This is part 2 of a 4-part series on project management in church ministry.
Whereas some people are content with just a “plan” they don’t realize that the plan becomes obsolete the moment it starts to be executed. This is a planning fallacy. This bias is due to the invalid assumption that “everything will go as planned.” Most plans tend to be cast in the best case scenario. This may be so in an imaginary ideal world. However, the reality is that changes and circumstances impact the plan. Risks also impact the plan. Thus, the goal of project management is not merely to come up with a plan. Managing a project requires planning. The word is the present participle of the verb to plan, and not the noun a plan. This is an action of continually planning throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Moreover, each project must be immersed in faithful prayer. In addition to the UPward relationship with the Tri-Une God, there needs to be clear communication with the project stakeholders. This will enable them and other prayer warriors to lift up requests, and not be kept in the dark. Intentional, proactive communication includes seeking permission before taking action rather than asking for forgiveness after the fact. In the real estate business, it is about “Location. Location. Location.” But in project management, it is “Communication. Communication. Communication.”
Proverbs 16 tells us:
“To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Also, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)