Leadership at any level has both positive rewards and challenges. This is certainly true in a
small church. At times, everything goes smoothly; other times, nothing seems effective.
Leadership in a small church sometimes results in feelings of helplessness. Countless books, podcasts, articles, and other resources are available to help pastors in this situation. However, these resources sometimes ignore a key factor — small. They promote strategies and resources unrealistic for most small churches.
This doesn’t mean nothing can be done; it just means strategic leadership is essential. Careful planning can aid the church in meeting long-term goals. Because small church leaders are already busy doing the work of the church, developing a strategic plan may just seem like adding another task to an already overwhelming schedule. However, without a strategic plan, the “hamster wheel” probably will continue.
Biblical leadership requires diligent, prayerful planning that incorporates wise counsel, a servant’s heart, and the faith to commit the outcome to God (who ultimately directs our plans). Biblical strategic leadership makes the most of every opportunity and wisely uses time and resources to achieve the best possible outcomes.
King Solomon emphasized the importance of thoughtful planning throughout the book of Proverbs (14:8, 21:5, and 16:3, among others). As a pastor or leader in a smaller church, understanding the importance of strategic planning can mean the difference between maintaining the status quo and experiencing a movement of God within the church.
Evaluate
Developing a strategic plan starts with evaluating the church. This process will allow the pastor an opportunity for conversations with the church that otherwise might never happen. Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a church can be a painful process, but a clear picture is needed to set and achieve effective goals. As a leader in this process, it is important to identify age, finances, ability, and other data applicable to your goals. Detailed information will help the pastor and leaders set or modify the church goals.
Understanding the needs of the community is another vital step. Often, the vision of the church does not align with the needs of the community. A pastor could have the best intentions of trying to help the church grow while meeting the needs of the community, but nothing seems to work.
Purchasing a Know Your Community report will help the church develop a more accurate understanding of the community and what it really needs: nafwb.org/know/. Every church wants to spend time and effort wisely. Accurately matching church goals with community needs is an important step in developing a strategic plan for a church.
Lead
After a careful evaluation of church and community, church leaders reach a crucial stage in the process — moving forward. Collecting data is easy, even exciting. However, developing and implementing a plan from that evaluation will challenge even the most veteran of leaders. At this point, leaders must ask and answer tough questions: Are our current programs successful? Do we have the workers and resources needed to accomplish our goals? Do we have the desire to continue or make necessary changes?
Having church members involved in this phase of planning is key! Society has many views on leadership, and these views do not always align with Scripture. However, one leadership style often implemented in the business world is the facilitator. This style involves a leader partnering with followers to achieve a goal. This is an effective church model, because the pastor must have the consent, endorsement, and involvement from the congregation for changes to be successful.
It is no secret one of the greatest challenges of a smaller church is limited workers. Often, most of the work is done by a few members. A partnership between the members of the church and the pastor will allow the agreed-upon plan to reach fruition. It does not matter how worthy the cause if the entire church does not participate. A half-hearted attempt not only frustrates the pastor but is also likely doomed to failure. However, when the whole church is on board with the pastor, a strategic plan is more likely to succeed.
Train
Strategic leadership not only involves careful planning but also training. Developing leaders (whether the church is small or large) should be a goal of every pastor. Like everything else a pastor does, this involves more precious time. However, more time spent in leadership training leads to more “free” time a pastor can anticipate.
Pastors can identify potential leaders in the church during the evaluation process. Evaluating strengths and weaknesses helps determine which members should be placed in appropriate leadership positions. This should be a natural process, since members of a smaller church are accustomed to participating in the work of
the ministry.
Defining clear expectations for each leadership position is a vital role of the pastor. Making time for necessary meetings and follow up will not only aid the church in ministry but also save time later. Additionally, it is important to trust these leaders to carry out their roles without feeling micro-managed. This will empower membership to embrace more responsibilities in the church.
Pastoring a smaller church is difficult enough without the right plan to help the church reach its full potential. By spending time in prayer, asking for God’s leadership, and seeking wise counsel, the small church pastor can become an effective leader to guide his church forward into all God has for it.
About the Writer: Greg Fawbush is the exercise science program coordinator, athletic director, and men’s basketball coach at Welch College.
