Pivots & Plan B’s

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WHEN PLAN A BECOMES A NO-GO 

It’s highly probable that our “Plan A” will be a no-go or a not-yet, necessitating a shift to a “Plan B” or “Plan H.” God’s plans and our own don’t always align immediately. It is both good practice and biblically sound to make our plans while simultaneously surrendering them to God’s higher design.

The Santos family, burnt out after six intense years pioneering a church plant in Southeast Asia, reluctantly accepted a temporary transition to serve as houseparents at a mission training center in America. What began as a mandated six-month respite quickly became a period of profound renewal. The slower pace offered them much-needed rest, while the center provided access to beneficial training. Serving alongside missionaries from diverse fields also broadened their perspective, equipping them with fresh insight and practical tools that they never would have gained back in their isolated context, ultimately preparing them to return to their original field with renewed vision and capacity.

BIBLICAL REFLECTION ON PLAN B’S

While the Bible doesn’t explicitly use the term “Plan B,” it certainly provides a theological framework that supports and even necessitates wise planning and preparedness, especially in the face of uncertainty within a “Plan A” context. This approach reflects an understanding that God often utilizes human wisdom, not a lack of faith in His ultimate sovereignty.

While “Plan B” is a common term, some may prefer alternative phrasing. Other descriptive terms include “transition,” “detour,” “Strategic Secondary Location Plan,” “Pivot Plan,” or “Redirection Road.”

God is the Initiator and Director (Missio Dei). Mission starts and is steered entirely by God—it’s not about our clever strategies. Think of God as the ultimate “Sovereign Sower,” strategically planting people who believe in Him all over the globe. His plan always works out, no matter what gets in the way (Job 42:2). Because God is completely in charge, His plan can never truly fail. What might look like a sudden “Plan B” or an unexpected detour to us is simply “Plan A” unfolding exactly as God intended (Genesis 50:20). Even when we have to change our own plans, it’s often God “directing our steps” (Proverbs 19:21, Romans 8:28) 

God’s “Plan A” Remains the Same. The First Commission given at the beginning of Genesis was a call for mankind to model His creative character by filling the earth and making it more beautiful and useful. The Great Commission given at the end of Matthew’s Gospel continues “Plan A” by calling mankind to fill the earth with the name of Jesus so that He can redeem mankind. We must lean into the First and Great Commissions, knowing that God still smiles upon our work today. (Genesis 1:27-28; Matthew 28:19-20)

Our Plan B can often be God’s Plan A. Missionaries experience pivots as unexpected, forced detours (e.g., a visa denial, political unrest, burnout, strategic shift). Biblically, these are not God’s “second best” or a failure of the original call, but sovereignly ordained to ensure the mission goes where God intends. In Paul’s move to Macedonia, God gave Paul a change of location, but his calling and work of making Christ known remained the same. (Acts 16:6-10) In Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, his body was in chains and confined to a prison but God’s Word was not (Philippians 1:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:9)

God Oversees Kairos. This Greek word kairos contrasts with chronos (chronological time) and refers to the specific, strategic, and opportune moment set by God. When God directs a pivot or change in timing, it is often because the kairos for the next stage has arrived, even if it contradicts the human timeline. (Galatians 4:4)

Transitions are a Normal and Necessary Part of Mission. The history of redemption, from Genesis to Acts, is defined by continuous geographic and strategic transitions. For the apostolic worker, ministry is rarely static; it is characterized by movement, strategic redirection, and the handing off of responsibility:

  • Movement is Mandated: The Great Commission requires movement through going. Therefore, transitions (moving countries, handing off leadership, shifting strategies) are inherent to the missionary task. (Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8)
  • Apostolic Pattern of Pivoting: The apostles, especially Paul, continuously launched, handed off, and moved on, rather than settling in one place indefinitely. Completing the first phase means transitioning to the second. (Acts 14:26-27)
  • Persecution: Suffering and hardship for the gospel often is a catalyst for flinging people and spreading the gospel to other regions. (Acts 8:1)
  • Modeling the Hand-Off: Paul models handing off ministry and authority to competent local leaders before moving on. The core missionary work is transferring the gospel and responsibility. (2 Timothy 2:2)
  • The Joy of Completion: A successful transition marks the completion of one phase of faithful stewardship, allowing the missionary to embrace the next assignment with peace and clarity. The goal is finishing or delegating the assigned task, not staying indefinitely. (2 Timothy 4:7)

Hinderances and Diversions Happen. In the New Testament, a transition is often viewed as a divine delay or closure of a door that forces a redirection, moving the mission to where God intended. Paul turned away from an open door of ministry in Troas because he lacked Titus. This shows that relational needs and timing can be more important than the opportunity itself, leading to a temporary diversion. (2 Corinthians 2:12-13)

Planning for Pivots shows Wisdom and Foresight. Proverbs strongly emphasize the value of foresight and preparation for the unexpected. (Proverbs 6:6-8; 21:5; 22:3) In essence, a Plan B on a mission field is about risk mitigation, preparedness, and ensuring that the mission can continue to fulfill its purpose while safeguarding its most valuable assets—its people. It’s not about expecting the worst or giving into fear, but about being wisely prepared for eventualities. 

