A Strategic Plan for Church of the Cross

Friends,

Nearly one year ago, I first came to Salina to meet with Church of the Cross’ Leadership Team ahead of my starting as your pastor. They were honest about the many hardships this church had experienced in recent history, and about the present realities they were contending with. And though that was important to know, what stuck with me more than anything else (and continues to) is what your leaders said about you—the congregation. They impressed on me just how committed, and caring, and loving you were to this place and to each other despite all that had happened. And they were confident that in Church of the Cross there was the Spirit of God ready and waiting for revival. Needless to say, the Team was right, and now it is time to move forward.

In January, the Leadership Team began a Strategic Planning Process, a six-month-long intentional strategizing of Church of the Cross’ future. This Process will result in the adoption of a Strategic Plan that renews our vision and mission, and sets out tangible goals for the church’s sustainability. It will also serve as our “guiding principle” when we make decisions, keeping us true to our word. As of this letter, the Leadership Team is beginning the “small group” part of the Process, refining our identity, auditing our programs, and stewarding our resources.

As we designed this Process, it was conveyed to me that you have been asked many times to participate in similar planning though you have seen few tangible results. Let me assure you that the same will not be the case (and we will not be asking you to take another survey). The Leadership Team and I are committed to this Process and to what comes of it, and I am already very encouraged by our work.

At the conclusion of this Process in late June, I intend to call an all-church meeting to present the Strategic Plan and share what the Team has worked on. In the meantime, I invite you to share with me anything you may want the Team to consider in our planning—your hopes, dreams, and concerns. You can email me at jjmartinez@greatplainsumc.org or leave a note in my office. I also ask that you pray for the Team, that we may discern the will of God in all that is before us.

With love,
Pastor J.J.

“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” —Isaiah 43:19