If pastors really understood what “strategy” or “mission statement” means in a business context, they wouldn’t be so quick to apply it to the church—or at least they might do so in a more discerning way.
Let me explain. I’ve served as a pastor for the last 15 years, but prior to that I spent a decade in the business world, running a line of business for a large consultancy focused on strategy and operational work. In my years of ministry, I’ve found it interesting how fluid the exchange of ideas and vocabulary is between the world of business and the world of the local church. But there’s at least one problem with developing a “strategy” in the local church: God has already given us one.
In business, strategy revolves around two factors. First is a plan for differentiation: how will my company stand out? If you’re eBay, for example, your differentiation is the sheer volume of auctions on your site (why would anyone go anywhere else?). Second is a plan for a target market. Who are you hoping will appreciate what differentiates you from your competitors (and will therefore purchase your products and services)?
Now shift to the church.
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