Strategic planning is one of the most important activities for leaders, yet it often feels overwhelming. Many of us overcomplicate the process, striving for perfection and missing the bigger picture: strategy is about aligning our vision, faith, and actionable goals.

Here’s how you can integrate proven business practices, biblical wisdom, and the practical simplicity of creating a strategic plan that works for your team and honors your purpose.

1. Start with the "Why"

In both business and faith, clarity of purpose is non-negotiable. As Simon Sinek famously said, “Start with why.” This mirrors Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Your "why" drives everything—your vision, your culture, and your long-term success. Call it your “why”, call it your “vision”, call it whatever works best for you to understand the importance of it.  Within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) this means identifying your Core Values and Core Focus and ensuring every decision aligns with it. This becomes a filter for EVERYTHING you do!

Practical Steps:

• Develop your business's Core Values and Core Focus. Keep them short but meaningful. Less is more.
• Ask:
  • “How does this purpose serve our customers, team, and community?”
  • “Are we honoring God through this purpose and using our gifts wisely?”

“Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 19:21

2. Simplify Your Vision and Goals

Every leader wants to dream big, but complexity kills execution. Simplify your vision by focusing on the essentials: your 10-year target, a 3-year picture, and 1-year priorities.

The Bible encourages us to focus on the future without overloading ourselves today: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34).

In Practice:

• Use a framework like the Vision/Traction Organizer (V/TO) to map out:
  • Long-term aspirations.
  • 90-day priorities (“Rocks”) that are measurable and achievable.
• Reflect with your team:
  • “Does this plan move us toward our vision without unnecessary complexity?”
  • “Which goals have the most Kingdom and business impact?”

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself”

Matthew 6:34

3. Lead with Humility and Trust

Strategic planning often assumes we’re fully in control, but James 4:13-15 reminds us, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring... Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

In business terms, this means being adaptable while staying focused on your mission. Trust your team to execute and trust God to guide the outcomes.

Practical Steps:

• Delegate responsibilities to elevate your team (and yourself!).
• Establish weekly check-in meetings to review progress and solve issues without micromanaging.
• Ask:
  • “Are we trusting God’s timing and provision, or are we over-controlling outcomes?”
  • “How can I empower others to lead while staying true to the mission?”

“You do not know what tomorrow will bring... Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

James 4:13-15

4. Focus on Execution and Accountability

Great plans are meaningless without action. In business, the difference between mediocrity and success often lies in consistent execution. Similarly, Scripture reminds us in James 2:17 that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Use a scorecard to track progress on key metrics and ensure everyone is accountable for their goals. This keeps the team aligned and focused.

Practical Steps:

• Choose 5-15 measurable metrics that reflect the health of your organization.
• Review these metrics weekly with your team and address roadblocks promptly.
• Ask:
  • “What’s keeping us from following through on our commitments?”
  • “Are we measuring the right things to track progress toward our vision?”

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

James 2:17

5. Celebrate Wins and Reflect on God’s Faithfulness

The end of each planning cycle is an opportunity to celebrate progress and acknowledge God’s provision. Gratitude fuels motivation and reminds us of the bigger picture. Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”

Dan Sullivan popularized this with a concept called, Always Measure Backwards (AMB). To measure your progress properly is to measure it backward. You can only measure your progress against your starting point. If you do that, you will always see the Gain and be happy with yourself.

Practical Steps:

• Celebrate quarterly wins with your team—big and small.
• Host a reflection session to recognize God’s work in your organization.
• Ask:
  • “Where have we seen God’s hand in our successes and challenges?”
  • “How can we honor Him as we move forward?”

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”

Psalm 9:1

Bringing It All Together

Strategic planning is more than a to-do list. It’s about aligning your business goals with your purpose, your faith, and your team’s strengths. By blending business best practices, biblical principles, and the structured simplicity of a business operating system, you can create a plan that doesn’t just sit on a shelf—it changes lives.

Questions for Your Team:

Vision Alignment:

• “Does our vision reflect our purpose and values?”

• “Are we pursuing goals that glorify God and serve others?”

Execution:

• “What are our top priorities for the next 90 days?”
• “How can we hold each other accountable while staying adaptable?”

Faith and Trust:

• “Are we relying on God’s strength or just our own efforts?”
• “How can we surrender control while staying disciplined in our work?”

Gratitude:

• “What can we celebrate today as evidence of God’s faithfulness?”
• “How can we encourage our team to reflect on the eternal impact of their work?”

Let’s move forward boldly, humbly, and with a clear plan that inspires action and honors God. What’s your next step? It is time to get started.

In today’s world, it often feels easier to pull back and focus only on ourselves. We wake up, go to work, come home, shut the garage door, turn on the TV, and repeat the next day. It may seem like less effort, but does it actually reduce our stress? In reality, this routine can leave us feeling even more anxious, disconnected, and distant from what we really need—relationships. Ironically, we shy away from what could bring us the most peace and joy: human connection.

The numbers don’t lie. Loneliness is being described as an epidemic by health professionals, and it’s having a profound impact on our emotional, mental, and even physical well-being. (You can check out more data in the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory here and additional statistics here.) If God created us for connection and community, why are so many Christians feeling so isolated?

