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Advanced Strategic Planning: A 21st-Century Model for Church and Ministry Leaders
First published in 1999, Advanced Strategic Planning explains why planning is so important to carrying out the church's mission. Now in its third edition, this classic resource offers•a nine-step strategic thinking and acting model •useful ideas for developing a ministry strategy •diagrams to help illustrate concepts •a new section on spiritual formationThe methods in this book are proven to work, having already helped many churches articulate their vision and implement their mission.
633 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 13, 2020
Why I dnf'd...
"Some mistakenly believe that Timothy and Titus were pastors. However, Paul used Timothy and Titus to go from church to church to consult with pastors and congregations. Today's consultants have a similar ministry."
This quote was near the end of a thoroughly unconvincing first chapter all about why churches should pony up thousands of years to hire outside consultants to come in and tell them what they should do for their church to grow.
I did have to read selected chapters for my leadership class. I also had to write a paper that was a result of the dozen or so appendix audits in this book. In that paper, I commented on how frustrated I was that these audits were seemingly asking all the wrong questions. My professor agreed.
This book seems about as out of touch as someone could possibly get with what is required for good leadership and with what the mission of the church should really be all about. It is not a good book on church leadership. What little theology it does offer is loaded with horrible exegesis (like the above quote trying to equate early church apostles with modern consultants). There is no point in wasting my time finishing this up.
"Some mistakenly believe that Timothy and Titus were pastors. However, Paul used Timothy and Titus to go from church to church to consult with pastors and congregations. Today's consultants have a similar ministry."
This quote was near the end of a thoroughly unconvincing first chapter all about why churches should pony up thousands of years to hire outside consultants to come in and tell them what they should do for their church to grow.
I did have to read selected chapters for my leadership class. I also had to write a paper that was a result of the dozen or so appendix audits in this book. In that paper, I commented on how frustrated I was that these audits were seemingly asking all the wrong questions. My professor agreed.
This book seems about as out of touch as someone could possibly get with what is required for good leadership and with what the mission of the church should really be all about. It is not a good book on church leadership. What little theology it does offer is loaded with horrible exegesis (like the above quote trying to equate early church apostles with modern consultants). There is no point in wasting my time finishing this up.
February 24, 2019
A great strategic handbook for ministry
An excellent book that helps you develop mission, vision, core values, and strategy for ministry in your church. I highly recommend this book for churches that are struggling or are stagnant in growth.
An excellent book that helps you develop mission, vision, core values, and strategy for ministry in your church. I highly recommend this book for churches that are struggling or are stagnant in growth.
February 27, 2025
Great, actionable book. Lots of general wisdom evaluated from Biblical position, condensed and instructive. Only minus is it is very much saturated with assumptions and insights that come from the culture it is written in, and to apply it to different settings might take extra effort.
February 20, 2024
Very repetitive but doesn’t leave a rock unturned. Overall I appreciate what the author is trying to do. There will be elements, especially on values, that I will take from this.
January 20, 2016
I purchased this book purely out of interest in the topic and soon after found it on my Syllabus for the Advance Strategic Planning class at North Park Theological Seminary.
This biggest benefit to reading this book was that it helped me to realize how well thought out the vitality process is in the ECC (Evangelical Covenant Church).
When rating this book, I would have to say that if it did not have the title "Advanced" I may have given it a four star rating. The first section of the book is primarily focusing on preparing for revitalizing an existing church. Although at sometimes it feels opinionated, it does have useful information on preparing for the process of vitality. In the rest of the book, the process bounces back and forth from a vitality perspective and a church plant (or new ministry) perspective. There are also parts that seem repetitive that I found myself glancing through. My biggest criticism is that this is not an advanced strategic planning process. It is a well thought out, basic process of strategic planning and implementation. All that being said, I am glad to keep this book on my shelf. I would recommend this book for anyone starting a new church or ministry. I would also recommend this to those that have an interest in church vitality but have no knowledge of how to move forward in the process.
This biggest benefit to reading this book was that it helped me to realize how well thought out the vitality process is in the ECC (Evangelical Covenant Church).
When rating this book, I would have to say that if it did not have the title "Advanced" I may have given it a four star rating. The first section of the book is primarily focusing on preparing for revitalizing an existing church. Although at sometimes it feels opinionated, it does have useful information on preparing for the process of vitality. In the rest of the book, the process bounces back and forth from a vitality perspective and a church plant (or new ministry) perspective. There are also parts that seem repetitive that I found myself glancing through. My biggest criticism is that this is not an advanced strategic planning process. It is a well thought out, basic process of strategic planning and implementation. All that being said, I am glad to keep this book on my shelf. I would recommend this book for anyone starting a new church or ministry. I would also recommend this to those that have an interest in church vitality but have no knowledge of how to move forward in the process.
November 26, 2024
This book represented some really solid thinking--really a step by step playbook for how to build the "business" side of your church.
A church is a ministry, but it also has a business component and church and business of course have lots of overlap in terms of doing it effectively because both (if effective) involve serving and managing people.
The chief structure of how to do advanced strategic planning:
1) Generate a missions statement (a repackaging of the Great Commission). Keep it short and memorizable.
