Abstract
Changes that look threatening to organizations that are highly dependent on planning are considered normal and even welcome by organizations with a visionary approach. Strategic planning is the process of defining the general direction of an organization and then dividing that general direction into goals, which are divided into small and well-measurable actions. Planning involves consistency; preparation helps the leader be more flexible to take advantage of the opportunity. This makes them pray, learn, and recognize what the Lord is doing — in all aspects of understanding God’s unique vision (New International Version, 1978, Jeremiah 23.28). This work plans to draw up an overall ministry concept containing a Church curriculum with ongoing activities. The project is based on biblical principles and, in essence, does not contradict God’s word. The project is focused on teaching adults the basics of the Word of God, attracting new parishioners, glorifying the Church and its mission.
Project Summary
The Church regularly engages in strategic planning to carefully align its position to fulfill its mission. It acts in the world to establish the Kingdom of God, building up disciples in all nations, proclaiming the deed of Chris, and serving Him, thereby fulfilling the Great Commandment of love for God. In word and deed, The Church proclaims the Good News of His Kingdom and His righteousness. It invites people to become followers of Jesus and guarantees spiritual renewal and purification. The greatest support that can be given to the people is to teach them to work for God. A minister should direct his main efforts to preparing his Church members for the service within their power (Awuku-Gyampoh & Asare, 2019). He should individually work with each of them, awakening the desire to gain more profound experience and work for others.
Comprehensive strategic planning must be practical and lead to measurable results. It defines the main goals and directions of the organization’s actions. Strategic planning ensures the achievement of the selected goals by using existing advantages and creating new ones (Kabeyi, 2019). It is necessary to make sure that the activities carried out have specific achievable results. Considering the Church’s initial resources, workload, attendance, and many other factors are essential when creating the curriculum (Chatira & Mwenze, 2018). A project successfully implemented from a management perspective allows one to overcome emerging difficulties and effectively manage risks.
This paper analyzes the key objectives of the Church and formulates an organizational mission statement. Based on the Biblical concepts, it is planned to create a plan for the its activities. They include leisure programs, celebrations, Church improvement works, theater concerts, and musical performances. Potential expenses for the technical support of the events were taken into account. It must have the necessary staff and equipment for the events. However, if they are not enough, it is required to attract additional ministers, musicians, rent a hall or purchase the needed materials.
Formal Organizational Mission Statement
Churches unite their efforts to reach every person with the Gospel and identify and equip missionaries. It is also essential to provide help and ministry by deeds of mercy to the suffering world to attract the resources of the churches and each believer. Among the goals of the Church activities are delivering the Gospel’s saving message and supplication for all nations and the missionaries’ direction in their lives. Training and spiritually equipping ministers around the world to lead the nations to Christ should also be done.
Biblical Basis
The church model and its main objectives are based on the words of Scripture: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (New International Version, 1978, Ephesians 4:15-16). This text defines essential principles for the functioning of the church. The main task of ministers is to build up the church. Its building cannot be accomplished by one elder or ministers. This is a matter within the power of the entire church.
Based on the crucial role of Scripture, church leaders do everything possible so that the Word of God is preached in the church clear and authoritatively. God warns of this many times, both in the Old and New Testaments: “Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully” (New International Version, 1978, Jeremiah 23.28). The Bible states that the Word of Christ is immutable in time. The ministers are entrusted with great responsibility; they must be ahead of the people of God to lead and guide them. They should teach and do it not according to their concepts but to convey the words that the Lord Himself gave.
Programs and Activities
Leaders consider the spiritual and physical needs of the members before planning an activity. Service activities help members show love for those in need, whether they are members of the Church or not and feel the joy of helping them. These activities may include visiting the sick or the lonely, beautifying church premises and sites, and participating in community projects (See Appendix). Cultural and entertainment events provide parishioners with the opportunity to develop talents and broaden their range of interests. These activities also promote creativity, confidence, communication, and collaboration skills. Among them are music concerts and theatrical performances. They may also include a celebration of events in local or general Church history.
Leaders ensure that spending on activities is in line with the current budget and financial policies of the Church. The following principles apply – most exercises should be cost-effective and straightforward. Church members do not have to pay for their participation. They also do not have to provide materials, funds, rent, entrance fees, or pay for long-distance travel. Activities for which members of the Church provide food may be conducted as long as it does not place an undue burden on members. Moreover, this problem has become urgent due to the coronavirus, which forced the churches to adapt to entirely new functioning conditions (Pillay, 2020). If the ward budget does not have enough funds to cover these activities, leaders may ask members to pay part or all of the costs associated with them. If the funds received from the participants are insufficient, the Church can authorize one group fundraising project once a year.
Necessary Operational Concerns
About 20 ministers in the church should make up its staff and participate in its activities. They ensure that the following rules and guidelines are followed in the organization and conduct of all Church activities. Events using its premises for commercial or political purposes are not permitted. The risk of injury or illness to participants should be minimized. In addition to preaching in the church, in light of their practical significance in each person’s life, priests should explain Biblical truths at the level of their work with church members (See Appendix). This is the reason for the formation of a developed ministry. Whether from the ward budget or a group fundraising project, equipment and supplies purchased with Church funds are for Church use only. They cannot be used for the personal benefit of individuals or families. If it is planned to hold celebrations, renting a hall is required, it is recommended to invite professional musicians during the concert period.
References
Awuku-Gyampoh, R., & Asare, A. (2019). Assessing the impact of good governance, church management and structure on the growth and development of the church. International Journal of Business and Management, 14(4), 99-106.
Chatira, F., & Mwenze, J. (2018). The development of management skills for effective church management in pastoral preparation programs.African Journal of Business Management, 12(5), 103-120.
Kabeyi, M. (2019). Organizational strategic planning, implementation and evaluation with analysis of challenges and benefits for profit and nonprofit organizations. International Journal of Applied Research and Studies, 5(6), 27-32.
New International Version. (1978). Biblica.
Pillay, J. (2020). COVID-19 shows the need to make church more flexible.Transformation, 37(4), 266–275.