Have you ever rolled out a ‘plan’ or strategy, anticipating certain results only to have things go a completely different direction? Backwards planning, or reverse planning, means to ‘plan with the end in mind.’ I was first introduced to this concept years ago, when I worked as a teacher. It has been an invaluable tool.
Backwards Planning – What is It?
The premise is that you:
- Identify the ‘end goal’.
- Work backwards to identify the steps to get there. (If there are 10 action steps you would map out step 10, step 9, step 8, etc.)
- Determine the ideal starting point.
- Compile a list of the materials/resources needed.
Not only does backwards planning help ensure that you establish action steps to get you to your goal, it helps map out a reasonable timeline. It also alerts you to any steps that may be irrelevant or unnecessary.
Teachers use this strategy for lesson planning.
Runners use this strategy to build training plans.
This works for entire organizations as they plan strategies for accomplishing their mission and vision. It also works for ministry leaders formulating ministry-team-specific action plans.
“Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.”
William A. Ward
Now that we understand WHAT backwards planning is, here is WHY it can be useful for ministry leaders.
Why Should I Consider It?
This is a season of frequent and rapid change. The pandemic has propelled us forward at an uncomfortably fast pace. As I talk too and observe different ministry leaders in this season, there are a couple unique responses that I have noticed.
- Some leaders and churches are REACTIVE.
- Other leaders and churches are PRO-ACTIVE.
A re-active leader quickly rolled out strategies and programs that were neither sustainable long-term OR that could be produced consistently in the short-term. As church buildings received the green light to re-open, they opened their doors and down-graded their digital strategies. They increased sanitization but made virtually no changes to their typical programming.
This same leader was surprised by low attendance numbers. So they turned their attention back towards their online programming. There is a cycle of action, unanticipated outcome and re-action.
Less advance planning = more time and energy spent reacting to less-than-favorable outcomes.
Please don’t dismiss how inconsistency and unreliability will impact your online engagement.
I heard from a friend recently who shared that their family tunes in to their local church every Sunday morning for their kid’s programming. They shared their frustration with the fact that their churches programming is not consistently posted at the same time OR in the same place (same platform).
Sometimes things happen out of our control. If you need to change something you have previously advertised communication is critical. (Most people are very understanding when things occasionally go awry. When it moves from ‘occasional’ issues too ‘persistent’ is when we have a bigger problem.) We risk giving the perception that we are unorganized, unprepared and unreliable. Not the impression that any of us want to make to those we are leading or trying to reach.
I am not insinuating that when we try new things, we won’t need to evaluate and make tweaks. What I am suggesting is that by planning backwards, we increase the likelihood of spending less time ‘fixing’ things later.
By planning backwards, we increase the likelihood that we will have to spend less time fixing things later.
One of the key differences between re-active leaders and pro-active leaders is that PRO-ACTIVE leaders plan with the end goal in mind.
These leaders may have also quickly rolled out a new digital strategy. However, they anticipated the long-term effectiveness of each step, PRIOR to rolling it out.
My observation, from this season, is that pro-active leaders created digital strategies that both consistent and sustainable.
They recognized the long-term need to intentional pursue those ‘outside’ the church building. Their strategy is here to stay.
Every step of their strategy was created intentionally.
Their digital plan has been consistent and will remain consistent into the foreseeable future. Individuals and families who have recently found their church, have experienced their reliability and a genuine personal connection. And all through an online plan intended to engage and connect those outside the church.
The re-opening of their church building was (or will be) thoughtful and timely with a clearly implemented communication strategy.
Pro-active leaders considered the END GOAL of creating an environment that people would feel comfortable returning too. Then they worked backwards to create their action steps. I have seen some incredible updates just to the FAQ portion of organization websites. Leaders anticipated the details people would want to know. Then they pro-actively offered the answers to those questions.
How Do We Move This Direction?
I am so glad you asked!
- Identify your end goal
- Determine the steps necessary to get there. (Work them out backwards. Ask yourself, what needs to happen just before this? What needs to happen to make that happen, etc.)
Your mission has probably not changed. The programs, initiatives, resources, etc. have changed. Perhaps the goal of your family ministry program is for EVERY child and student to feel connected. Amazing goal! Now, what are the steps you will take to get there?
From a digital ministry perspective, here are a few questions you might ask:
- Does sustaining an ongoing digital presence support our mission?
- What is currently working and is there is anything we can tweak to make it better?
- What is not working or not sustainable for the long-term?
On the in-person side of things, here are a few questions you might ask:
- Did we consider all potential strategies for in-person experiences? (Some churches have left their main auditorium closed. Instead, they have opened small environments throughout their campus or inside homes. Others are offering ‘family-style’ services. Still others, have adapted their kids’ ministry to allow for social distancing.)
- Have we invited ‘others’ into the conversation to allow for collaboration?
- What are the plans for communicating changes?
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galations 6:9
If we half-way strategize and plan, there is a good chance, we will get only half-way to our goal. Can’t encourage you enough, upfront time spent planning, will get the best end results.
Routing for you in this season. Please read this, if you are feeling overwhelmed or need some encouragement. Also, feel free to reach out or leave a comment or question if I can support you in this season. It would be my honor to partner with you, your organization or your team.