Strategic planning for a technical ministry involves looking ahead at needs for carrying out the mission. It should be driven by a thorough understanding of the ministry and where it is headed in the future. Then you should match that understanding up with a grasp of the technology, and where it is heading too. Here are some steps to take in the process:

• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses
• Assess the spiritual needs of the Community
• Identify opportunities for ministry
• Explore ways to use the technology to meet those needs
• What else do you need in terms of technology?
• Lay out a plan of action

Don’t get caught up in overcoming your weaknesses – i.e. that is wasted effort. Focus on your strengths, and then be ready to utilize them in new ways. And always identify the spiritual needs of your community. Things have probably changed since you last looked here, and new opportunities will exist. You need to identify them, and then explore ways to use technology in meeting those needs. Once you have these goals in mind, then you’re ready to ask what technology you need to obtain or expand – not before! That way, you are aligning the development of the technology with the development of the ministry.

For example, you could have an interest in Social Networking – a hot topic in technology. The popular thing to do would be to get that technology and then figure out a way to reach your congregation with it. But that’s the wrong approach. First, you identify the needs, then the technology. You may decide that a facebook page will help you meet those needs, but you need a plan. That way, you can tell when you’ve succeeded.