This study concerns strategies, not methods. Tillapaugh has listed three facts which underscore the importance of this approach in church planning. These factors take on greater significance in small and medium churches.

First, churches are unique. Church planning often depends upon the latest fad in organization. Observers see methods without the strategies behind the methods. Methods and strategies may become confused. Success is not in methods, but in the guiding principles which usually remain unidentified. While franchising with its identical motels, stores, and restaurants may work in the business world, every church is unique. This uniqueness must shape any planning model.

Second, the dynamic of every church is people. This is especially true of growing churches. The church does not depend upon methodology. Church planning must reflect the people involved. A church must know itself, its strengths, its core values, and its purpose before it considers what will be effective methods. The congregational culture and philosophy of ministry must be known. Attempting to act without an underlying strategy causes churches to think in terms of methods. The ultimate result is frustration.

Third, an effective church planning model must have a natural feel to it. Churches doing what God intended them to do, acting as God intended them to act, are effective. Such cannot be forced. Churches, like people, must be themselves. (Tillapaugh, Unleashing the Church, 138-39)

This study identifies the guiding principles which can assist in planning consistent with the nature of the church. This is done by (1) showing the need for a planning strategy, (2) demonstrating the importance of size in developing the model, (3) identifying relevant factors in middle-sized church planning, (4) surveying some of the planning models available, and (5) developing a planning process which reflects the significant planning factors and can be used to inform the development of a planning model tailored to a small or middle-sized church (generally less than 250-300).

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