Well-Conceived Mission Plans

1) need – a description of current conditions relevant to the intended project/ mission plan

2) vision – the compelling statement of opp'ty to make an impact on the current situation

3) values – philosophy of ministry, core beliefs that will guide our approach to the mission task

4) steps – an organized listing of strategic and tactical plans describing "how"

- partnerships to be nurtured (people + organizational, local/ national/ international)

- team requirements

- task/ action plans

- communications responsibility

- prayer base development + updates

- logistics

- funding strategies

- expansion potential/ plans

- people care strategies

- contingency plans

5) resources

- people requirements (in terms of gift mix, experience, preparation, attitude, call, availability, etc.)

- job designs + descriptions

- coaches/ mentors/ sponsors/ intercessors/ supporters needed

- recruiting/ mobilization

- leaders and leadership development

- costs

- accountability relationship needs

6) milestones

- time line/ critical path

- when/ how will we know we're done

- budget

- "show-stoppers"

- review responsibilities

- reporting plan and responsibilities (what, when, by whom)

– communicating to the rest of our Body

– post-implementation review of answers to prayer

- evaluation time frame

- measurement criteria

– spiritual indicators/ vital signs

– faith goals (what only God can do, e.g. - conversions, major fund raising)

– tasks to be accomplished (what we can do)

– network of co-operating churches

– number of team mates

– number of associate team members

– leaders developed (both within and outside of our community)

– relationships developed (church, community, team, leaders, national orgs, unbelievers, ...)

– stewardship (people, finances, time, skills, assets, and other resources)

– missionary care needs and provision

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caveats:

· - "well-conceived plans" ... "high impact plans" ... "strategic project plans" ... "mission plans" ... "well-defined mission" ( ... or whatever else you'd like to call them!)

· - this is not intended to reflect a "finished" or final product, but merely the first steps we took to flesh out what we meant when we tho't of well-conceived plans – your comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated

· - nor is this to be slavishly followed bullet-by-bullet – however, the content of the main points is relatively important

· - sub-points are neither prioritized nor arranged in a sequential fashion

· - this approach responds to God's desire that we'll think/ plan ahead and be good stewards – and requires His inspiration, guidance, and confirmation throughout

· - the potential applications for this approach are broad (e.g. – preparation/ recruiting for specific projects and new team members; evaluating new team locations, short-term teams, evangelism plans/ programs, prayer initiatives, and special projects candidates; annual budgeting; opening up new countries; establishing national entities; communicating to supporting churches/ individuals; etc.)

· - so let me know what you think, let's continue to develop the tool, and let's use it now to enhance our effectiveness (and see how it can be improved)

Warren D. Carter

Heb 11:6

Mission Plans

3.April.97