You need both a main plan (plan A) and a backup plan (plan B) for your church services. Be prepared for unexpected issues and learn from mistakes. There are limits, however, to contingency planning.

When preparing for services, use Plan A. It's crucial to start with a well-defined Plan A that everyone agrees upon. Make sure all are aligned with the initial plan. This will help execution go smoothly. Recognize that plans often change and be prepared to adapt.

Plan B is essential for handling potential failures or unexpected changes. It can be redundant systems or alternative procedures for different parts of the service. Backup systems are a good example. For instance, having a wired microphone ready in case wireless ones fail. Or, having backup generators for power outages. Use Experience-Based Planning. Develop Plan B based on past mistakes.

While having a Plan B is crucial, it’s impractical to have numerous backup plans (Plan C, D, etc.). Focus on a solid Plan B and be prepared to improvise beyond that. We have limited resources. We don't have time to plan for every possibility. Be comfortable with improvising and problem-solving on the spot after Plan B.