State churches need to establish a strategic framework for significant success. This framework consists of:

A vision for the future

A mission that defines what they are doing: Mission or Purpose is a precise description of what the church does. It should describe the business the church is in. It is a definition of “why” the church exists. Each member of the church should be able to verbally express this mission.

Ethical standards that shape the actions of ministry: There has been a dramatic increase in the ethical expectations of churches and their ministry. Increasingly, congregants, and prospective members are deliberately seeking out churches who define the basic ground rules of their ministry and day to day operation. Why should churches have a Code of Ethics for the ministry? To define accepted/acceptable behaviors; to promote high standards of practice; to provide a benchmark for ministry to use for self evaluation; to establish a framework for professional behavior and responsibilities; as a vehicle for ministerial identity; as a mark of ministerial maturity.

Strategies that zero in on the churches' key success approaches: Strategies are the broadly defined four or five key approaches the church will use to accomplish its mission and drive toward the vision. State and local strategies should reflect those of the district. Goals and action plans usually flow from each strategy.

Goals and action plans to guide daily, weekly and monthly actions: Goal setting is the foundation for building a successful and thriving church. Goals should be SMART; S–specific, stretching, systematic, and significant; M–measurable, meaningful, memorable and motivating; A–achievable, action plans, accountability and agreed–upon; R–relevant, realistic, reasonable, and results–oriented; T–time–based, timely, and thoughtful.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the state superintendent working in conjunction with the pastor to see that each state church has this framework in place.