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Study 06 of 12

Session 6—Planning the Work

Effective planning involves understanding the mission, assessing the community, and coordinating a team-based strategy.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Planning is the foundation of effective outreach. As the Quick Start Guide emphasizes, God wants us to work wisely—to pray, think, research, and plan before jumping into programming. This process begins with a clear mission statement that incorporates the Great Commission: to go, baptize, and teach. Without a defined purpose, church activities can become busywork that fails to reach the unchurched. The Personal Ministries leader must guide the congregation in adopting a mission-centered view, which may require letting go of comfortable traditions that no longer serve the goal of winning souls. Central to the planning process is the Planning Council. This group should include leaders from various departments—health, communication, community services, youth—working together to develop a comprehensive strategy for evangelism. The council’s job is to do creative thinking and find ways to challenge every member to join the mission of Christ. By assessing the church’s resources and the community’s specific needs, the council creates a framework for action. This plan is then brought to the church board for approval, ensuring that the entire leadership is aligned. Good planning also recognizes that relationships are the primary tool for bringing people to Christ; therefore, small groups and friendship evangelism should be at the heart of the yearly plan.

Key points

  • God expects us to research and plan before launching programs.
  • A clear mission statement is the first step in mission-driven planning.
  • The Planning Council coordinates different departments for a unified outreach goal.
  • Effective plans focus on Christ's method: mingling, sympathizing, and serving.
  • Small groups are a vital factor in sustaining growth and assimilating new members.

Key texts

  • Luke 14:28
  • Proverbs 16:3
  • Habakkuk 2:2

From the book

Session 6 · Quick Start Guide pp. 2–9 · Read the Quick Start Guide

  • “God wants us to work wisely, to pray and think and research and plan before jumping into programming. Since we are accountable for the use of our energy and resources, we must utilize the methods that will be most effective in reaching our particular communities.” (book p. 6)
  • “The purpose of the council is to develop specific plans for evangelism (personal, small group, and public), community service, and public awareness of the church.” (book p. 9)
  • “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’.” (book p. 6)

Put it into practice

  • Identify the 'Growth Factors' present or missing in your congregation.
  • Draft a basic yearly plan for outreach and present it to your Planning Council.
  • Research the demographics of your local community to understand who is 'unchurched' in your area.
  1. Comprehension

    1. According to the Guide, what should we do before 'jumping into programming'?

  2. Comprehension

    2. What three elements are included in the threefold command of the Great Commission?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. Who should be included in the Planning Council?

  4. Scripture

    4. Why is it important to research the 'unchurched' in your particular community?

  5. Comprehension

    5. What is 'Growth Factor One' mentioned in the principles of church growth?

  6. Contrast

    6. How does 'Christ's method' differ from a purely doctrinal approach to evangelism?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. Why are small groups considered 'Growth Factor Two'?

  8. Application

    8. How can you help your church board move from a 'tradition-driven' to a 'mission-driven' mindset?