Strategic Plan 2011-16
Contents Preamble Page 1 Strategic Framework Our Mission Page 2 Our Vision Page 2 Our Values Page 3 Situational Analysis Planning Assumptions Page 4 Environmental Scan Page 5 The Strategic Plan Strategies Page 8 Goals Page 9 Objectives Page 10 St. Luke s Lutheran Church and School 2021 W SR 421 Oviedo, FL 32765 407-365-3408 stlukes-oviedo.org
Preamble St. Luke s Lutheran Church and School has been engaged in a strategic planning process since 2007. In 2010 the congregation formed the Strategic Plan Oversight Team (SPOT) to oversee completion of a new strategic plan for the congregation. New Horizons Ministry Consulting served to assist SPOT with its assignment. The planning process was fully engaged in January 2011 and included: Review of data regarding church, school and community Initial input received through focus groups and interviews Survey of the congregation and parents from congregation s school Preparation of proposed statements based on data, survey results and knowledge and background of SPOT members Testing of proposed statements through focus groups and interviews Improvement of proposed statements and development of objectives Presentation to the Board of Directors (June 2011) Improvement of plan based on input from the Board of Directors Presentation to the Voters Assembly (July 2011) Formation of Ministry Action Teams (MATs) to prepare action plans designed to meet each objective Oversight of the MATs by SPOT Approval of all aspects of the plan by the Board of Directors 1
The environment in which St. Luke s Lutheran Church and School operates has changed dramatically over its hundred year history, prompting this close, campus-wide examination of the mission, vision, values and priorities of the church and school. Recessionary forces affected the church and school deeply, challenging financial stability and viability of long-held assumptions. This document is the first installment toward making strategic planning an integral part of assessing future efforts and ongoing planning for the future. The first pages of the mission, vision, values and assumptions, are St. Luke s look to its long-range future. Next, the environmental scan is both long and near term. Then the strategic plan lists the goals and objectives that will guide our work as we move forward. Ideally, a strategic plan identifies and implements the mission of an organization within the context or environment in which it is called to function, allowing it to make strategic decisions both proactively and reactively as environments change. A strategic plan is intended to be both a benchmark and an ongoing, flexible, living document. It guides the ongoing planning process even as it is part of that process. It should be referred to frequently to question our decisions and mark our progress. As situations change, as unforeseen challenges arise, and as new opportunities present themselves, the strategic plan is a yardstick against which we should be prepared to justify any deviations from the plan. Specifics in the plan can be changed but only after adequate discussion and justification. The present plan is mission driven and realistic. It addresses three great needs: an intensifying commitment to members of a faith community that should know what Christ has done for them (Faith that Knows); an unswerving declaration that members faith, like that of the Apostle Paul, develops over time (Faith that Grows); and engendering a much needed greater sense of community on and off campus (Faith that Shows). Strategic Framework Our Mission By God s grace alone, St. Luke s exists to awaken and nurture thriving relationships with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Our Vision To be a Spirit-empowered community that expects, encourages and supports people to actively participate in God s plan to save all people and hasten the renewal of His creation. (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 8:19-21; 2 Peter 3:11-13, Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV) 2
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Romans 8:19-21 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 2 Peter 3:11-13 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Our Core Values This congregation accepts without reservation a confessional standard* The scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired and inerrant Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and practice. All the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, to wit: The three Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed) The Unaltered Augsburg Confession The Apology of the Augsburg Confession The Smalcald Articles The Large Catechism of Luther The Small Catechism of Luther The Formula of Concord *Source: St. Luke s Constitution, Section 3.0: Confessional Standard 3
Our Guiding Values FAITH that Knows Bible as the inerrant Word of God which reveals Jesus Christ Confessions of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Education FAITH that Grows Lifelong faith development for all life stages Support families to raise faithful children Develop Christian leaders Worship that is Lutheran and Liturgical FAITH that Shows Outreach that is local, national, international Caring through service to others with Christ-like compassion Faith in Action (Stewardship) Cultivating an atmosphere of trust, mutual encouragement, fellowship and unconditional love Excellence in all we do to the Glory of God Situational Analysis Planning Assumptions 4 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. St. Luke s Lutheran Church and School is an institution of the SELC District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and functions in name and service of our Synod. We are committed to the historical, creedal and confessional Lutheran theology and practice applied to 21st century ministry and mission. We continue to build on the foundation of proclaiming Jesus Christ so that all may know Him and grow in faith toward Him and love toward one another. We have an expected leadership role within the Districts of the Synod and the Synod at large. We are responsible for our own growth in financial resources as God provides. We must demonstrate good stewardship of our resources. We understand that the economic, political, cultural and religious environments will exact challenges upon religious institutions over the next several years. We must maintain a high standard of integrity and transparency in governance and administration. We will remain fiscally viable. We will embrace organizational growth as a grand strategy.
