TN152 Should a church set 'targets'?

First published on this website in February 2024

Synopsis

‘Targets’ get a bad press when set by national institutions, but do they have a place in local church planning? These notes look at whether it is right to plan, if so three levels in planning (‘vision’, ‘aims’ and ‘steps’), the idea of SMART and then seven key principles if such ‘steps’ are to be helpful and right.

1. Place vision within purpose
2. Place vision before planning
3. Pray for the planning
4. Keep the number of aims small
5. Beware specific numbers
6. Review continually
7. Involve everyone

There is an additional note about personal planning.