3 Planning Shifts Every Church Leader Needs to Make
Last week we shared how you can communicate your 2026 strategy through a single page to increase focus and simplify goals. This week, in a conversation with Pastor Rohan Bell, uncover practical planning insights that every church leader should hear, especially if you're feeling behind, overwhelmed, or unsure how to structure your upcoming year.
Here are three planning shifts that can change your leadership game:
1. Start in September:
Put it on your calendar right now. Block two or three sets of deep work days in September to sketch out a plan for 2027. Allowing time for prayers and reflection. (Also, while your adding things to your calendar, plan some days/ weeks of rest for yourself ensuring you protect yourself from burn out.)
2. Planning Isn’t Anti-Spiritual, it Creates Room for the Spirit.
A framework does not replace the Spirit. It creates space for the Spirit to move. When structure is clear, you and your team can stay present. Planning can become a form or stewardship, not control. Scripture reminds us that God works through wise preparation.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance” (Proverbs 21:5)
3. If You Don’t Communicate the ‘Why,’ You’ll Lose Alignment.
Take time early in the year to explain how and why the calendar was built, then inviting questions and feedback. That one shift produced real fruit. Greater buy-in. Stronger unity. More prayer. More shared ownership. If you want your team aligned in 2026, do not only distribute the plan. Take time to disciple people into the why.
In This Episode Your Team Will Learn
-How to plan your entire year with a few focused deep work blocks
- Why early planning reduces stress and increases clarity
- How to communicate the why so your team can own the vision
- How to stay Spirit-led while still being prepared
Discussion Questions
1) If we started planning in September, what would change for our staff and volunteers?
2) What parts of ministry feel rushed because we plan too late?
3) How can we communicate the why behind our calendar more clearly this year?
As you look at your 2026 calendar, do not just fill it. Shape it. Build in intentional time to plan, pray, and think before the year speeds up. That margin will help you listen for what God is saying. And while you are looking at your 2026 calendar this week, put your 2027 planning windows on the calendar now. Future you will thank you, and your team will feel the difference.
Let’s lead well,
The Church Staff Huddle Team