2) Identify your values (3-7). These are who you are (maybe one or two aspirational - who you want to be)
3)Create strategies. These should flow out of your values. They'll involve making disciples from nonChristian to mature, outreach, your facility, staff development, and finances. But probably the biggest thing is figuring out a few (maybe 4-7) strategic ministries you're going to commit to doing really well because they align with your values and move you forward in your mission.
These strategies will probably change over time, but they represent leaning on your congregation/ pastor's strengths to make the most impact you can for who you are.
My chief complaint with the book was its length. The introduction and first chapter are gold for a pastor. The rest of it is overly thick, and gets a little repetitive. That makes it hard to realistically digest the most important things for churches that are simply not going to engage in some kind of intensive 6-18 month strategic planning process. There are some high level principles all churches and church leadership would benefit from, but the length makes it harder to draw out the most important things (as I tried to do above)
A church is a ministry, but it also has a business component and church and business of course have lots of overlap in terms of doing it effectively because both (if effective) involve serving and managing people.
The chief structure of how to do advanced strategic planning:
1) Generate a missions statement (a repackaging of the Great Commission). Keep it short and memorizable.
2) Identify your values (3-7). These are who you are (maybe one or two aspirational - who you want to be)
3)Create strategies. These should flow out of your values. They'll involve making disciples from nonChristian to mature, outreach, your facility, staff development, and finances. But probably the biggest thing is figuring out a few (maybe 4-7) strategic ministries you're going to commit to doing really well because they align with your values and move you forward in your mission.
These strategies will probably change over time, but they represent leaning on your congregation/ pastor's strengths to make the most impact you can for who you are.
My chief complaint with the book was its length. The introduction and first chapter are gold for a pastor. The rest of it is overly thick, and gets a little repetitive. That makes it hard to realistically digest the most important things for churches that are simply not going to engage in some kind of intensive 6-18 month strategic planning process. There are some high level principles all churches and church leadership would benefit from, but the length makes it harder to draw out the most important things (as I tried to do above)
October 24, 2022
A helpful resource on organizational management and strategic planning. Malphurs draws heavily from his own experience in coaching churches and elevates seeker friendly mega churches like Saddleback and Willow Creek as healthy church models. This can feel a bit pragmatic at times, but he also gives sound business advice and relevant Bible passages. Could be used for personal planning, team discussion, or a full church wide assessment and comprehensive strategic plan. Includes clear explanations, discussion questions at the end of each chapter, and forms and checklists in the appendices. At times it feels a bit like a commercial for the Malphur‘s Group consultation firm, but it can still be a helpful handbook for those who want to do their own self assessment. If using a book like this, I recommend balancing it out with a couple other deeper philosophy of ministry books like nine marks of a healthy church, masters plan for the church, or the trellis and the vine.
November 21, 2017
While I do see the value this books has, and would recommend having it available as a resource, I can not give it higher than 3 stars. This is due in part to the fact that at least 1 chapter is completely worthless and the fact that much of the book reads as an advertisement for the Malphurs Group. Like many Christian authors that write on the subject of mission and vision, Malphurs points out that the only valid mission for the church is the Great Commission. Yet, he then spends a little more than 20 pages explaining how to come up with a mission statement for your church. And, even though he never specifically says to hire his consulting firm, he advises the use of a consultant and constantly throws out references to the various things his firm offers.
May 10, 2024
This is a fantastic resource for ministry. I think all pastors, ministry leaders, those who are working in a church position, especially at the beginning of their 10 year, should read this. This book covers a lot of ground, and it’s unfortunate that I had to get through all of this, and only five weeks because I had to speed read through a good chunk of it. That said, there’s an incredible amount of wisdom, expertise, encouragement, and principles that I believe everybody in ministry should know. The chapters on mission, vision, values, and strategy Were some of the best things I’ve ever read on those subjects. Highly recommend, definitely appreciate this resource.
Rating: 9/10, five stars!
Rating: 9/10, five stars!
April 15, 2021
Probably closer to a 3.5.
However a pretty decent book that sets out what things should be considered in strategic planning. It has enough flexibility to be used (& tweaked) by those of different confessional convictions - although the sections on boards and governance are least helpful for those who operate with a reformed theology of ordination - a little too “corporate governance” for my liking.
At points it tried a little to hard to baptise its suggestions as “biblical”. It is a far better guide to strategic planning than it is to pastoring.
However a pretty decent book that sets out what things should be considered in strategic planning. It has enough flexibility to be used (& tweaked) by those of different confessional convictions - although the sections on boards and governance are least helpful for those who operate with a reformed theology of ordination - a little too “corporate governance” for my liking.
At points it tried a little to hard to baptise its suggestions as “biblical”. It is a far better guide to strategic planning than it is to pastoring.
November 6, 2021
Aubrey Malphurs aims to take you step by step in leading a congregation through the process of developing a plan for the future and implementing it. It's extremely detailed and Malphurs gives very helpful hands-on directions for each step.
However, this book is written for large churches with a huge staff. You can use many of the principles and steps here with a smaller church but it is not designed for that and much of what he writes is simply impossible to implement. It would be much more helpful to have a version of this book built for the smaller congregation.
