A Steward’s Relationship with Family and a Strategic Plan By Dr. Al Hearne II

Strategic Planning in All Areas of Life

This post is the third installment in a series for steward leaders, building on previous discussions about strategic planning in all areas of a steward’s life and the application of such planning in a relationship with God. This article explores how steward leaders can use a six-phase strategic planning framework to strengthen family relationships. Future blogs will focus on applying this process in career and ministry settings. When steward leaders incorporate strategic planning into family life, they can foster deeper connections, cultivate meaningful relationships, and intentionally lead their families with purpose.

Before we delve into the specifics, it’s essential to recognize that managing family relationships is challenging and rewarding. They are juggling the demands of different family roles, whether as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, which often feels overwhelming. However, by following a structured strategic planning approach, steward leaders can gradually strengthen their relationships and achieve positive progress. This blog will break down the planning process into practical, actionable steps for enhancing family life.

Phase I: Purpose

The first phase in strategic planning for family relationships clearly defines the purpose of these relationships. The purpose of family life differs depending on the season of life, but common elements include:

• Loving and supporting one another.
• Fostering unity.
• Encouraging growth in Christ.
• Creating a safe environment where every family member can thrive.

Steward leaders should consider God’s purpose for their family and how they are called to lead their family in fulfilling this purpose.

For example, my family’s purpose centers around growing together in Christ, supporting one another’s emotional and physical needs, and ensuring our home is a place of love and joy. By spending time together intentionally, we aim to build trust, create lasting memories, and strengthen the foundation of our relationships. Understanding this purpose helps guide my approach as a husband, father, and family leader.

Phase II: SWOT Analysis

After identifying the purpose, the next step is to conduct a SWOT analysis of your family relationships. This analysis will help you identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within your family’s dynamics.

Strengths could include:

• A solid commitment to spending time together.
• Shared Christian values.
• Open lines of communication.

Weaknesses may involve:

• Conflicts among family members.
• A lack of quality time.
• Unhealthy patterns of communication.

Opportunities might be:

• Areas where you can improve relationships.
• Creating regular family routines.
• Attending church together.
• Building new family traditions.

Threats could include:

• External pressures like busy schedules.
• Work commitments.
• Financial stressors.

By understanding these factors, Steward leaders can develop a strategic plan to strengthen their family relationships.

When I conducted a SWOT analysis for my family, I identified several strengths, including our commitment to family meals and our shared Christian faith. However, I also recognized areas for improvement, such as limited time for deep conversations and the challenge of balancing work and family life. Opportunities included setting aside more intentional one-on-one time with each family member, while threats included the constant pull of external commitments.

Phase III: Goals

Based on the SWOT analysis, it is time to create specific goals to strengthen family relationships. These goals should leverage the strengths, capitalize on opportunities, and address the weaknesses and threats that hinder your family’s purpose. Setting clear, achievable goals will help move your family toward a deeper connection and harmony.

Some goals set for my family include:

• We schedule family devotionals to strengthen our Christian faith.
• We plan one-on-one time with each family member weekly to foster deeper relationships.
• We create family traditions we can look forward to, such as traveling, hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, and fishing.
• We enforce a “no screens” policy to encourage meaningful conversations.

Phase IV: Action Plan

A concrete action plan with specific, achievable steps must accompany each goal with assigned responsibilities (if needed) and a timeline for implementation. The action plan ensures that the goals aren’t just ideas but can be practically implemented in your family life.

For instance, to implement the goal of weekly family devotionals, the action plan includes:

• Selecting a devotional book that suits our family’s needs.
• Choosing a time each evening to gather.
• Assigning a family member to lead each session.

By outlining these steps, we ensure consistency and commitment to the goal.

Phase V: Implementation

Executing the action plan is where the real work begins. As with any strategic plan, family goals require discipline, communication, and flexibility. Steward leaders should be prepared to adjust as necessary, keeping family priorities in mind and ensuring that the plans reflect your family’s needs and schedules.

In my family, implementing our “no screens at dinner” policy took time to become a habit. Still, over time, it has led to more meaningful conversations and greater connection during meals. Consistent implementation, even when challenging, builds trust and fosters a more profound bond over time.

Phase VI: Monitor and Adapt

The final phase involves monitoring your progress and adapting your approach as needed. Family relationships are dynamic and ever-changing; what worked at one stage of life may need to be adjusted as circumstances change. Regularly evaluate your goals and decide whether any course corrections are necessary to keep your family aligned with its purpose.

For example, I regularly check in with my family to see how they feel about our devotionals or other routines we’ve implemented. If something isn’t working, we adjust to make sure the activities are meaningful and not forced. By staying flexible and open to feedback, we ensure that our strategic plan continues to serve our family’s growth and unity.

Conclusion

By applying the six-phase strategic planning process to your family relationships, you can lead your family with intention, care, and purpose. Like in other areas of life, steward leaders are responsible for nurturing and growing their family bonds. Strategic planning helps ensure your family thrives and each member feels supported, valued, and connected.

What steps are you taking to strengthen your family relationships and strategically plan for a deeper connection with your loved ones?

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Dr. Al Hearne II is the superintendent of Redwood Christian Schools, the Center for Steward Leader Studies President, and an adjunct professor at Columbia International University. He holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Columbia International University.

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