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Thinking ahead matters a lot - for three reasons:

It reflects God's character. God exercised forethought before creating the universe (Ephesians 1.3-14). During his mission, Jesus looked ahead and told his disciples what he expected to happen (Mark 8.31-35).

It will put values rather than just pragmatism at the heart of your venture. 'Thinking ahead' can lead to a simple set of values. You identify hopes for your venture, and then you look for ways of turning these hopes into a handful of values.

Values are vital. The kingdom of God is built on values more than structures, programmes or projects. Aligning your values to kingdom values will help your venture contribute to the kingdom.

Values give value to an activity. They describe what matters in the venture. As such, they give shape to what unfolds. They will move your venture in a particular direction. So if your values express your purpose, they will make it more likely that your purpose will be achieved.

It will help the venture travel towards church. Some fresh expressions start with loving service and community, but then get stuck. 'Thinking ahead' can result in values that encourage the venture to follow the fresh expressions journey, without forcing it to do so.

In a project among disadvantaged youth, for instance, the value 'There will always be a way back for individuals' could help to produce an atmosphere of unconditional love. That love might unlock the hearts of the young people and draw them towards God.

In a parenting support group, 'Being open to God every week' might strengthen the spiritual dynamic within the group. Perhaps the two Christian facilitators stay behind for prayer afterwards, with an invitation for anyone to join them or give them prayer requests. They hope that interest in the prayer time will grow and others will join in.

Examples of values that might aid the fresh expressions journey are given in the pieces referred to on the page How might we start a fresh expression?