Forecasting: Planning for the Future

Someone wants asked Wayne Gretsky, the great hockey player, how he managed to become the greatest goal-scorer in the history of the game. He simply replied, "While everyone else is chasing the puck I go where the puck is going to be." He thought ahead, he planned. If you want success in ministry you must plan for it. Psalm 20:4 (NIV) says, "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your PLANS succeed." Notice it doesn't say, he will make all of your IDEAS succeed. We all have great ideas and dreams, but our plans are the road maps to reaching those ideas and dreams. So with this in mind let's take a look at some practical planning tips.

1. Inspect - Take a look around before you take a step forward. Be sure you are using all of your current resources wisely. Ask yourself, does something or someone need to be added, modified or eliminated? Seek God on what needs to be planned.
2. Set Goals - What are your objectives for the next year to 5 years and what steps can you take today to move towards them? How many people do you want to see in small groups? What do you hope to achieve in 2008? Remember, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."
3. Prioritize - First things first. Life gets busy, but if you know what is important you will know what to say no to. You may not be able to accomplish everything you set out to do, but when you prioritize you will accomplish the most important things.
4. Place Deadlines - Create an ideal calendar. Set tentative deadlines for big events, conferences, outings, meetings and projects. Be sure and plan for rest and refreshing time, don't over commit.
5. Cast the vision - People are motivated through vision. When the time is right, express your God given goals and plans for the future of the ministry. You can't do it all yourself and vision casting is a great way to invite others to be a part of what your doing.
6. Be Diligent - Proverbs 21:5a (NIV) says, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit..." As you diligently carry out your plans God will make sure that you will see success and that your ministry will continue flourish.