Strategic Planning And “Critical Strategies”

I have devoted much writing energy to the topic of Strategic Planning over the years.

Lately, though, I’m relearning a few things about this critical part of a leader’s responsibility. One of those things is the importance of the “Critical Strategies.”

Let me start with a look at a Strategic Plan’s hierarchy:

1. Mission
2. Vision
3. Core Values
4. Critical Strategies
5. Key Objectives
6. Measures
7. Goals

The Critical Strategies are the “link” between the Mission, Vision, and Core Values and the “Key Objectives,” the more actionable part of the plan.

Recently, I’ve been guilty of ignoring this part of the plan. In fact, over the last couple of years, our plan has lacked Critical Strategies. That’s right, we went right from Mission, Vision, and Values to Key Objectives. This is a problem. Without Critical Strategies the plan lacks a clear link between the very high level components (Mission, Vision, and Values) and the actionable stuff (Key Objectives and Personal Plans).

For most independent Christian churches, Critical Strategies are going to be: Growth, Conversion, and Discipleship. Right?

If you’re reading this blog and actually agreeing with much of what I’m saying here, you’ll also have a Critical Strategy to build strong infrastructure. After all, the “foundation” must be strong if your church is to be used by God to build strong and healthy communities that have a HUGE impact.

Of course, each Critical Strategy is divided into a few Key Objectives that help the staff to identify their own Objectives and Personal Plans.

I’ll share more about Personal Plans in a future post …

For now, can you specifically identify and list your church’s critical strategies?

Related Posts:
Strategic Planning – Step by Step
Strategic Planning Operating Procedure
Developing A “Plan And Execute” Culture