Preparedness for Difficult Times. The Bible consistently calls believers to be prepared for trials, persecution, and even the end times. Five wise virgins took extra oil for their lamps, while five foolish ones did not. When the bridegroom was delayed, only the prepared virgins were ready. This is a clear call for vigilance and practical preparation for unexpected delays or difficulties. (Matthew 25:1-13)

Resurrection is Coming, and Transitions will be Ceasing. Missionaries know the tension well, how pivots highlight their identity as pilgrims and nomads, those who have no lasting city here, but who seek the city that is to come (Hebrews 13:14). A great reversal is coming to those who never settle down – the nomads and sojourners will inherit the earth. (1 Peter 2:11, Romans 8:23). 

Guaranteed Triumph of “Plan A”. The mission focuses on a triumphant finale, where God’s rule will be declared over all the earth (1 Corinthians 15:24-25). The Church is not a “Plan B” after Israel’s failure, but an organic continuation of God’s single, unfolding redemptive plan for all nations.

Transitions anchor the pioneer’s experience in God’s unchanging nature and sovereign plan, providing hope that the current season, however challenging, is part of a larger outworking of God’s redemptive plan. 

  • What other Scriptures or biblical aspects come to mind when you consider a “Plan B”?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” — Proverbs 3:5-6

WHY “PLAN B’S” ARE IMPORTANT 

Operating in an unstable mission field inherently carries a higher degree of risk and uncertainty. Therefore, having a “Plan B” (or a contingency plan) is not just advisable; it can be helpful for the safety, effectiveness, and sustainability of the mission. Prayerfully considering a “Plan B” is appropriate and wise, especially if the “Plan A” context is or becomes unstable (e.g., coup attempt, visa denial, illness, etc.). 

Benefit to Our Spiritual Growth. Redirections often serve the spiritual growth of the pioneer, cultivating dependence and humility. When plans fail, pioneers must surrender their own agenda and seek divine guidance, confronting their limits. This matures their faith, teaching them that mission success hinges on God’s sovereign will, not their efforts or strategy. It replaces self-reliance with quiet trust in God’s superior wisdom. Ultimately, redirection is a spiritual discipline, anchoring the pioneer’s identity in their relationship with God, not external success.

Time for Adjustment and Release. Transitions often begin with “endings” and involve a process of grieving what is being left behind. Jesus spent 40 days with His disciples after the resurrection, allowing them time to adjust their expectations of the past (wanting a Messiah who would lead Israel to political dominance) and embrace God’s agenda to bless all the nations of the earth (Acts 1:3-4).

Preparation for the New Season. God uses transition periods to prepare His servants for the “new thing” He is about to do, positioning them for greater fruitfulness in the next phase of ministry. Sometimes, transitions are unexpected and forced, closing one door to open another, more strategic door.

Stewardship of the “Baton”. Ministry is viewed as a relay race, not a personal endeavor. The biblical perspective emphasizes the importance of a handover of ministry responsibilities to a successor (e.g., Paul equipping leaders like Timothy) for the long-term health of the church or mission.

Focus on the Master, Not the Mission’s Outcome. When facing the inherent difficulties and opposition of mission work, pioneers should prioritize their connection to God—the Master—over preoccupation with their personal efforts or visible success. This perspective anchors the work in God’s power rather than human capability.

​​Opportunities for Gratitude and Reframing. In the aftermath of a “crashed plan,” there is an opportunity to step back and find areas for which to be thankful. Often, with time, one can see how God used the unexpected detour for a better outcome than the original plan. Examples in the Bible include God using the conflict between Paul and Barnabas to create two ministries, or Joseph’s injustice to save two nations from starvation.

Pivots and Plan B’s are not signs of failure, but essential tools for resilient and adaptive pioneering. They embody the wisdom to learn from reality, the humility to change course when necessary, and the ultimate faith that God’s mission will advance, even if the initial map needs redrawing.

A LONG LINE OF PIVOTERS

Pioneer missionaries often shifted or refocused their efforts, prompted by a conviction to serve in unreached regions, address particular social issues, or respond to external factors such as conflict or political change. Significant examples of these transitions are numerous:

Biblical Examples: Scripture is full of examples of people who became pivoters. Abraham was asked to leave his country (Genesis 12:1), Joseph was sold into slavery (Genesis 37:28), and Moses was exiled for 40 years (Exodus 2:15, Acts 7:30). David was on the run after being anointed (1 Samuel 19-27). Elijah was on the run after Mt Carmel (1 Kings 19:1-3). Jesus, though a went through a series of pivotal moments. The disciples went from their careers to following Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22). Paul was blocked from going to certain places by the Spirit (Acts 16:6-7). And there are many more.