However, this book is written for large churches with a huge staff. You can use many of the principles and steps here with a smaller church but it is not designed for that and much of what he writes is simply impossible to implement. It would be much more helpful to have a version of this book built for the smaller congregation.
April 14, 2019
Strategic and Church
This book was a great insight into the things that most leaders overlook when considering success within church and in business. Aubrey walks us through a great journey of reviewing the “why” behind what the church is created for. The through journey that he walks you through as a leader gives you no excuses to not improve your church in a drastic and effective way.
This book was a great insight into the things that most leaders overlook when considering success within church and in business. Aubrey walks us through a great journey of reviewing the “why” behind what the church is created for. The through journey that he walks you through as a leader gives you no excuses to not improve your church in a drastic and effective way.
October 27, 2023
Although I had to read this for a class and didn't hold high expectations for enjoyment, I must confess that there was a lot here that I really appreciated - not least of which it is solidly Biblically based and very conscious of the difference between a corporation and The Body of Christ. Also, although a great deal of it is aimed at the multi-staffed church and perhaps slightly more for Baptist church government, there was enough here for the small church and those Wesleyan or Anglican.
February 3, 2018
Detailed but good
Over all I like the strategy of the 3 sections. I felt like the 9th chapter and the vision of making more mature disciples should come earlier in his process, but over all this is a very good text that is deserving of consideration if you are starting something new or revitalizing a Church that has plateaued or is declining.
Over all I like the strategy of the 3 sections. I felt like the 9th chapter and the vision of making more mature disciples should come earlier in his process, but over all this is a very good text that is deserving of consideration if you are starting something new or revitalizing a Church that has plateaued or is declining.
October 25, 2023
As one who is interested in revitalizing churches, this book was so helpful! We are a church replant and this was timely to read so we can make a plan for our church. I recommend established church leaders reading this. It may be time to dust off the mission statement and ask so hard questions and possibly change the way things have always been done.
November 26, 2018
A 'Structure for Strategy'
While some of Malphurs examples and details may now be dated, this book is worth the read for its structured framework, insightful questions, and pre-designed appendices/surveys.
While some of Malphurs examples and details may now be dated, this book is worth the read for its structured framework, insightful questions, and pre-designed appendices/surveys.
August 12, 2018
This is really two books. The first (mission, vision, and values creation) is very good.
April 18, 2019
Solid guide to strategic planning, a great reference book.
December 24, 2020
This book transformed my strategic planning process. It can be dense in some spots, but the practicality of the book itself makes it a must-read for anyone in a leadership role.
May 28, 2025
So detailed. A great manual for traditional churches that need to realign with the mission and vision. It was just so dense.
December 9, 2025
Helpful specifically for church strategic planning. A good bit of it felt intuitive/obvious, but that may be because I've learned a good bit of this from the leaders I've served with.
March 14, 2015
For readability, I'd rate this book a 2-3. It is written as an exhaustive overview of how to build, plan, and implement a ministry or church. The first 1/3 of the book was difficult to get through because of his repetition and slightly condescending attitude.
However, the second part of the book (the actual steps) was an amazing insight. I am taking a class at the moment where we are building a ministry from scratch, and I have to say, this book is invaluable. Because it is exhaustive, it pulls up many questions and scenarios I would never have thought to consider. This book is certainly going to stay on my shelf for the years to come as I build my ministry.
However, the second part of the book (the actual steps) was an amazing insight. I am taking a class at the moment where we are building a ministry from scratch, and I have to say, this book is invaluable. Because it is exhaustive, it pulls up many questions and scenarios I would never have thought to consider. This book is certainly going to stay on my shelf for the years to come as I build my ministry.
May 14, 2016
The Good: Very practical, wealth of information for future reference.
The Bad: Sometimes treats the Church like a business, which frustrates me. Also, because it was so painstakingly detailed, it could be hard to read through at this stage in life. For me, it felt like a manual on how to celebrate your tenth anniversary, to someone who has never even been on a first date. I have yet to be formally employed by a church, therefore, a lot of it dealt with things I cannot implement right now.
Overall, it will make a good reference tool for somewhere down the road.
The Bad: Sometimes treats the Church like a business, which frustrates me. Also, because it was so painstakingly detailed, it could be hard to read through at this stage in life. For me, it felt like a manual on how to celebrate your tenth anniversary, to someone who has never even been on a first date. I have yet to be formally employed by a church, therefore, a lot of it dealt with things I cannot implement right now.
Overall, it will make a good reference tool for somewhere down the road.
May 10, 2016
You won't enjoy reading this book right now, but if you end up doing anything in church ministry, or even organizational leadership outside of the church, you are going to use this book all the time. Very practical, and very flexible for anyone's theological or denominational convictions. Just basic wisdom, and I suggest you have it.
July 4, 2016
A mind-numbingly intense book on strategic planning... Great insights, but it took me nearly 6 months to make my way through it...
January 4, 2017
Got about half way through this. I didn't like the strategic planning sequence as described. Seemed to use unconventional process.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews