The Strategic Planning Committee engages in visioning and strategic planning for our congregation's future.

In 2003-2004 about 20 members completed our 5-session process on Good Shepherd Visioning using a proven long-range planning process called 12 Keys to an Effective Church, to uncover our congregational identity, and build enthusiasm and commitment for our mission and ministry together. Pastor Jack did a great job leading. Four keys were chosen as ones to focus on strengthening.

Effective, successful churches live in the confidence of God's promise that some of their best years are yet to come. God goes before us to make all things new -- inviting us to that future that he has both promised and prepared for us. God is in the present and the future leading and drawing us toward newness of life.

There are five types of churches according to Kennon Callahan: rapidly growing, stable and growing, stable, stable and declining, and dying. Let's plan our future!

There are three kinds of people when one considers the primary direction of a church’s future. First are persons served in mission—people ministered to in terms of their human hopes and hurts, in the name of Christ and on behalf of the local congregation. Next are constituents—nonmembers who participate more than once in activities of the church in a six-month period. Finally, there are members—folks who are marginally to fully active in the life and mission of the local church.

The twelve keys:

• Concrete Mission
• Effective Shepherding/Outreach
• Dynamic Worship
• Good Group Ministry
• Strong, Caring Leadership
• Effective Decision-Making Process
• One or Two community Respected Programs
• Open Accessibility
• High Visibility
• Adequate Parking, Land & Landscaping
• Adequate Facilities & Space
• Strong Financial Resources Aimed at Mission

If you have the gift of wisdom or discernment, if you have experience with strategic planning, or if you simply are passionate about Good Shepherd's future, we invite you to join the LRP committee and help lead this visioning project.

To learn more, talk to any of these committee members: Duane Grosz, Eric Havelick, Bruce Larson, Dave Jasperson, Jack Friedli, Barb Misselt.