Use of Concept Mapping/Pattern Matching as a Strategic

Religious organizations including local congregations are borrowing ideas, processes and methodologies more and more frequently from the corporate business world in order to improve the efficiencies of their respective organizations. This paper presents an example of how a local congregation leveraged one particular corporate methodology to conduct its own strategic planning process for congregational growth. The key component of this corporate methodology was the use of a particular tool known as “Concept Mapping ” to support their strategic planning process. Concept Mapping is a structured process which can be used by groups to develop a conceptual framework to guide evaluation or strategic planning (Trochim, 1989b). The outcome of the process is a conceptual framework for planning or discussion, where the framework is displayed in the form a picture or “concept map. ” A potential best practice in local congregational strategic planning efforts will be discussed. Purpose of the Paper In a typical business, the goal of formal strategic planning is to make sure that key decision makers have a solid understanding of the business, share a common fact base, and agree o