A Planning Model for a Smaller ChurchRobert J. Young
Previous Section Next Section Index | Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

CHAPTER 3
Four Relevant Factors in Small and Medium Church Planning

Four major factors in planning for smaller and medium sized churches are church personality, ministry type, community context or situation, and self-attitudes and self-awareness. These tend to lay beneath the surface, are often covert, and are therefore frequently overlooked.

The important of congregational personality must not be overlooked in church planning. (Schaller, Middle-Sized Church, 16-19) Smaller churches tend to share similar personalities. In simplest form, the congregational personality or culture is a function of a church's shared values. Clustered around the value system are various procedures, organizational structures (often beneath the surface), control systems, fellowship dynamics, turf concerns, traditions, and people. (Schaller, Middle-Sized Church, 25-29). Each of these is significant in the development of an effective planning model, accentuating the importance of identifying the unique personality dynamics of the church.

A second planning factor is ministry type. This is frequently understood best by asking philosophy of ministry questions. Schaller says this is the question, "What business are we in?" (Growing Plans, 55-67) Cook suggests this question must go deeper than the minister or ministry staff. The philosophy of ministry is ultimately a factor determined by the leadership. Cook writes, "One thing working all kinds of devastation...is the failure of the leadership to have a solid philosophy--a well-defined concept of how a church ought to operate and why." (Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness, 23) Determining a philosophy of ministry often broadens the focus for smaller congregations. Personality and size questions consider the specific internal circumstances of the church, but an effective philosophy of ministry must also consider the community or cultural context. If McGavran's claim that one of the most neglected planning factors is the failure to value the development of a distinctive community identity and the special ministries that support that identity, the identification of a consistent philosophy of ministry is essential. (Understanding Church Growth, 98-99) Every church which is serious about a church planning model must ask, "Why is this church here?" This fundamental mission question must be asked and answered lest the church appear a mere accident or tradition. Equally foundational to ministry philosophy is the question, "Who can this church reach, and what needs do they have?" Assessing the past will assist with planning the future. Studies of the history of the local congregation and the community will raise many questions. When has the church grown? What caused that growth? What leadership has been and is available? What were the rates of growth, membership transfers, additions by baptism, births, deaths, and additions by restoration? How many of the additions were children of the members? Helpful questions concerning the community will involve the history of the community, growth patterns, demographics, special dynamics, and unique loyalties.

Questions posed in the present will help one know the church, its talents, leadership skills, leadership styles, strengths, and weaknesses. Schaller summarizes many of these dynamics and concerns in observing that a planning strategy must ask how one mobilizes the church, what roles the members are willing to accept, and what is the overriding purpose of the church. (Growing Plans, 50-77) Knowing the community will help develop specialized ministries and identify potential prospects.

A final planning factor to be considered is self-image. Members of smaller churches often see themselves as part of a small church that does not matter and engage in counterproductive behaviors. Examples include limiting the range of programs, high turnover in staff, failure to challenge members, under-organization, low self-esteem, too modest expectations, and misconceptions of the available resources with estimates consistently low.

Churches must consider all of these factors. Church personality, ministry issues, and self- awareness and attitudes are frequently a function of size. Each local congregation must develop plans consistent with its own character. Every church is not called to develop a detailed ministry system with multi-level organization. Every church is not called to busing, building a benevolent center, or constructing housing for the elderly. Differences must be recognized to avoid following every fad, gimmick, and panacea. Following the planning of others is usually ineffective.

In summary, a church must tailor its planning strategy to maximize its own resources, assets, and strengths, including the gifts or talents of the preacher. A strategy effective in one church may not be appropriate in another of similar size. Every approach to church planning, regardless of the size of the congregation, must rest on the foundation of values, goals, dreams, prejudices, assumptions, interpretations or reality, theological perspectives, and understandings of the biblical imperative. (Schaller, Growing Plans, 11-13) To this list Getz adds priorities (Sharpening the Focus of the Church), and leaders must recognize the value of purpose, meaning, identity, and integrity. (Bennis and Nanus, Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge)

This section summarizes some factors often overlooked in contemporary planning models, factors which must be considered by a church developing plans consistent with its own nature and wishing to avoid "me too" planning.

Back to top | Next: Chapter 4


Return to Young Home Page

http://www.bobyoungresources.com/smallchurch/plan_3.htm
Last updated November 14, 2002.
Page developed from a template designed by Ben Cheek.

Copyright © 2002 Robert J. Young. All rights reserved.