I'll use today's installment of these Messages About Purpose and Strategy to let you know we are laying out the process that will lead Dayspring to adopt a Strategic Plan that will serve as a guide for the next few years. I presented a time line for this process to the elders this week. Let me say a few things about this important matter.

1. While we expect the completed strategic plan will be of great value, it will not have the authority of Scripture. It will only be the word of man, and subject to error and open to change. God's Word will remain our only infallible guide. We will always remain dependent upon the leading of the Holy Spirit and subject to the authority of the Bible.

2. In our planning, we will not deviate from the basic objectives set out when Dayspring was born. There is no desire to change what does not need to be changed. Our church is still about the solid biblical basics of living by the Great Commandment (to love God and others) and fulfilling the Great Commission (to make disciples). It is our desire to refresh, renew, revive, etc, not to reinvent just to be novel.

3. The development of this plan will be a team effort, which will include me, other pastors, the elders, and you! We will utlilize our DVD meetings (designed for church leaders but open to all) and other focus groups. You have a part in this process.

4. The work to produce and adopt a strategic plan for our church growth will take some time. It will involve lots of reading, prayer, discussion and writing. This won't be easy and it won't be quick.

5. Finally, I'm convinced that this process leading to a strategic plan will be worth the effort. Please prayerfully participate as we listen to the leading of the Lord and determine the path he will have us take by faith into our future.