gather input from committees and ask for feedback when calling or visiting members of the church. If the goal is to identify new ministry leaders, for example, develop a process that recognizes the leaders' personal style, passions and spiritual gifts. A list of potential candidates and their characteristics can be created and presented to a leadership committee.
- 5). Listen to opinionated church members who may be a part of a faction with opposing philosophies or different perspectives. Help them to understand your goals, ask for input and develop strategies to enable working more closely together.
- 6). Involve people in the goal-setting process over a period of time in order to generate enthusiasm and compliance. The congregation is more likely to be supportive if they are informed, included in the planning process and can agree to the goal. Explore their objections and address them with potential solutions to avoid conflict. Give them permission to fine-tune the proposal.
- 7). Design both long- and short-term goals. In a youth ministry, a long-term goal could be to help teenagers mature into committed Christian adults. A short-term goal could be to encourage youth to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
- 8). Align goals with the church budget. Create a financial system with assigned accountability, cash flow analysis, and checks and balances.
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