For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJ)

Strategy: “The science and art of military command exercised to meet the enemy in combat under advantageous conditions.”

Warfare comes from the Greek word stratos from which we derive the word strategy. This informs us that warfare does not occur accidentally, but it is strategically planned. Just like any army plans its line of attack before the battle begins, the devil also plans a line of attack. He decides which methods he will use, and he has a well thought out plan to try to destroy us. But the word stratos doesn’t mean just the devil’s strategies. It means God’s strategies as well, and if we will listen to the Holy Spirit, He will give us a strategy that is superior to any schemes the devil can come up with. God’s strategies are far superior to the devil’s or man. However, in order to properly develop a plan of advance, we must also know how our enemy operates, so we are prepared when confronted.

Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.    (2 Corinthians 2:11)

The devil has four main strategies:
1. To wear you out so he can wipe you out.
2. To get you to reach for too much too soon.
3. To isolate you so he can devastate you.
4. To attack you at your weakest point.
So you’ve got to know what your weakness is, and protect it.

A good strategy is composed of five things:

1. Objectives: The basic purpose of the organization.
Victory Churches have three basic purposes that control what we do in the local church: Evangelism, Discipleship and Mobilization and three basic purposes that control what we do regionally, nationally and internationally: Leadership Development, Church Expansion and World Missions.

2. Goals: The specific ways in which the purposes of the organization will be measured and accomplished. Goals should be written frequently, they can change. Objectives remain the same, and they help to clarify our goals. We must set S.M.A.R.T. goals. Goals that are: Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Realistic; and Timely.  

3. Priorities: The factors that determine when and why things are done.
One simple way of establishing priorities among all the goals you want to accomplish is by putting a value system on the goals:
a. Most important.
b. Somewhat important.
c. Not important at all.
Some priorities should be fixed in given time slots each week. That which is scheduled in is more likely to happen.

4. Planning: The process used to achieve the goals (Includes personnel, resources, obstacles, research and evaluation).

5. Guidelines: The moral and ethical framework in which the organization will seek to accomplish its goals. Guidelines keep us on track and faithful to our original commitments.

Two of Victory Churches basic guidelines:

a. Nothing shall be done which violates a principle of God’s Word.
b. All ministry and activities should be evaluated in the light of our objectives. This is a reminder to all of us to stick to the objectives, which in turn prevents us from wasting our most precious resources (time, money, energy and personnel) on things that are ultimately outside of our mandate.

With a strategy, we know why we are doing what we are doing. We stay focused and interested in what we are doing. We know what to do and how to accomplish it. With a strategy, we will not easily give up in a crisis.
God's strategies are far superior to the devil’s or man’s, so let’s stay tuned in to the voice of the Holy Spirit and receive:  

God's Winning Strategies for Breakthrough, Revival and Kingdom Expansion!
 
Yours for all of the above!
 
Dr George Hill
President and Founder
Victory Churches International