Various factors impact the health of your parish’s ministry, like digital giving tools, your ChMS, leadership, staff, budget, and the local community. The key to success is that each of these factors works together. Of course, this doesn’t happen on its own—it takes a plan.
Studies show organizations are 2X more likely to succeed with a plan and 10X more likely to reach specific goals when they’ve been written down. A ministry success plan has been used by countless parishes to further their vision and grow within the community.
If you’re creating your first ministry success plan, or you need motivation for updating your current one, here are a few reasons why it’s essential (and how your online giving platform can help)!
Elevate your work, and in turn—your parish’s vision
Ministry success plans include setting specific goals with actionable steps to reach your vision. When these elements are in place, productivity naturally increases, and the church is simply more effective in outreach efforts. You save time and energy daily since your purpose is clear and you’re organized. And the best part is, as you elevate your work, you’ll see it reflected in your church’s vision as well!
Create a culture of generosity with carefully chosen digital tools
The digital tools used to cultivate generosity must be chosen carefully. When it’s easy to give, register for events and classes, and connect with the ministry—more people in the community will. It’s that simple.
While planning for ministry success, identify gaps in your current solutions. Note digital tools that need to be invested in or updated. Check to see if you’re offering multiple ways to give, so people can connect with the ministry anytime, anywhere.
Church administrators will gain a better understanding of how integrations work to further your mission and reach out to digital partners for help. Church apps, ChMS, digital giving tools, bookkeeping software, and more are designed to work together, so you save steps and reduce burden.
Communication heightens to a new level
A ministry success plan promotes fluidity between those that manage the work of the parish and those that attend. When leaders and staff don’t communicate clearly with each other, it can cause a disconnect between parish leaders and your parishioners.
Planning heightens your level of communication. No one is left second-guessing about upcoming events, how to give, and other activities that intertwine parishioners. When everyone is informed and communicating effectively, giving and participation increase, leading to steady growth.
Gain clarity on your parish’s overall mission throughout the year
Throughout the year, efforts can get muddled because other tasks pop up on the calendar and distract us from the bigger picture. With a ministry success plan, you can easily regroup and regain clarity when you get a little off track.
Every so often, look back at your plan and adjust any areas that are unclear or too vague. Document the results for better forecasting in the future. Speak with ParishSOFT about the best ways to use customizable reports and identify giving patterns.
By taking a few hours to plan for the success of your ministry, you’ll encourage growth and see the needle move in the right direction. Just remember to set goals with actionable steps to achieve them and reach out to those that partner with your church to enhance your plan.
Want to learn more about how ParishSOFT can further the ministry of your parish? Reach out at 866-930-4774 x6 or by filling out our online form.
