Strategic Planning: Annual Church-Wide Goal Setting
Why Churches Need Strategic Planning
Ministry work is deeply spiritual—but that doesn't mean it shouldn’t be strategic. Jesus had a mission and moved with clarity and intentionality. Likewise, churches need a clear direction to effectively steward resources, care for their people, and advance the Kingdom.
One of the most overlooked tools for a thriving church? Annual goal setting.
When done prayerfully and wisely, church-wide goal setting brings unity, alignment, and momentum. It helps leaders say “yes” to the right things—and “not now” to distractions.
What is Church-Wide Goal Setting?
It’s more than just hoping your church grows or that more people show up to small groups.
Church-wide goal setting is a collaborative process where leaders prayerfully establish measurable objectives aligned with the church’s mission for the upcoming year.
Examples include:
Increase small group participation by 25%
Launch 3 new outreach initiatives in the community
Develop a discipleship pathway and implement it across all age groups
Train and empower 15 new ministry volunteers
5 Steps to Set Strategic Church Goals
Start with Prayer & Vision
Reconnect with your church’s mission and what God is uniquely calling your community to this season.Assess the Current State
What’s working? What’s not? Use surveys, team feedback, and ministry reports.Gather Key Leaders
Strategic planning must include your core staff and ministry leaders. It creates buy-in and broadens insight.Define 3–5 Clear, Measurable Goals
Less is more. Choose goals that reflect spiritual and practical priorities.Communicate, Track, and Adjust
Share the vision with your congregation. Regularly review progress throughout the year and be open to mid-course corrections.
Strategic Planning Isn’t Business, It’s Stewardship.
This isn’t about corporate jargon. It’s about honoring God with intentional leadership. When a church sets clear goals, it increases unity, focus, and fruitfulness.
So don’t wait until January to start praying and planning now. Your 2026 church calendar should reflect a clear response to the question:
“What is God calling us to do, and how will we get there together?”
Want help leading your team through goal-setting?
