Future Commission 2050: Exploring the Future of Inter-Congregational Financial Cooperation in the SBC
As part of my Doctor of Ministry (DMin) project this summer, I will collaborate with a group of SBC leaders to ensure a preferred future for local church mission funding in the SBC through 2050.
The Future Commission 2050 Project is a strategic research initiative designed to help Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) pastors and denominational leaders navigate the evolving landscape of inter-congregational financial cooperation. The project’s goal is to teach key SBC leaders foresight literacy and equip them with the skills and tools necessary to anticipate and navigate future challenges. By fostering strategic foresight, we aim to enhance decision-making and ensure the Cooperative Program's continued relevance and effectiveness.
Project Overview
Our unpredictable world is reshaping the ministry context of the SBC, challenging the Cooperative Program’s ability to adapt and remain effective. The Future Commission 2050 project aims to explore and understand the drivers of change affecting the CP's future. By applying strategic foresight methodologies, we seek to identify key trends and develop scenarios that will guide strategic decision-making.
What We’re Doing
The project involves a series of foresight labs and collaborative workshops where participants will:
Engage in foresight literacy training to enhance strategic decision-making skills.
Conduct horizon scanning to identify significant trends and drivers of change.
Review a nationwide survey of SBC pastors who provided insights into the drivers of change affecting the church's future.
Develop multiple future scenarios to guide the future strategic planning of the CP.
Through these activities, we aim to empower SBC leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the future successfully. This project is not about predicting the future but creating a range of plausible scenarios to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
Upcoming Cohort Meetings
We have scheduled several cohort meetings at different locations to ensure comprehensive coverage and participation. Each cohort will focus on various aspects of the foresight process:
Indy Cohort (June 7-8): This cohort will explore trends and foresight literacy through collaborative workshops. Participants will learn how to conduct horizon scanning and identify key drivers of change that could impact the CP.
Alabama Cohort (June 24-25): Added to accommodate more participants, this session will also focus on foresight literacy, providing valuable training and insights. Participants will engage in activities designed to enhance their strategic decision-making skills.
Atlanta Cohort (July 18-19): This meeting combines the leaders from both cohorts to concentrate on developing scenarios through collaborative workshops. These scenarios, developed by SBC leaders who are engaged in CP Advocacy, will offer a resource to help guide pastors and leaders in their strategic planning and help them ensure its adaptability in a changing landscape.
Each cohort meeting will involve interactive sessions, discussions, and practical exercises to foster a deep understanding of foresight methodologies and their application to the CP's future.
How You Can Help
Your participation is crucial to the success of the Future Commission 2050 project. If you receive a survey from us, please take a few minutes to complete it. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable. The survey is designed to gather information on the key issues and trends that could affect the SBC in the coming decades. Your responses will help us create comprehensive and strategic scenarios that guide our leaders in making informed decisions.
Report Release
The final report, summarizing our findings and scenarios, will be published in April 2025. This report will provide insights, useful for strategic guidance for the Cooperative Program’s future. It will be an essential resource for SBC leaders navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Why This Matters
Our world is changing rapidly, and the SBC's ministry context is no exception. The Future Commission 2050 Project is a proactive effort to help ensure that the Cooperative Program remains a vital and effective instrument for advancing the SBC's mission. By understanding and anticipating the drivers of change, we can equip our leaders with the tools they need to make informed and strategic decisions.
The Future Commission 2050 Project is a deep dive into the future of the Cooperative Program, driven by rigorous academic research under the supervision of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s D.Min. program and professor Shane Parker, PhD. The strategic foresight methods are from training I revived through TFSX and the University of Houston Foresight Program. I appreciate Dr. Jefferey Farmer of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Scott McConnell of Lifeway Research for their support and collaboration.
Want to know more about Strategic Foresight? Let’s get in touch through the contact form here on ForbesStrategies.com.