The answer lies in intentionality. Breaking free from loneliness doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your social life—it starts with small, meaningful steps. You don’t have to be an extrovert or thrive in large groups. Instead, you can adopt a few simple practices that allow you to connect with others in ways that are comfortable and life-giving.

Start Small

If you’re struggling with loneliness, the first step is simply reaching out. This week, challenge yourself to take one intentional step toward connection. It could be as simple as inviting a coworker to lunch, asking a neighbor for coffee, or getting together with a friend for dinner. These small moments of engagement can pull you out of isolation and remind you that meaningful relationships are built over time.

If you’re involved in a group like The Foundry, make sure you show up! Attending your Foundry gathering is another opportunity to connect with others who share your values. Relationships don’t just happen—they grow when you invest in them, even in small ways.

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." - James 1:19-20

Practice Generous Hospitality

Another way to combat loneliness is by opening your home or heart through hospitality. You don’t need to host a large event; simple gestures like inviting a friend over for a meal or sharing an evening on the porch can go a long way. Offering your time and space to others can foster deeper connections and create an environment where people feel comfortable and valued.

Even within your professional circles, there’s an opportunity to practice hospitality. Invite a Foundry member’s family over for a casual dinner, or take a colleague out to lunch and pick up the tab. Hospitality isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing others that they are welcome and that you’re willing to make space for them in your life.

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." - Hebrews 13:1-2

Once you’ve taken those steps to engage, it’s important to be present and intentional in your interactions. One of the most powerful ways to deepen relationships is through thoughtful conversation. This goes beyond surface-level small talk. It’s about asking meaningful questions, truly listening, and showing genuine interest in the other person’s experiences.

Be Intentional with Conversations

Take time to plan ahead. Think about a few intentional questions you could ask during your next conversation—whether with your spouse, a friend, or a coworker. What are they struggling with? How can you support them? Listening attentively may be the hardest thing you do, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to combat loneliness and build trust in your relationships. (Here’s a great resource to help you develop this skill: The Listening Life.)

Reflection Questions:

If loneliness is something you’ve been feeling, here are a few questions to help you reflect on how to move forward and start reconnecting with the people around you:

• Have I been living in “head-down, closed-garage-door” mode, shutting out opportunities for connection? If so, how has this shown up in my life?

• Am I feeling lonely? Where have I missed chances to engage with others, and what small step can I take today to start reconnecting?

• How could asking deeper questions improve my relationships—with my spouse, kids, coworkers, or friends?

• What does hospitality look like in my life right now, and how could opening my home or heart help move both me and others away from loneliness?

Breaking free from the epidemic of loneliness starts with intentional, small steps. Whether it's through showing up for a gathering, offering hospitality, or simply asking someone how they’re really doing, every action makes a difference. We weren’t created to live in isolation—let’s take those first steps together toward connection and community.

• (Here’s a GREAT resource to develop this vital practice: The Listening Life.)
• (Click HERE for the US Surgeon General’s advisory. Look HERE for even more statistics)

How often do we find ourselves saying things like:
- I don’t have enough time.
- There is not enough money.
- I have no more capacity.
- I am stretched thin.
- I am doing all I can.
- Where am I going to find the time?
- I can’t do anymore.

These statements might be true in the moment because our lives are often full and bursting at the seams. But let's explore how these statements might be limiting our growth and abundance. God's word declares that He came to give us life in its fullest, most joyful, most blessed abundance. But how many of us are actually living that abundant life?

Imagine you have your water bottle in one hand and your computer in the other. Now, if someone tries to hand you something else—a book, a pizza, a million dollars—you’d have to let go of something to accept the new item. Most of us would try to tuck the computer under our arm and grab the million bucks with the free hand! No wonder we often feel crazy and overwhelmed!  Instead of letting go and making space to receive something more, we keep trying to hold onto everything, seeking abundance in joy, peace, and contentment.

This is not how we are instructed to live biblically. John 3:16 tells us that God “gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.” Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, and because of his willingness, God blessed his generations. The disciples gave up their jobs, careers, and families to follow Christ and witnessed miracles, learning directly from the Messiah.

We also have to be willing to ransom thoughts and behavior patterns that are no longer serving us.  Peter had to lay down his guilt and shame after denying Jesus to step back into his calling. Mary poured her valuable perfume on Jesus' feet, possibly her dowry, showing her willingness to give up her best (and likely her dreams and future she desired!) to honor Him. The servants in the parable of the talents had to risk their money to achieve growth, while the third servant, who buried his money out of fear, ended up with nothing.

The widow with the oil had to lay down her pride and ask neighbors for jars. The crippled man at the pool of Bethsaida had to lay down his past attempts and excuses to receive healing. Our future and the gifts of God are held for ransom until we are willing to lay some things down.

In my own life, I had to let go of my store to focus on coaching and The Foundry. Though it was hard and scary, especially financially, I kept reminding myself that I was letting go to receive something greater. This mindset helped me transition and eventually multipy my salary and my passion.

