The Annual Plan is a tool. It is not the work. The work is the Saints, gifted by the Spirit, called by Christ, equipped by the fivefold, shepherded by elders, served by deacons, sent into the world as ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven, building one another up in love, and giving generously — cheerfully and faithfully — to keep the gospel going out.
When the tool is working, it disappears into the work. The body is busy with the things God has prepared in advance for them to do (Ephesians 2:10). The pastor is freed for spiritual care. The elders shepherd. The deacons serve. The Saints minister. The Kingdom advances.
When the tool gets in the way, the eldership stops, prays, and reshapes it. The discipline is to hold the tool lightly: useful when it helps; set aside when it doesn’t.
May the One whose Church this is continue to build His body through it.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
— Ephesians 2:10