Planning PDF Print E-mail

“Without hesitation I say that Cornerstone was a gift from God for my congregation. Kurt helped the lay leaders look outside themselves and focus on those things that we MUST do versus the things we WANT to do.”
- Martin Fisher Woodstock, GA

“Excellent - not only did we identify the key outcomes to focus on, our leadership was brought together as a group. Personally, the experience had a profound impact on me, both spiritually and professionally.”
- Lee W. Fische, Jacksonville, FL

TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH PLANNING

Process planning for congregations.

PURPOSE
The purpose of a planning process is to cultivate a dynamic vision for the congregation. Critical targets, and congregational goals will also be crafted by the leadership in order to establish an intentional plan. This plan will provide clarity for decisions regarding the future of the congregation. Transition is what happens to your church as you move through changes. Transformation is what the Holy Spirit does to help you manage your transitions.

GENERAL PROCESS
Significant time will be spent in prayer and Bible study listening for the guidance of the Spirit of God. The leadership of the church will be asked to share their values, insights and opinions and engage in dialogue regarding the purpose of the church. With the assistance of the CHURCH COACH, a Consultation Committee will design and implement a planning process that will accomplish the purpose.

Depending on the need of the Congregation the Church Coach has facilitated the following outcomes in Congregations:

  1. The Congregation built upon its strengths and values.
  2. The Congregation grew in the spiritual awareness of a common vision.
  3. The Congregation prioritized areas of ministry for the next five years of growth.
  4. The Congregation cultivated a high level of ownership in a plan by members as well as elected or appointed leadership of the church.
  5. The Congregation has a document describing the future of the church.
  6. The Congregation organizational structure was changed to better accomplish its mission.
  7. The Congregation has an action plan as it relates to staffing and operations
  8. The Congregation established an ongoing evaluation process.

THE STRATEGY
The strategy for this project will be built upon the decisions of the following groups of people.

CONSULTATION COMMITTEE
This group of three to five individuals will meet before and after each consultation with Kurt Bickel to represent the church in the development of the planning process. They will oversee the implementation of the planning process.

CONSULTATION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
The Consultation Committee Chairman will provide leadership for the Consultation Committee. The primary responsibility will be to convene the meetings and co-ordinate the efforts of the Consultation Committee.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP CONSULTATIONS
Those who are elected or called to primary leadership positions in the church will be periodically involved in the process. Three consultations will allow the leadership to pray, study the Bible and conduct in-depth evaluation regarding the effectiveness of the congregation in the pursuit of its vision. They will recommend critical targets and initial implementation strategies.

SENIOR PASTOR
The Senior Pastor will spend time in prayer and study to cultivate a vision for his ministry. The Pastor will communicate this vision to the church and encourage feedback and dialog. The Senior Pastor is invited to meet with the Consultation Committee. He/She will be debriefed at the beginning and end of each consultation.

THE CHURCH COUNCIL/BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Church Council will need to ratify the following: The Contracting of a Consultant, Mission Statement (if new or revised), and The Congregational Goals. It will be important for them to be included in the Leadership Consultations.

THE CHURCH COACH
Kurt Bickel will help the church examine its plan and consider what new opportunities and challenges are facing the church. The consultant will design and lead the Congregational Leadership Consultations and meetings with the Consultation Committee. He will work with the Consultation Committee Chairman as he or she carries out his/her responsibilities. He will coach the pastor and staff.

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