Other Examples:

David Livingstone (exploration to mission): Initially working as a medical missionary, David Livingstone broadened his focus to exploration and anti-slavery advocacy. His driving ambition was to open up the “Dark Continent” to legitimate trade—a way to counter the abhorrent slave trade—and make way for other missionaries. His travels covered extensive parts of southern and central Africa, during which he mapped vast, previously unknown areas and brought the atrocities of slavery to public attention.

Adoniram Judson (India to Burma): He and his wife Ann initially intended to go to India as Congregationalist missionaries. Due to anti-Western sentiment and British opposition in India, they were forced to leave and settled in Burma (Myanmar), where they became the first American Baptist missionaries and spent the next 40 years translating the Bible and planting churches. While on the field he lost three of his wives and experienced unplanned imprisonment.

Hudson Taylor (China coasts to interior): He founded the China Inland Mission (now OMF International) to reach the interior of China, going against the prevailing practice of staying only in the open coastal ports. He was known for adopting Chinese dress and culture to better connect with the people, a controversial stance at the time.

Mary Slessor (Nigeria urban to remote): She began her work as a school teacher in Duke Town. However, she felt a distinct call to pioneer a mission in the more remote and perilous “up-country” region of Okoyong—a place where previous male missionaries had lost their lives. Living among the local community, she immersed herself in learning their language. She actively challenged harmful practices, such as the killing of twins, ultimately becoming a highly respected figure who served as a judge and peacemaker.

Elisabeth Elliot (tragedy to return): Following the death of her husband, Jim Elliot, and four other missionaries at the hands of the Huaorani (Auca) people, Elisabeth Elliot and Rachel Saint, the sister of Nate Saint, made the remarkable decision to return and live among the very tribe responsible for the killings. Elisabeth spent several years ministering to the Huaorani before returning to the United States, where she became an author and speaker.

William Carrey (tragedy to exapansion): A fire burned Carey’s life work of Bible translations. This devastating loss ultimately became a catalyst, forcing Carey to dedicate himself to new translations of the Bible. The necessity also spurred a deeper commitment to language acquisition and printing, which became foundational to his groundbreaking missionary work in India.

John Paton (loss to life): Shortly after arriving to the field he suffered the devastating loss of his first wife and infant son. He was later driven off the island, but years later, he was encouraged to know that his initial sacrifice eventually led to many people becoming believers.

Eric Liddell (China to Scotland to China to internment camp): Born in China to missionary parents, the Olympic gold medalist, famously depicted in the film Chariots of Fire, returned to China in 1925. There, he served as a teacher and minister. His service continued even after he was interned in a Japanese prison camp during World War II, where he remained active in ministry and teaching until his death.

Amy Carmichael (Japan to India): Carmichael initially began her missionary work in Japan and briefly in Ceylon. Due to health concerns and a perceived lack of success, she relocated. Carmichael ultimately settled in South India, where she dedicated 56 years without returning home on furlough. Her ministry evolved into the Dohnavur Fellowship, focusing on the rescue of children from temple prostitution.

CT Studd (China to India to Africa): A renowned cricketer in England, Studd decided to go to China as a missionary. After serving there and then as a pastor in India, he felt a strong calling later in life to do pioneer work in the interior of Africa, where he founded the Heart of Africa mission (now WEC International).

The enduring legacy of these missionaries was fundamentally built upon their courageous flexibility and willingness to pivot. Their narratives consistently emphasize a core principle: genuine, transformative, and lasting impact is catalyzed by deep personal sacrifice. Sooner or later, the mission invariably demands abandoning comfort and convention, deliberately shifting both location and focus to meet people where they are.

PRAYER ACTION

Consider the Scriptures you cling to above. Consider money. Write a prayer for the kind of person you want to be when needing to pivot or move towards a Plan B.

REFLECTIONS ON BUILDING A PRACTICAL MINI-THEOLOGY OF PIVOTING

Take some time to prayerfully draft your practical mini-theology of “pivoting” by responding to these questions:

  • How do you move your heart from thinking, “This pivot is my failure,” to accepting, “This pivot is God’s purpose prevailing” (Proverbs 19:21)?

example: God is… We are the kind of people who… It is most like us/me to… We/I will… We/I hold to…

  • Can you identify a recent or current situation that felt like a “Plan B” detour (e.g., visa delay, team member departure, health issue)? What specific human expectation did that pivot shake?
  • What character trait (e.g., patience, humility, dependence) have seasons of transition developed within you that are more valuable than the goal you originally planned?
  • How do you discern whether a closed door is God’s final “No” (requiring submission) or simply a “Not Yet” (requiring patience and continued work)?
  • Once you finish, share your responses with your mentor. Ask for feedback. Adjust your draft as needed.
  • Complete a one-page practical mini-theology.

RESOURCES FOR GOING DEEPER:

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