| dc.description.abstract | Churches from both the developed and the developing worlds are increasingly
embracing the practice of strategic planning hoping to derive superior ministry
effectiveness. This study was prompted by the fact that local churches of the Nazarene
in Zimbabwe (LCNZ) face various challenges emanating from ineffective strategic
planning. The purpose of this study was to assess strategic planning among LCNZ.
Moreover, the study sought to identify the biblical basis for strategic planning among
LCNZ; to examine the role of various stakeholders in the development of strategic plans
among LCNZ, and to identify the challenges and suggest possible solutions to the
challenges faced by LCNZ in strategic planning. The study was grounded on the
Systems Approach to Christian Management Theory by Michael J. Anthony and James
Estep Jr. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target
population was the 59 organised LCNZ, with a total membership of 12 781 full
members. The sample for this study was selected through probability and nonprobability sampling techniques, particularly a combination of multistage, stratified
random sampling and purposive sampling. A sample size of 378 respondents
comprising pastors, church secretaries, and lay members was drawn from a sample of
30 local churches of the target population using the Taro Yamane formula. Data
collection was through online interviews for pastors and an online questionnaire for lay
members and church secretaries. A pilot study involving three LCNZ was conducted.
The Cronbach alpha (α) reliability test was used to ascertain the internal reliability,
while expert opinion ascertained the content and construct validity of data collection
instruments. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS), version 26 and presented with the use of frequencies, percentages,
and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented
as narratives. The study established that all respondents believe that strategic planning
is biblical. Majority of LCNZ conducted environmental scanning and analysis though
there is a lack of formal continuous environmental scanning by a significant number of
churches. The study established that a majority of LCNZ have written down short-term
one to two years plans. Moreover, the study indicated that most of these strategies are
very poorly implemented. The study also revealed that most churches are lacking in the
area of strategy control and monitoring. The study further established that the pastors
and the church board are the most involved in all aspects of strategic planning, while
church members are the least involved. The study concluded that LCNZ need to
improve on their strategic planning practices. Therefore, the study recommends that
theologians need to invest more research on the link between biblical theology and
management sciences. In particular, there is a need for more in-depth research on the
biblical basis for strategic planning in the Church. Pastors also need to educate their
members on the importance of strategic planning in the church. The researcher also
recommends that pastors, their church boards and lay members need to be trained in
strategic management to improve on their strategic planning efforts. The study noted
that there is a need for further, more in-depth research on the biblical and theological
basis for strategic planning in the Church. More studies also need to be conducted in
the context of churches of the Nazarene in Zimbabwe since strategic planning, as a
discipline is still a budding concept in this context. It is important to establish by
research how this discipline can be incorporated and integrated effectively into the
Church terms of reference. | en_US |
