A key task for church leaders is to lead congregations in planning for the future. This involves both clarifying mission and addressing the congregation’s capacity (including finances) to journey in that direction.
In the video below, senior pastor Leonard Banks and church treasurer Ihor Kulbida of the GCI congregation in Rochester, NY, update their congregation on these important issues.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=W6YaIZdQno4
These issues are helpfully addressed in a study recently completed by the Barna Group. It examines how pastors of Protestant churches plan to improve the strategic, operational and administrative aspects of their ministries. According to Barna’s research, pastors show the greatest interest in clarifying their congregation’s vision and mission. Fifty-nine percent are “definitely” going to assess their church’s vision and mission in the next year. Thirty-eight percent also plan to assess their church’s reputation in the community and 31% plan to measure the demographic and spiritual needs of their community. About 72% of pastors rely on at least one outside consultant each year to assist them.
With regard to ministry capacity, 25% of pastors intend to focus on safety and security issues, and 25% intend to revamp their budgeting and spending processes. Twenty-two percent will invest in facilities and equipment for children, 19% in audio and visual equipment, 18% in facilities and equipment for youth and teens, and 18% in technology and digital media.
Note: In the United States, GCI Church Administration and Development provides consulting services to congregations and district networks. For information, see http://mindev.gci.org/services.htm.
