This does not mean, however, that the strategy which emerges is the product of his or her mind alone. The best strategists need input from others. It does mean that they are goal and objective oriented. It also means that they can take the lead in developing a plan for church planting evangelism which best suits the host culture. They are able to adapt methods used effectively elsewhere to suit their own church planting situation.
Strategists realize that there is no such thing as either a universal or timeless strategy.
A strategy which works very well in Malaysia may run counter with the culture in Japan. A successful strategy in 1991 may well require major modification in 2000. Strategists are sensitive to cultural and time changes. They also must think in terms of strategies rather than a single strategy as different regions of a country will require different approaches. A forgotten characteristic of a strategy is that it reflects the personalities, gifts, and training of the strategists.