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Strategic Planning for Ministry
Making Faith-Based Decisions for Ministry
As a leader in the church, you want to make good decisions. LCEF Strategic Planning for Ministry is about making good decisions—decisions that foster a congregation’s spiritual and numerical growth.
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- We seek our agenda from God the Father instead of consultants.
- We trust God the Son to set the example for our actions instead of basing our decisions on other congregations.
- We rely on God the Holy Spirit for our direction instead of relying on focus groups and surveys.
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Learn more about faith-based decisions by watching the Strategic Planning for Ministry videos.
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- Designed by Lutherans for Lutherans.
- Grounded in the Word of God and bound by LCMS doctrine.
- A faith-based process.
- About the work (calling) of the congregation.
- Committed to a comprehensive plan.
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Strategic Ministry Planning Helps Popular Child-Care Ministry Meet Demand
The popularity of the preschool and child-care program at Faith Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Ind., presented a challenge for the congregation: space.
“Through this ministry many families have become involved or re-involved with the church,” said Rev. Lawrence Mitchell. Planning for a larger church to accommodate the growing demand, members began several years ago by participating in LCEF’s Strategic Ministry Planning process. Once the total ministry and building plan was in place, LCEF provided loan assistance.
“LCEF is making our dream possible today just as it did 20 years ago when Faith built a new sanctuary,” Mitchell said. “We feel very blessed to have been able to work with LCEF.” |
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Reaching the disabled in North Dakota
Helped by an LCEF loan, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, a mission congregation in Bismarck, N.D., opened its doors to the community this past summer in a former retail store. Members are making good use of the space and members are actively reaching out to the developmentally disabled with its Faith and Friends weekly service. It is also a ministry partner to Bethesda Lutheran Communities, with the goal of providing a Lutheran, faith-based group home for people with the disabilities. |
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Design Expresses Congregation’s Purpose
The congregation at St. John, Kimball, Minn., used Capital Funding Services and an LCEF loan to build a new contemporary country church. This new structure reminds congregation members of their purpose every time they enter. |
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Laborers Help with Construction, Vacation Bible School
A Laborers For Christ team is helping finish classrooms for Christ Our Saviour Lutheran High School, Evansville, Ill., this summer. Located next to the high school is St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, which was holding Vacation Bible School while Laborers were on the job. When they heard the Vacation Bible School was short-staffed, Laborers Margie Wiess and Joanie Shendel volunteered their time, energy, and creativity to teach the first-through-third grade class. They even constructed Gidget, the robot pictured between the two ladies, to decorate for this year’s theme of “Gadget’s Garage.” |
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Congregation Renews Commitment to Stewardship
Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School is the only Lutheran elementary school in Des Moines, Iowa. Members participated in Consecrated Stewards to become fiscally healthy and spiritually engaged. Mount Olive is projected to have 14% more income during the year. |
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Called to Serve His Plan
Congregations are called to proclaim His message, each called in a unique way. Instead of developing a ministry plan that members create and then ask God to bless, use LCEF’s Strategic Ministry Planning. This innovative program helps your congregation seek God’s guidance, asking Him to fill your hands with His plans. It is a faith-based process designed by Lutherans for Lutheran churches and organizations. |
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Post-Construction Tip: Be Ready for More Outreach in New Ministry Space
Laborers For Christ can bring your members together in worship and volunteerism, and very often their witnessing mobilizes congregations to accomplish more outreach once construction is complete. Be ready by reviewing your supplies and furnishings; go to the CPH Church Renovations Web site for pew accessories, offering plates, new altar adornments, etc. |
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Demographics, Mailing List Services Upgraded
LCEF has partnered with a new demographics data source, MissionInsite, in order to provide a more convenient and versatile way of gathering information critical to developing ministry plans. Some districts will have online access to MissionInsite reports. The national LCEF office provides the service to districts without access. Find out more about this exciting change. |
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Ensure a Joyful Response® Even During Vacations
If a significant share of your congregation members is still placing cash and checks into the offering plate, your church may be missing valuable offerings when families leave town for holidays and vacations. Offer members an automated way to fulfill their financial stewardship commitments: LCEF's Joyful Response®. It’s free for LCMS organizations and easy to use for both congregation members and office staff. |
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Partners Provide Funds, Steeples, Lutheran Symbols
With a church renovation or new construction project, there is a long list of details. For help with everything from start (campaign readiness study) to finish (furnishing the altar and worship space), Concordia Publishing House (CPH) and LCEF are your partners for creating the space needed and reverent atmosphere expected. See the CPH Church Renovations Web site, or the loan or Ministry Services areas of LCEF’s Web site to find out about all of the resources we have to offer your congregation. |
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