Malphurs, a seminary professor, pastor, and president of a ministries consulting firm, has written a number of books in recent years about developing vision, church planting, revitalizing churches, and effecting change.  Advanced Strategic Planning seems to be a full-fledged compilation and presentation of his years of thought, teaching, and work on a model of strategic planning for church leaders.

His clear communication of what he means (and does not mean) by such terms as core values, mission, and vision make Malphurs a good writer. He describes the average North American church as a sailboat without a rudder.  The missing rudder is a good strategic planning process. He calls upon his vast experience in consulting with churches, sharing  examples and anecdotes that let you know your church is not the only one facing planning and strategy problems.  I think you will find his use of the Sigmoid curve an interesting way to analyze the life of any church.  And every church can use his application of forming new S curves to prevent decline as well as to revitalize. In addition to the book’s ideas and good discussion questions, the appendixes give helpful examples of how specific churches have developed the strategic planning process for their particular ministry.

Malphurs does warn against just trying to mimic other churches, and against taking his suggested planning procedures as a quick fix.  He acknowledges that prayer is essential in any planning process.  God determines the outcome.

Pastors and their officers ought to read this book together, and discuss what they are or are not doing in strategic ministry.  If you are frustrated and feel as if nothing much is happening in your church, this book can help challenge you to change your thought and action.

- Richard Aeschliman,, CEP Program Director