Environmental Scan Environmental Scan A number of trends are developing locally that will impact the planning and mission of St. Luke s Lutheran Church and School. Some of the most significant issues, as identified by a report issued by ExecutiveInsite in August of 2010, follow. The purpose of the report was to tell the demographic story of a 15 mile radius of St. Luke s Lutheran Church with a 5-year projection to 2015. (Full report available) Population: The estimated 2010 population within the study area is 1,028,217. The 2015 projection would see the area grow by 91,111 to a total population of 1,119,328. The population within the study area is growing somewhat slower than the statewide growth rate. While the study area is projected to grow by 8.9% in the next five years, the state is projected to grow by 9.3%. The study area s estimated average change rate is 1.8%. Households: The households within the community are growing but not as fast as the population, thus the average population per household in 2000 was 2.59 but by 2015 it is projected to be 2.61. Compare this to the statewide average which for the current year is estimated at 2.5 persons per household. Population Per Household: The relationship between population and households provides a hint about how the community is changing. When population grows faster than households, it suggests an increase in the persons per household. This can only happen when more persons are added either by birth or other processes such as young adults in multiple roommate households or young adults returning to live with parents. In some communities, this can occur when multiple families live in the same dwelling unit. Family Households: Family households provide an additional hint about the changing dynamics of a community. If family household growth follows population growth, then it would be reasonable to assume that the increasing population comes from additional children. This is the case within the study area. Family households are growing as fast as the population suggesting that the increasing population per household is from additional children. 5
Racial-Ethnic Trends: The percentage of the population... Asian (Non Hispanic) is projected to grow by 0.7% over the next five years. Black/African American is projected to remain about the same (Non Hispanic) over the next five years. White (Non Hispanic) is projected to decline by about -2.6% over the next five years. Hispanic or Latino is projected to grow by 2.4% over the next five years. Age Trends - Average Age 1990 2000 2010 2015 Study Area Average Age 34.8 35.6 37.8 38.9 Percent Change 2.0% 6.2% 3.0% FL Average Age 39.0 39.6 41.3 42.0 Percent Change 1.4% 4.4% 1.7% A community s age structure and how it is changing is an important part of its story. The average age of this study has been rising for several years. It is projected to rise over the next five years. A comparison to the average age of the state helps to contextualize the significance of the average age of the study area and its history and projection. The state s average age is estimated to be higher than the study area. Phase of Life In the study area, children 17 years of age and younger are declining as a percentage of the total population. Considering the other end of the phases of life, adults 55 years of age and older are increasing as a percentage of the total population. It may be that the community is aging as children are raised and leave but parents remain. School Aged Children Trends Early Elementary children ages 5 to 9 are projected to increase at a percentage of children between 5 and 18 by 11.6%. Late Elementary to Middle School aged children ages 10 to 14 are increasing as a percentage of children between 5 and 19 by 1.7%. High School aged children 15 to 18 are declining as a percentage of children between 5 and 19 by -13.3%. Household and Family Income Trends In this study area, the estimated current year average household income is $81,727. The average household income is projected to grow by 10.5% to $90,347. The estimated per capita income for the current year is $31,545. The Per Capita income is projected to grow by 9.8%. (Per Capita income is a measure of the average income by all persons within a household. Average household income reflects that average income for each household, whether family or non-family.) 6
Marital Status Trends In this community, the current year estimate of marital status reveals a community of adults less likely to be married than the state average for adults. The percentage single, never married in the study area is higher than the state average for adults 15 years and older. Divorce is more prevalent than the state wide average. Household and Children Trends Of the households with children under 18, married couple households are increasing as a percentage while single parent households are decreasing. Charitable Giving Practices Overall, it is estimated that households in this study area are about the same as state average in their contributions to charities. It is estimated that last year, 20.5% of households gave $200 or more to religious institutions. Religious Practices Both individually and taken together it is estimated that people in this study area are about the same as the state average in religious practices. Adult Religious Practices Population % of Pop Interpretation Important to attend religious services 191,707 24.4% About average for the state Consider myself a spiritual person 388,204 49.5% About average for the state Enjoy watching religious TV 133,736 17.1% Somewhat below the state average programs My Faith is really important to me 139,686 17.8% Somewhat below the state average Conservative Evangelical Christian 241,137 30.8% Somewhat below the state average 7
