A Church’s Journey to Renewal Through Strategic Planning

Strategic planning transcends the mere creation of a roadmap. It is about actively engaging individuals, nurturing collaboration and ensuring commitment to implementation. In this conversation, Ruth Peebles, President of The INS Group, and Reverend Dr. Dumas Harshaw, Jr., Former Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, reflect on key lessons that can help faith-based organizations and nonprofits strengthen their impact and build for the future.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the conversation:

1. Engaging Diverse Stakeholders

Inclusive planning requires listening to and engaging different stakeholders. By gathering input from diverse voices—across age groups and roles—organizations can foster a sense of ownership and alignment with the strategic planning process. By encouraging buy-in across the organization, First Baptist Church bridged generational gaps and built a shared vision rooted in collective values.

2.  The Power of External Expertise

Inviting external perspectives can be a powerful tool to drive transformation. External facilitators can offer objective insights, challenge assumptions, and introduce new strategies tailored to the organization’s needs. Collaborating with a strategic planning consultant supports a successful and impactful outcome to the process.

3. A Commitment to Implementation

A strategic plan is only as effective as its execution. Success depends on setting clear goals, assigning accountability, and creating structures to monitor progress. Organizations should prioritize follow-through, ensuring that their vision translates into meaningful, measurable outcomes.