Even in smaller instances, like accommodating my husband's coffee maker on our kitchen counter (ask me if you want to hear the full story 😉 , I realized I could ransom my need for control for peace in our marriage. This small act of letting go brought more harmony into our home.

To be free and achieve greater things, there is a price to pay. Are you willing to pay it?

To experience true abundance and growth, we must be willing to let go of the things that no longer serve us. Whether it's physical items, fear, guilt, or control, releasing these can open us up to receive the greater blessings God has in store for us. By making room in our lives, we can live more fully and joyfully.

Reflection Questions:

Identify one area in your life where you feel stuck. What is one thing you could let go of to create movement and progress in that area?

Reflect on your spiritual journey. What beliefs or habits might be holding you back from a deeper relationship with God?

In your career, what are some tasks or responsibilities that no longer serve your growthor align with your long-term goals?

Are there any opportunities you’ve missed because you were holding onto somethingthat no longer benefits you?

In the world of business, where deals and transactions are happening all the time, it can feel like we have a big responsibility as Christian business owners. We're called to honor God by taking care of our businesses like they're His. It's like we're at a crossroads between doing business and spreading God's message, following principles that show our work is about more than just making money.

Putting Faith on Display in Business

The main idea is recognizing God's importance in every part of our business. As Christians, we are called to be disciples and be "Christ-like"  in everything we do- that includes how we act in our businesses. Even though the business world is often seen as separate from Christianity, we can actually use it to shine a light on who Christ is. The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:17: "Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him." So, our businesses become like a canvas where we can display Christ's message.

Building Businesses That Last

This way of thinking encourages us to build businesses with a forever perspective, going beyond just following the latest trends. We anchor our goals in things that last forever, like faith, hope, and love. Quoting 1 Corinthians 13:13: "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love," our businesses become more than just money-makers. We treat our employees well, value our customers, and freely share what we have. The strong faith, hopeful outlook, and powerful love we bring into our work make our businesses something that stands the test of time.

Stories of Change: Seeing the Bigger Picture

It's crucial to see the bigger picture beyond what's visible in our business. Our companies aren't just on their own; they're part of a bigger story of redemption where God's plans unfold through the people our products, services, and company values touch. The Bible backs this up in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Every deal, every choice, and every transaction become chapters in a bigger story where God brings about change in the lives of our employees, customers, and even our competition.

In the end, when we see things the right way, the business world becomes our canvas. Faith is our brush, and eternity is our frame. As business stewards, our job is to honor God, build with faith, hope, and love, and be part of the bigger picture of transformation of the marketplace for Kingdom's Purposes! May our businesses be like heavenly music, leaving a lasting mark on the world and pointing everyone to the One who's the beginning and end of everything we do

In a world often obsessed with the accumulation of wealth and financial success, the concept of prosperity can be distorted and narrowly defined. As we navigate the intricate web of life, the Bible provides us with a richer and more profound understanding of prosperity—one that transcends material wealth and extends into the very fabric of our character, relationships, and ultimate fulfillment. In the words of John Piper, founder of Desiring God, biblical prosperity is not merely a fleeting blessing of this age; it is a tapestry woven with threads that reach into the age to come.

The Prosperity Beyond Finances
When we speak of prosperity, it's crucial to recognize that God's definition far surpasses the limitations of financial wealth. While financial blessings may indeed be a part of God's provision, they are but a single thread in the grand tapestry of prosperity. True biblical prosperity encompasses the flourishing of our character—rooted in virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). It's a holistic prosperity that transforms not only our bank accounts but the very essence of who we are.

The Richness of Relationships
Prosperity in the biblical sense extends to the richness of our relationships. As we strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and build meaningful connections, we discover a depth of prosperity that far exceeds the confines of individual success. The bonds we form with others, marked by love, grace, and mutual support, contribute to a prosperity that echoes into eternity. In cultivating relationships based on biblical principles, we glimpse the harmonious symphony of God's design for our lives.

The Anticipation of Fulfillment
The Bible teaches us to find our ultimate fulfillment in God Himself. While this world offers glimpses of joy and satisfaction, the true completion of biblical prosperity awaits us in the age to come. As we await the fulfillment of God's promises, our hope is not in the transient pleasures of this world but in the anticipation of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). This future reality is where our deepest longings will find their ultimate satisfaction in the presence of God.

The Age to Come
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, paints a vivid picture of the age to come—a reality where our mortal bodies will be transformed into imperishable ones, where death is swallowed up in victory. This is the ultimate completion of prosperity—the culmination of God's redemptive plan for His creation. In the age to come, we will experience a prosperity that extends beyond the temporal constraints of this world, where every tear will be wiped away, and the former things will pass away.

In conclusion, the tapestry of biblical prosperity is intricate and expansive. It encompasses the transformation of our character, the richness of our relationships, and the anticipation of ultimate fulfillment in the age to come. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us embrace a holistic understanding of prosperity—one that aligns with God's design and transcends the temporal confines of this age. In doing so, we position ourselves to partake in the richness of God's blessings not only now but also in the eternity that awaits us.