Sometimes I think there is a dichotomy that is set up between planning strategically for the future of a congregation and for allowing the free flow of organic growth or entrepreneurship. I believe that this is a false dichotomy. On Monday, I wrote a post about Avoiding Mad Church Disease that linked to an article that included an interview with Dan Entwistle, the Managing Executive Director for Programs and Ministries at Resurrection. The full interview can be found here – CE Interview. One great quote from the article is:
“Our aim has been to provide just enough structure so that we can stay entrepreneurial in spirit and the strategic planning allows us to do that because it helps define where we are going. Then we can lay out a path for getting there” (Dan Entwistle).
In this I see a balance between mapping out a definite future and leaving space for creativity, entrepreneurship and organic growth. I believe that striking a balance in this area is a mark of a health community.
What do you think?
- Have you seen evidence of the effectiveness of strategic planning?
- Have you seen evidence of the effectiveness of organic growth / entrepreneurship?
- In what ways have you seen the interaction between these two?
- What other ways have you experienced thinking about, moving toward or living in to God’s dream for a community of faith? for an individual?
Rev. Andrew Conard 