The 8'Ps Model
A Faith-Driven Approach to Strategic Planning and Kingdom Advancement
By: Dr. Derrick Mueller
As Christian educators, we're called to stewardship and vision, partnering with God to advance His kingdom. Strategic planning and effective change management are essential to fulfilling this calling.
The 8P's Model offers a faith-driven framework for strategic planning and change management that helps you achieve your purpose and mission as a school.
Here's how each "P" contributes:
1. Picture (Seek God's Vision) - Define your school's purpose, goals, and desired outcomes, seeking God's guidance and direction.
2. Plan (Discern God's Strategy) - Outline your roadmap for achieving God's vision, including key initiatives and priorities.
3. Plow (Prepare Hearts and Resources) - Ensure your school is equipped to execute God's plan, with resources, capacity, and obstacle mitigation.
4. Plant (Empower Kingdom Work) - Put your plan into action, assigning tasks, allocating resources, and driving progress for God's glory.
5. Protect (Safeguard God's Investment) - Safeguard your school's strengths, assets, and progress, minimizing threats and vulnerabilities.
6. Prune (Refine and Renew) - Remove obstacles, streamline processes, and eliminate waste, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in God's work.
7. Pollinate (Build Kingdom Partnerships) - Foster partnerships, build relationships, and leverage stakeholders to amplify God's impact.
8. Propagate (Advance God's Kingdom) - Ensure your school learns, adapts, and sustains momentum, celebrating successes and adjusting course as needed to advance God's kingdom.
The Key is Purpose
Purpose is the compass that guides planning and change, giving direction and meaning to our efforts. Without a clear purpose, we're like ships without anchors, tossed about by every wave of circumstance. In planning and change, purpose clarifies priorities, fuels motivation, and empowers perseverance. As Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." Discovering our purpose is foundational to effective planning and change.
Biblically, discovering our purpose involves seeking God's will and aligning with His purposes. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Seeking God's presence (Psalm 16:11), understanding our gifts and passions (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), and aligning with God's kingdom purposes (Matthew 6:33) are key to discovering purpose. As leaders, knowing our purpose empowers us to lead with clarity and conviction.
Embrace your purpose as a change agent. Personally, let purpose drive your decisions and actions (1 Corinthians 9:24). Be a change agent who stewards resources, empowers others, and advances God's kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30). Guide others in change by pointing them to God's purposes, empowering them to discover their role, and walking alongside them (Galatians 6:2). Let purpose fuel your passion for change – for yourself, your community, and those you lead.
DISCERNING AND IDENTIFYING YOUR PURPOSE FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE:
1. Seek God's Presence and Guidance (Psalm 16:11) - Spend time in prayer and worship, seeking God's direction.
2. Understand Your Gifts and Passions (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) - Recognize the gifts and passions God has given you.
3. Align with God's Kingdom Purposes (Matthew 6:33) - Seek first God's kingdom and righteousness.
4. Reflect on Your Story and Experiences (Genesis 50:20) - Consider how God has shaped you and led you.
5. Seek Wise Counsel (Proverbs 15:22) - Seek input from trusted mentors and peers.
6. Pay Attention to Opportunities and Open Doors (1 Corinthians 16:9) - Notice opportunities God opens.
7. Trust God's Sovereignty and Timing (Jeremiah 29:11) - Trust God's plans and timing for your life.
Join us for a workshop, "The Board Factor," a primer for any Christian board, to dive deeper into faith-driven strategic planning and kingdom advancement.
