In order to plan effectively, you need good Attendance Tracking Data. Whether it be worship, or small groups, you need to plan for space needs. To do that, you need a good idea of what Attendance looks like, and how it is changing over time. Without it, you’re planning in the dark.

How do you get good Attendance Tracking Data? There are apps available that allow people to self report their attendance at an event. However, not everyone will use those apps; so you have to add estimates of the number of additional people at the event. The leader of the event should be responsible for ensuring that the report is accurate; or you could have staff do it. Ideally, then, you look at the trends of the data to perform capacity planning. If attendance is on an upward arc, then you need to arrange for bigger and bigger spaces for the event. If attendance is on a downward arc, then you may want to consider arranging for a smaller space. However, be sure to inform the event planners of the trend that you see. They may be surprised, thinking all is well and attendance is growing. Or they may have some insight into where the attendance is going in the future that the trend line doesn’t reveal. Let that also factor into your space planning. The goal is to always provide space that is “just right” for the number of people that are coming. You don’t want to always be adding chairs at the last minute. Nor do you want to waste money on seats that won’t be filled. Attendance Tracking Data is the way to plan effectively, using the resources for God’s glory at all events.

As you plan for the future you need a strategic planning mindset. Don’t get bogged down in today’s issues. Look at the future needs of the Church. What will it look like in 10 years, 20 years? Then begin the process of visioning for that future. How do we meet the the needs of our community in 10 years? If you start now with good planning, you will accomplish it!

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.