Strategic planning is essential for churches that want to listen deeply, lead wisely, and live faithfully. But when planning focuses only on goals, numbers, or programs, we miss a deeper opportunity: to make the planning process itself a formational, Spirit-led journey. Spiritual practices can ground your church in God’s presence, helping you discern not just what’s next—but what’s faithful. They serve as one of the essential pathways for Congregational renewal. Here are a few places you can introduce or reinforce these practices:

• WorshipMonthly focus on a new spiritual practice (sermon + activity).
• Church WebsiteCreate a “Spiritual Practices” resource page with guides and videos.
• Social MediaWeekly posts with prayer prompts, scripture, or testimony highlights.
• Leadership MeetingsOpen each meeting with 10 minutes of spiritual reflection.
• Retreats/WorkshopsCenter retreats around one or more spiritual practices.

Strategic discernment is an ongoing activity for thriving congregations. Consider ways to regularly embed prayerful discernment activities into all gatherings and communication platforms.

What It Is: Start each planning meeting by reading a scripture passage (like Luke 10:1–12 or Acts 2:42–47), followed by silent reflection and shared insights.

Where to Use It:

• Planning meetings
• Worship (sermon series or liturgy)
• Facebook or Instagram reflections
• Weekly e-newsletters

Why It Matters: Anchors the church in God’s Word and opens hearts to spiritual discernment—not just strategic thinking.

What It Is: Create space for silent or guided prayer, asking questions like:

“God, what are You saying to us now?”
“What do You desire for our church?”

Where to Use It:

• Church retreats
• Worship prayer times
• Guided video/audio prayer on your website
• Emails or text-based devotionals

Why It Matters: Shifts focus from asking God to bless our plans to seeking God’s plans.

What It Is: Invite members to share how they’ve experienced God through the church. These stories reveal where transformation is already happening.

Where to Use It:

• Testimonies in worship
• Small groups or listening sessions
• “Story Spotlight” blog or social media series
• Video clips or reels on your website

Why It Matters: Stories shape identity. They uncover values and energize the church’s vision for the future.

What It Is: Walk through your church’s surrounding area, praying for neighbors, schools, businesses, and God’s guidance.

Where to Use It:

• Sunday afternoon gatherings
• Youth group or small group activities
• Website map with prompts
• Instagram stories documenting reflections

Why It Matters: Prayer walking helps your church see and listen to the community with spiritual eyes.

What It Is: Build rhythms of rest into your planning process. Encourage leaders to step back, breathe, and trust.

Where to Use It:

• “Sabbath Sundays” with simplified worship
• Leader retreats with silence and solitude
• Planning timelines with intentional pause weeks
• Sabbath reflection guides on your blog or resource page

Why It Matters: Sabbath reminds us that renewal comes not by hustle—but by grace.

What It Is: Regularly celebrate God’s faithfulness. Start meetings with gratitude. Create space to name small wins and answered prayers.

Where to Use It:

• Opening team meetings
• “Gratitude Wall” on campus or online
• Facebook “Thankful Thursday” posts
• Prayer time in worship

Why It Matters: Gratitude opens hearts and builds hope—especially during uncertain seasons.