When I consult with churches and pastors, one of the primary areas we discuss is strategic planning. Every church should engage in annual strategic planning to maintain health and vitality, and one part of that strategic planning is the church calendar.
It often comes as a surprise when I draw a picture of a triangle on the board and state that our culture is geared to the school year.
· The lower left corner is Labor Day [September].
· The top left of the triangle is Christmas [December].
· The top right of the triangle is New Year’s Day [January].
· The bottom right corner is Memorial Day [May].
· The bottom corners connect and are labeled for June, July and August.
This picture puts everything into perspective for planning purposes.
If the plan is to start new small groups or new classes or new mission endeavors or new ministries, September and January are the times to plan those. Why?
September is considered the start of a new school year and is the uphill climb.
January is the start of a new calendar year and the downward slide to the end of the school year and summer.
Summer is a time of change for many. That change can mean vacation, a new job, a new house and neighborhood and a new school for the kiddos. It’s also a time change with more daylight hours and more time for outside projects and play.
Church summer activities always include Vacation Bible School but can also include activities like cookouts with horseshoe and corn toss contests and outdoor movie nights; activities geared to the summer. Fun and fellowship are key to summer planning for the church. It’s a time of renewing old and building new relationships.
Summer also is a slower period and gives church leaders time to review existing ministries so when September comes, existing ministries can be reinforced or reduced and new ministries can be introduced. The same applies to the January time period.
Using this triangle method for the church calendar can simplify the church’s strategic planning.
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