Why Less Is More in Church Strategy
In church leadership, it’s tempting to tackle every problem at once. We see areas that need growth, systems that need improvement, and ministries that need attention. The list is long, the needs feel urgent, and our passion pushes us toward action. But when everything is a priority, nothing really is.
That’s why a core principle of the Church 360 approach is this: choose at most 3 major projects every 12 months.
Why Just Three?
The average church—regardless of size—has limited people, time, and energy. Most churches are not operating with large teams, big budgets, or layers of specialized staff. Every new project draws from the same well of energy. So when leaders take on too many big initiatives, things begin to unravel: projects stall, communication breaks down, and the church experiences “vision fatigue.”
Three projects might not sound like much. But when we’re talking about strategic initiatives—projects that:
- cross multiple departments or ministries,
- require coordination and communication,
- involve rethinking or retraining how things are done,
- demand new systems or resources,
- or need buy-in from staff, volunteers, or even the whole congregation…
…three is more than enough.
Think of It Like This:
Imagine launching a new volunteer pipeline, revamping your discipleship pathway, and expanding community outreach all in the same year. On paper, that’s visionary. In reality, it means:
- children’s ministry, worship, admin, and group leaders all adjusting their roles;
- team meetings and retraining sessions;
- updated communications, signage, or software;
- spiritual and emotional energy to lead people through change;
- and countless details that demand your team’s full focus.
It’s doable—but only if those are your only major initiatives.
The Power of Focus
When a church chooses only three major initiatives per year:
- Clarity increases. Everyone knows what we’re focused on and why it matters.
- Collaboration strengthens. People from different ministries work toward common goals.
- Progress accelerates. With fewer distractions, the team can build momentum.
- Morale improves. Leaders and volunteers see results and feel less overwhelmed.
Choosing three priorities doesn’t mean everything else stops. Ministry continues. Services happen. Care is given. But strategically, your biggest resources are aligned with your biggest opportunities.
It May Take a Mindset Shift
Many churches are used to a reactive model: responding to needs as they arise and launching programs based on urgency or excitement. Choosing three priorities for the year requires a shift to a more proactive and strategic mindset. It demands discipline, intentionality, and sometimes the hard work of saying “not yet” to good ideas.
But the payoff is huge: depth over breadth, impact over activity, health over hustle.
A Tool to Help
The Church 360 Priority and Strategic Planning Tools are designed to help your team:
- Discern your top 3 projects based on data and prayerful reflection.
- Break them into steps with clear ownership and deadlines.
- Align your teams around execution over the next 12 months.
Don’t underestimate the power of three. When your church narrows its focus, it multiplies its impact.