Most of us in the church world, whether you’re a Pastor, lay leader, consultant or parishioner, know that the word of God does not change, but strategies do. How we most effectively deal with people, programs, systems and even change itself, changes over time. Pastor and author Andy Stanley famously said, “Marry your mission. Date your model. Fall in love with your vision. Stay mildly infatuated with your approach.” It’s a great reminder that if we’re to minister effectively to the people of today, our strategies need to change so they fit with the current reality.

But how do we, as church leaders, do that?

I’ve been in church ministry for 40 years and have seen lots of changes. (And unfortunately, lots of non-changes also.) And I’ve seen leaders struggle with implementing new strategies. So, I’d love to share a 7-step plan of how to implement a new strategy at a church.

1. Know the “what” and the “why”
   This is foundational and foundations are important. It’s what the whole thing is built upon. It’s imperative to know not only “what” the strategy is (this is developed in Step 2), but also “why” the strategy is necessary (this is needed in step 5.) Key point: establish the foundation.
2. Develop the strategy
   This is where much of the work is done. It’s the “nuts and bolts” of the strategy. Or, to use a different analogy, it’s determining the right ingredients, in the right order.
   Key point: make is sequential.
3. Simplify the strategy
   In this step, the strategy is examined and streamlined. Can any steps be eliminated? Can any be combined? The best strategies are straightforward and easily understood. Key point: make it easy.
4. Package the strategy
   A wonderful, new strategy is worthless if no one uses it. And the degree to which it is used is directly proportional to how good it looks. Get the church’s Marketing Team and the promotion people involved in this step to package the strategy so it looks good. Key point: make it pretty.
5. Promote the strategy
   This is where you—or someone else—casts vision for the strategy. The people who use it need to understand not only what it is, but why it matters. Communicate both clearly. People typically won’t use a new strategy unless they are convinced of its effectiveness. Key point: cast vision.
6. Create buy-in
   If you can get input from others in the creation of the strategy, that’s great. But if not (meaning you alone designed the strategy), you’ll need to create buy-in. People need to see the benefits of using the new strategy both organizationally and personally. This is closely tied to step 5, casting vision. If people are bought in to the new strategy, they will use it themselves and promote its use to others. Key point: multiply ownership.
7. Implement the strategy
   If the previous six steps are followed, it’s likely the strategy will take off and be effective. And not only by you. Others will see the benefits and sing its praises. Key point: watch it take off.

A final word
Remember, no strategy lives forever. So continually monitor its value, tweak its details, and adapt its implementation so it gets even more effective. And if it seeks to be helpful, don’t be afraid to change course, abandon it and start over.