Strategic Planning Facilitation

Discerning the Future with Clarity and Purpose

Whitewater Valley Presbytery equips leaders to cultivate healthy, bold, Christ-centered communities. Through the Catalyst Collaborative, Strategic Planning Facilitation partners with congregations in a guided process of mission study, discernment, and strategic planning.

This process helps Sessions and congregational leaders clarify vision, assess their ministry context, and develop actionable plans for faithful ministry in a changing world. Through prayer, reflection, collaboration, and analysis, congregations gain renewed purpose and a clearer path forward.

Strategic Planning Pathways

Congregations may choose from three pathways based on their unique needs and circumstances.

Aligning Building Resources and Mission

Explore how church property and facilities can be stewarded to strengthen ministry impact, support long-term sustainability, and better serve the congregation's mission.

Clarifying Vision and Direction

Define or refine mission and vision, assess strengths and challenges, and develop strategic goals for congregational vitality and growth. Congregations may enter this process at any stage, whether beginning from scratch or building upon an existing mission and vision.

Discerning Identity at Pastoral Transition

Engage in a process of reflection and community listening during a pastoral transition. Congregations explore their identity, assess community needs, and prepare for the work of a Pastor Nominating Committee and the search for new pastoral leadership.

Program Structure

Strategic Planning Facilitation is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of each congregation.

What to Expect

Facilitation by the Lead Presbyter
A timeline tailored to the congregation's goals and context
Prayerful discernment and theological reflection
Congregational and community assessment
Collaborative leadership engagement
Development of practical and actionable next steps

Some congregations may begin with discerning identity during a pastoral transition and later continue into a visioning and strategic planning process once a new pastor has been called.

Throughout the process, congregations are encouraged to embody the presbytery's core values by leading collaboratively, thinking creatively, and remaining open to the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Desired Outcomes

Participating congregations will seek to:

Clarify a contextual vision for ministry
Identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities
Develop focused and actionable strategic priorities
Align mission, leadership, and resources
Strengthen capacity for faithful adaptation and growth

Congregational Leadership and Authority

Strategic Planning Facilitation is designed to support and strengthen congregational leadership.

Throughout the process:

The Session retains full authority over all decisions and outcomes
Facilitation equips rather than replaces Session leadership
Each congregation determines its own vision, goals, and implementation strategies

The role of the facilitator is to guide the process, provide tools and insight, and help leaders discern faithful next steps together.

Financial Commitment and Grant Opportunity

Participation in Strategic Planning Facilitation includes a shared investment between the congregation and the presbytery.

Congregational Investment

$1,500 pre-commitment fee

Implementation Grant

Upon successful completion of the process, congregations become eligible for a $5,000 implementation grant.

This grant is intended to help launch the congregation's newly discerned vision and strategic priorities, providing tangible support as plans move from discernment to action.

Program Availability

Whitewater Valley Presbytery will support at least 20 congregations between 2026 and 2028 through strategic planning facilitation and implementation grants.

Learn More

For additional information or to discuss whether Strategic Planning Facilitation is right for your congregation, contact:

Rev. Dr. Erin McGee
emcgee@whitewatervalley.org