A Strategic Plan to Facilitate Sustainable Growth in a Rural Southwest Mississippi Church

A Strategic Plan to Facilitate Sustainable Growth in a Rural Southwest Mississippi Church. Insert Michael Brown, 2025: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: community volunteering, church growth, digital ministry, health promotion, outreach promotion, partnership development. This strategic research project was designed to provide was designed to provide a comprehensive plan for sustainable growth within a rural, non-denominational church located in southwest Mississippi. The project examined the church's internal and external dynamics, including its mission, vision, leadership structure, and community setting. Utilizing tools such as strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats analysis, internal and external factor evaluations, and strategic models, this research identified key strengths such as core values and volunteerism while highlighting weaknesses, including limited outreach programs and staff turnover. Opportunities such as proximity to a college campus, access to grants, and digital ministry integration were essential for future development. The research also underscored the importance of servant leadership, community engagement, and the revision of foundational statements to align with current and future goals.