| What’s the Plan? “How does our church impact the community? Who would miss us if we closed?” I am a great believer in strategic planning. Thanks to the Ford Foundation, I received advanced training in planning when I headed Stage One in Louisville back in the mid-90s, working with faculty from Yale and Stanford business schools. I’ve put that training to use in the churches and non-profit organizations I’ve led and as a consultant. I’ve often started those conversations with the two questions above (or their equivalent). When District Superintendent Jon Richardson visited with the Administrative Council a few weeks ago, he strongly encouraged us to create an annual Ministry Plan, which is another form of strategic planning. This will enable us to focus our energies and our assets on programs and projects which will effectively impact our community for Christ, not only “soul-winning,” but also “being the Body of Christ” for our time and place. In doing a little digging through our files, the last such effort for which I could find traces was in 2004-2005, under the leadership of Rev. Marilyn Smith. Included in those files were draft versions of a mission statement and a vision statement: “The mission of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church is to do God’s will wherever we are · By teaching what Jesus taught · By bringing souls to God · By spreading the joy of salvation · By knowing the love of God and sharing it with the world.” “The Vision of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church: As a Community of Christian Faith, we seek to provide a place where all may gather to share their faith journey, by promising God to: · Open Our Doors for All to Come… Welcoming everyone to the Lord’s Table and our fellowship · Open Our Hearts to All we Meet… Nurturing one another as we share our joys and concerns · Open Our Lives to God’s Will for Us… Witnessing at every opportunity, and supporting each other throughout this life.” So, how are we doing? Do these words still ring true for us? Let me know what you think and please be praying for our Administrative Council as we consider how to better structure our church leadership for the present and as we seek God’s will for our future. Rev. M. Christopher Boyer |
From the Pastor
