Strategic Thinking for Mission and Ministry (In the Salvation Army Context)

Strategic Thinking for Mission and Ministry (In the Salvation Army Context)

Anthony T. Juliana | 2023

Abstract: It is certainly easy, and somewhat misleading to cast blame for the current lack of inertia within ecclesial organizations on the preservation of programmatic sacred cows and lack of leadership innovation. Instead, the challenge may be less obvious due to Christian leaders’ preoccupation with “doing” while often overlooking the value of “thinking.” Strategic theories and concepts can be found in Biblically historic military events which also serve as the metaphors for much of the innovative principles of spiritual leadership. Yet, the faith-based organizations which would benefit most from such strategic thinking often find themselves being reactive rather than responsive to the adaptive challenges and changes coming their way.

Topic: Strategic thinking for missional leaders is about creating a new, sustainable strategic culture for mission success and ministry advancement. This eight-module course is designed for ecclesial leaders as a practical, hands-on learning experience for the development of strategic thinking principles and skills in a mission and ministry context.

Methodology : This course material engages both professional and lay leadership through a combination of short-form lectures based on theological, academic, and practical theory and research, self-assessment and development tools, group activities, media components and individual exercises. It is designed to inspire, engage, and help participants develop strategic thinking competencies and necessary ecclesial leadership skills for the realization of mission and ministry opportunities in their church or organization. The core curriculum is structured around eight modules and includes illustrative material from The Salvation Army context.

Expectations: The overall course objective is to contribute to the discussion surrounding how Christian leaders can think strategically, how to develop strategic insight, how to create a strategic vision, how to practice strategic foresight, and how to define effective missional strategies for the future.

Contribution to Future Studies : It is the intention of this course to explore Biblical strategic thinkers and exegete strategic thinking practices as applicable behaviors, competencies, and actions toward a theological view of strategic thinking in ecclesial leadership environments. Far from being a comprehensive study, the purpose of this course is to instigate the conversation of the exegetical value of the strategic thinking theology for the advancement of Biblical mission and ministry of ecclesial leadership.

Keywords: Administration, Branding, Communication, Design, Foresight, Human Resource Development, Insight, Leadership, Missional Fulfillment, Organizational Purpose, Strategy, Sustainability, Theology