SLLC Strategy Core Strategy: The most Biblically literate, doctrinally sound, actively engaged congregation in Central Florida. Supporting Strategies: Focused and sustained implementation of the strategic plan through: Follow-up and management of the Strategic Plan objectives by the oversight team (SPOT) Creation of cross-functional Ministry Action Teams (MATs) responsible for developing action strategies and tactics for their assigned objective An awareness and increased usage of measurement tools to assess improvement gains, drive further action and create a culture of excellence Coordinate the work of established Ministry Boards with the SP Development of a Differential Advantage Become the Core Strategy Position SLLCS to take advantage of the differential Promote the Differential Advantage The 2011 Strategic Plan for the 100th Year and Beyond Overview of Major Goals I. Formation: In order to be the people that God has created and called us to be in Christ, St. Luke s will cultivate awareness and promote development of deliberate and purposeful spiritual formation at every stage of life. II. III. IV. Education: So that our children may continue spreading the Gospel in the future, St. Luke s will offer education in the school that equips the next generation for service to God. Administration: In order to effectively conduct ministry, St. Luke s will evaluate and manage all resources to ensure the ministry of St. Luke s is achievable and sustainable. Community Life: In view of the stewardship of all the blessings He has entrusted to us, St. Luke s will maintain an awareness of our changing community to make timely strategic decisions. V. Leader Resources: Because meeting God-honoring goals is a sign of a productive spiritual life, St. Luke s will develop leadership and staff for ministry through prayer, encouragement, education and accountability. VI. Worship: Because the Christian life should not and cannot be lived in isolation, St. Luke s will be a family of Christians that provides a worship environment that is rich in Word and Sacrament for all. 8
VII. Advancement: Because God delights in expanding ministry, St. Luke s will establish viable models of ministry that will expand God s Kingdom locally and globally. VIII. Community Growth: Because God is living His Story faithfully throughout our history, St. Luke s will join together with Lutheran Haven to implement a community development plan for Slavia. IX. Service: In order to teach that God s Word dwells richly in our lives. St. Luke s will enrich faith formation by providing vital service opportunities in the church, school, community and world. X. Caring Community: In order to provide love, help and support to others, St. Luke s will foster a caring and compassionate community that lives out its identity as the Body of Christ. XI. Leadership: Since external relationships are a key to Gospel proclamation, St. Luke s will provide models of ministry and resources to benefit The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and the wider Christian Church. Goals with Details Goal #1: Formation: Cultivate awareness and promote development of deliberate and purposeful spiritual formation at every stage of life. Objective 1.1: Assess how members can receive the best spiritually formative experience possible. Objective 1.2: Develop a communications plan to achieve and celebrate milestones of faith formation. Goal #2: Education: Offer education in the school that equips people for service to God. Objective 2.1: Position the school program to balance value, affordability and stability. Objective 2.2: Develop a plan for high school education at St. Luke s. Goal #3: Administration: Evaluate and manage all resources to ensure the ministry of St. Luke s is achievable and sustainable. Objective 3.1: Design a decision-making process that will: consistently leverage SLLC s time and talent toward identifying what we could do; allow for informed decisions by church governance with respect to those possibilities; and provide for the leaders who will make and carry out those decisions in the future. Objective 3.2: Evaluate current ministries for relevance and practicality. Objective 3.3: Achieve and maintain optimum staffing to carry out the mission of St. Luke s Lutheran Church and School. Objective 3.4: Develop a comprehensive plan that guides the cultivation of donors and includes the next capital campaign. 9
Goal #4: Community Life: Maintain an awareness of our changing community to make timely strategic decisions. Objective 4.1: Create a comprehensive planning structure/cycle that brings together all existing planning activities. Goal #5: Leader Resources: Develop leadership and staff for ministry through prayer, encouragement, education and accountability. Objective 5.1: Design a church and school leadership program that focuses on strategy, structure, and culture. Objective 5.2: Develop a comprehensive, world-class whole-life stewardship program. Goal #6: Worship: Provide a worship environment that is rich in Word and Sacrament for all. Objective 6.1: Explore ways to make our worship services more attractive to people of all ages, while better educating and conveying our heritage of Word and Sacrament in Worship. Goal #7: Advancement: Establish viable models of ministry that will expand God s Kingdom locally and globally. Objective 7.1: Identify and prioritize existing outreach methods for St. Luke s. Objective 7.2: Analyze and envision a center to enhance and expand lifelong training ministries that equip members of St. Luke s for service in the community and the world. Goal #8: Community Growth: Join together with Lutheran Haven to implement a community development plan for Slavia. Objective 8.1: Develop a multi-generational strategy for a Slavia Community Development Plan that will support and enhance the learning and living environment of St. Luke s Church and School and the Lutheran Haven campuses. Goal #9: Service: Enrich faith formation by providing vital service opportunities in the church, school, community and world. Objective 9.1: Develop a member retention program aimed at keeping members actively engaged at St. Luke s. Goal #10: Caring Community: Foster a caring and compassionate community that lives out its identity as the Body of Christ. Goal #11: Leadership: Provide models of ministry and resources to benefit The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and the wider Christian Church. To be good stewards of time and resources, the Strategic Planning Oversight Team created 16 objectives to begin our work in fulfilling the mission, vision and values. As the congregation works to fulfill the strategic plan, more objectives will be added. The strategic plan is designed to continually grow and unfold, so as we progress, you will see more objectives develop. 10 Revised January 27, 2012