Stephen Covey said it best: "Begin with the end in mind." This principle applies to everything, but it's especially crucial in ministry.
When you plan a worship service, start with the end. What do you want people to walk away with? What truth do you want them to carry into their week? Then work backward from there.
When you plan a sermon series, start with the end. What transformation are you hoping to see? What do you want your people to believe, feel, or do differently? Then build the series to get there.
When you plan a ministry year, start with the end. Where do you want to be in twelve months? What does growth look like? What does health look like? Then make decisions that move you toward that vision.
Too many leaders start with what they have and try to figure out where it takes them. The best leaders start with where they want to go and figure out what it takes to get there.
Plan with the end in mind. It will change the way you lead.