Strategic Planning in Christian Nonprofit Organizations

Strategic planning is a process vital to any for-profit or nonprofit organization’s success and effectiveness. Resources provide general methods and recommended practices that can be used for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, but there is a lack of strategic planning literature that considers aspects unique to faith-based nonprofit organizations. For example, the faith aspect must be directly addressed and included in the strategic planning process of a faith-based organization. This study evaluates the effectiveness of strategic planning methods currently being implemented in Christian nonprofit organizations. The information regarding strategic planning methods currently being implemented in Christian nonprofit organizations comes from an online questionnaire sent to and completed by leaders of Christian nonprofit organizations. Participants are asked to categorize their nonprofit organization based on the integration level of faith in the programs and services of the organization, explain aspects of their planning and decision-making processes, and describe how faith is incorporated into the business practices of the organization. The information from these questionnaires show the similarities and discrepancies between recommended practices and the reality of the methods being implemented. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of faith in strategic planning in Christian nonprofit organizations and conclude with an outline of a strategic planning guideline specific to the unique needs of Christian nonprofit organizations. This guideline combines aspects from recommended practices as well as the methods currently being implemented in such organizations