Recharge Session 8

Executing Your Strategic Plan

Session Agenda

1. Reconnect with your coaching group (if applicable).

2. Share a devotion and prayer.

3. Defining Strategic Planning Steps

This session continues the strategic planning process with further discussion about strategy, goals and action plans. As we continue making strategic plans and leading others through the process, let’s define the steps we’re taking:

  • Mission – Why we exist.
  • Vision – What we want to be and do.
  • Core Values – What we stand forour guiding principles.
  • Strategies and Action Plans – How we’ll get it done.
  • Goals – How we’ll measure it.
4. The 4 Disciplines of Execution Summary

The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) is a simple, repeatable, and proven formula for executing on your most important strategic priorities in the midst of the whirlwind. 4DX includes:

5. The 4 Disciplines of Execution Discussion

  • Discuss the ministry whirlwind vs. your wildly important goals (WIGs).
  • Consider what it means to focus on the 2-5 things that will make all the difference in achieving your goals.
  • How do you say “no” to activities that don’t contribute to your WIGs?
  • How do you narrow focus and determine the key areas of maximum impact?
  • Consider the importance of lead measures.
  • How do you create momentum by focusing on influenceable, predictive actions?
  • How do you create a compelling scoreboard?
  • Consider a simple, visible, compelling measure of whether or not the organization is winning.
  • What does that look like for your church?
  • Discuss what it means to create a cadence of accountability for your team.
  • How will you ensure that your goals are achieved?
6. Strategic Plan Presentations

Present your strategic plan to the rest of your coaching group (if applicable). Provide copies of your plan to each person in the group and follow this guide:

  • Be open with each other.
  • Some may be experiencing challenges within their congregations. Listen to each other and encourage one another.
  • Pray for each other.
  • Your church’s strategic plan should now be complete. If you haven’t finished your plan yet, continue to make progress. We understand that strategic planning takes time, patience and understanding.

If you’re using Recharge as a solo effort, find a trusted ministry friend or key leader with whom you can share your strategic plan. 

7. Strategy Execution Check In

With your strategic plan in place, begin implementing or executing the plan.

  • Be certain that your entire church is committed to your plan of action.
  • Discuss how your church will commit to the plan. A plan of action that is affirmed and supported by the congregation will unify and energize the entire church. People volunteer to work for and commit to a plan that is realistic and has measurable goals that they identify with.
  • Your leadership team will help execute the plan of action. Lead them to implement the plan with excitement and enthusiasm.
  • Are you experiencing any barriers in executing your plan of action? If so, what will you do and how will you overcome these barriers? Discuss and learn from other members of your coaching group.

8. Case Study: First West

Find a sample ministry application of The 4 Disciplines of Execution in the accompanying case study.

Case Study: First West 4DX

Time Management
Battles Win the War
Clarify the Win
1 | WIGs
2 | Lead Measures
3 | A Compelling Scoreboard
4 | Accountability

Case Study: First West Goals

Mission - See to it that no one misses the grace of God
Vision - See people changed by the gospel and living out their Christ-centered purpose
Strategic Areas - Worship, Community, Service, Evangelism
Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) - Increase Worship, LIFE Groups, Mission Volunteers and Baptisms
Lead Measures - Action Plans that lead to the goal
Lag Measures - Measures for the WIGs

9. Church Leadership Team Check In

Lead your Church Leadership Team to continue strategy and action plan execution. Celebrate early wins and success stories with the team and evaluate your strategic plan’s early progress. It may be useful to order copies of The 4 Disciplines of Execution for your team.

If you’re in a coaching group, then share the pace of your progress with the group. Pray, collaborate and share to make the burden easier to bear.

10. To Do Items

  • Lead your Church Leadership Team to evaluate the strategic plan’s progress and effectiveness.
  • Work through any execution problems or early roadblocks to implementation of your strategic plan.
  • Prepare to conduct a more thorough evaluation of your plan over the next 30 to 60 days.

Meeting 9 Prep

(to be completed in preparation for Meeting 9)

Read How to Break Growth Barriers by Carl F. George and Warren Bird. Prepare to discuss the barriers to growth for your church.

  • Make a list of those barriers and reevaluate your strategic plan and goals.
  • Does your plan effectively deal with the barriers you identified?
  • Identify the areas where you are the “lid” preventing growth.

Resources

   4DX Overview by MinistryActionPlans.com

   Transforming Church in Rural America by Shannon O’Dell

   Micropolitan Church by Jerry Harris