How to Write a Vision Statement
Practical guidance on crafting a meaningful, actionable congregational vision statement. Distinguishes vision from mission and explains how clear vision guides planning.
Resource topics: Planning & Change
Why SMART Goals Are Sometimes Dumb
Critiques SMART goals applied uncritically to congregational planning. Ministry goals often need to be inspiring and directional rather than narrowly measurable.
Why Congregations Sometimes Change
Organizations resist change because their core function is to repeat established behaviors. Change happens when a system believes transformation is essential for survival.
Should the Leader Advocate for Change?
Whether clergy leaders should openly advocate for specific changes or maintain facilitative neutrality. The risks and benefits of leader-driven change initiatives.
The Short List
Identifying a short list of true priorities rather than trying to do everything. How congregations can resist strategic sprawl and commit to what matters most.
Handling the Hum of Bright Ideas
How congregations can manage the constant stream of new ideas from enthusiastic members without dismissing them or being distracted from strategic priorities.
Learning to Get Big Projects Done
How to build organizational confidence and capability by successfully completing big projects. How to pick the right project, lead it well, and use success to build momentum.
What’s Good about That?
The planning question that helps congregations clarify their goals and values — drilling down to the underlying goods that any decision or plan is meant to achieve.
Goal-focused Evaluation
A goal-focused framework for evaluating congregational programs, staff, and ministries — asking whether goals were met rather than just whether people are satisfied.
Two Kinds of Planning
Strategic planning (setting long-term direction) vs. operational planning (executing day-to-day). Congregations need clarity about which kind they are doing.