Senior Pastor Goals and Objectives Template - Sacred Structures by Jim Baker
Mission
Manpower
Methods
Money
Movement
Message
Might
Meetings
Maximization
Measurement
This template may be used by a Pastor and/or his Accountability Team to record annual goals, objectives and initiatives in each of his various job duties and to report against them quarterly.
Goals, or objectives, along with potential initiatives should be completed no later than early January and reported against at least quarterly. An Elder Team, or Advisory/Accountability Team might help the pastor in developing his annual objectives and goals and receive his quarterly report on how he is progressing. And, when necessary, encourage modification of goals, objectives and initiatives if circumstances merit a change.
Reporting on these mutually agreed upon goals quarterly rather than just annually allows for the Team to offer ongoing and timely counsel and adjustments can be made if necessary. It also helps preclude any year end evaluation related surprises. The Elder Board or Advisory/Accountability Team might provide a copy of the 4Q Template (usually completed mid-November) to the Personnel Committee along with an evaluation category like those used with the remainder of the staff—Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, etc.
The Elder Board or Advisory/Accountability Team might also consider attaching a document where they reflect in narrative form on the performance of the Pastor over the past year. This might include their own observations and experiences as well as observations and experiences of church members, other church leaders, and staff that they had conversed with over the year. This process can help fill in some blanks and elaborate further on attributes, issues, progress, contributing factors, extenuating circumstances, or accomplishments not easily or effectively reflected in the template.
No process or template is perfect, but a goal and objectives approach around job duties is usually a better approach for most churches. And, customizing and individualizing the form and the process ensures a better result. This template is designed to be modifiable and expandable so it can be customized and completed by the pastor and his board or team.
