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Strategic Ministry Planning (SMP)

Making Faith-Based Decisions for Ministry

As a leader in the church, you want to make good decisions. LCEF Strategic Ministry Planning is about making good decisions—decisions that foster a congregation’s spiritual and numerical growth.

The Services of Strategic Ministry Planning are based on these premises:
LCEF’s Strategic Ministry Planning differs from other planning processes in that it is:
  • 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.

Learn more about faith-based decisions by watching the Strategic Ministry Planning videos.

  • 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.
SMP STORIES OF INTEREST
Featured Information

SMP Working With Redeemer Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, Nevada

The pastor at Redeemer said the great thing about SMP is that the lay people continually focus on their "best understanding of God's calling and plan" for them. If they are having a meeting and decisions are being made, someone in the group will usually call attention to their SMP and say, "Remember our plan. Is this decision a part of our plan? Is this the direction that God's calling and plan for us is pointing?"

King of Kings Lutheran Church Christian Center for Youth and Children Ministry

Voters at King of Kings approved a Strategic Ministry Plan on April 27, 2003. The members' goal is to "become the Christian center for our community recognized for our youth and children's ministries." One of their tactics was to start a preschool. Now, they have a waiting list.

Do Your Meetings Need Focus?

LCEF’s Stategic Ministry Planning can bring efficiency to you. Does your church, school or agency spend time considering questions about land, facilities, staffing, programs, or money without a unified foundation for decision-making? See your leaders work more efficiently without stress or burnout and your boards and committees become more focused-with shorter, more productive meetings.

LCEF's Strategic Ministry Planning (SMP) helps your organization make decisions based on God's priorities for you and your ministry.

Raising the Most Funds by Raising Your People

With LCEF Capital Funding Service, we are ready to be your partner. Since 1992, we have helped over 700 congregations and agencies raise funds. LCEF can bring you scripture-based fundraising services and our demographic services can help.

Strategic Ministry Planning Forms
Strategic Ministry Planning Brochures
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Have a question?
Fill out our Contact Us Form, or call the Lutheran Church Extension Fund at 1-800-843-5233, 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., CT, Monday through Friday.
Page last updated March 14, 2008