A
Guide to Effective Leadership. 
Church File.
Devotion Fifteen: July 15, 2025
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty surely to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5
As we continue our journey of effective leadership, we have been exploring key principles that help us lead with purpose and direction. In our previous devotion, we discussed the importance of prioritising our tasks. Now, let us take it a step further and talk about planning for those priorities. This is where strategic planning comes in.
Strategic planning is a systematic process used to determine how an individual or organisation achieves its goals and fulfils its mission. This includes defining goals and objectives, developing strategies, allocating resources, and implementing and monitoring plans. Effective leadership should strategically plan what is best for the church, the organisation, or the community.
In light of this, the Word of God teaches us that when a leader or the church plans diligently and strategically, it leads to achieving plenty. As the wise man said, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty...” (Proverbs 21:5a). On the other hand, everyone wants good results, but without diligent planning, the Bible says it will lead to poverty: “...but those of everyone who is hasty surely to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5b).
So, what does it mean to plan diligently or strategically? It means focusing on key priorities, allocating resources effectively, avoiding rash decisions, and being adaptable to changing environments. By doing so, leaders can build teamwork and trust among those being led. Wise men plan diligently; so, do you?
Remind yourself of Jesus' words about a man who wished to build, sat down, and calculated the cost before he started building, lest people mock him (Luke 14:28-30). Jesus emphasised careful planning; this is exactly what leaders must do to avoid mockery.
In conclusion, strategic planning is essential because
it tests the capability of a leader. Two outcomes are possible: either poverty
or plenty, depending on how one strategises. Let this lesson be a wake-up call
to avoid burdening the church or facing mockery for failing to achieve better
results efficiently. Choose to be a diligent person, not a hasty one.
Prayer
Dear God, I never knew that strategic planning was so important for effective leadership, thinking it was only applicable to secular organisations. Having learnt this, I choose to rebuke my instincts and ask the Holy Spirit to guide me through the process of planning every time. In Jesus' Name I pray.
Amen.
