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Twin Forks Baptist Church recently completed a church consultation involving strategic planning.  After the yearlong process concluded, the only thing that stayed the same was the church name and mission statement.  The church decided to keep its mission statement after agonizing discussions that led the planning team into three camps, each with their own statement.  Once that was resolved, the team moved on to values, vision, and SMART goals. This was a contentious consultation for the consultant.  Strong personalities pushed and pulled one another in every meeting. Consensus seemed an impossible dream.  Then came the Miracle of the SMART goals.
When the two teams working on their individual goals came together and reviewed each other’s work, the full planning team realized for the first time that their mission, values, vision, and goals were in perfect alignment.  Defenses came down and celebration began.
 

The planning team met with the other lay leaders of the congregation a month or so after the strategic planning process was completed.  The team presented the church’s new ministry focus and answered questions and objections.  The church began full implementation of the new plans January 1, 2010.  The church sits in a community that is 60% African American.  The largest family style is single-mother households.  Only one African American family attends the church.  A new elementary school sits across the street from the church.  
The church is developing ministries for latchkey kids and single mothers.  They planted a community garden where everyone in the area is invited to work and to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labors.  The church is preparing an Upward Soccer ministry on their five undeveloped acres.  Their next building project includes a gymnasium for Upward Basketball.  
 

The bivocational pastor’s job is more manageable and a delight.  He said the church has transitioned from seeing itself existing for its members to existing for its community.  The church is actively seeking an African American associate pastor to help them relate better to the community.