Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Models of MinistrySharing Resources Workshop

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Sharing Resources

Share ClergyShare Space

Share Materials

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

It is about how do we initiate discussions and make decisions back home.

This workshop will be about ideas, and suggestions for Process.

Not Just about good ideas …

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

What we are talking about is CHANGE. Think of sharing resources initiatives by

degrees, via continuum. Furthest left – no change (status quo). Furthest right – most radical change. Today we will focus in the “in-between”

place.

Sharing Resources

No sharing Amalgamation

Status Quo

Significant Change

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

As groups we highly value stability. Proposing Change and leading change

increases anxiety. The greater the change proposed, the

greater the anxiety, and the greater the potential for conflict.

“The Happiness Trap”: “Clergy and leaders are rewarded for making and keeping people satisfied with their congregation. However, satisfied people, by definition, do not seek change.” (Rendle & Mann)

The Power of Change

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

With Change, timing is everything. If people believe that things are going

pretty well, there is very little openness and energy for change.

System Theory says that a system is most open to change when in crisis.◦ E.g. AST

So, do we just wait for the crisis to act?◦ Start with a Holy Conversation.◦ Start now!

The Change Process

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Let’s Talk

•Prepare people to Talk

•Begin the Conversation

What is

going on?

•Collect and Analyse Data

•Brainstorm Solutions

What

can we do?

•Research and Evaluate Options

•Choose an Option

A Process for a Holy Conversation

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

The

Plan

•Action Plan

Action

•Implementation

Next?

•Evaluation

A Process

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

The importance of Communication in the process and the decision.

“Surprised people behave badly.” (Rendle, Mann)

Communication

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Decide on a process.◦ Select a group of leaders or an open invitation?◦ Select a leader for the conversation.◦ Communicate to everyone, from the beginning,

what this is about. (Strategic planning)◦ Resource: “Holy Conversations: Strategic

Planning as a Spiritual Practice for Congregations.”

◦ Give yourselves lots of time. Be patient.

Step 1: Prepare to Talk

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Take time to built trust. Include Bible study and prayer. Utilize different Learning styles. Have a keeper of notes. Review process so far at each new session.

Can start with three questions: Who are we? What has God called us to do? Who is our neighbour?

E.g. 1. Describe your congregation as a person.

Step 2: Begin the Conversation

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Focus group on where are we now. (What is our reality at present? How might things change over the next 10 years and 20 years)?

Examine demographics. Examine Pastoral Charge trends. Examine leadership needs and leadership

resources at this time. Explore Finances and financial trends of the

Charge.

Step 3: Collect and analyse Data

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Share Continuum (Sharing Resources sheet)

Invite other ideas/possible solutions.

Step 4: Brainstorm possible Solutions

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Flesh out details of the options proposed. There are no bad ideas at this point.

Are there others that are already doing this?

How radical a change is this? (place on the continuum)

Analyse Options (SWOT)?

Step 5: Research & Evaluate Options

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

SWOT Analysis

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Choosing the best option:◦ Double Weighted Priority Process? (handout)

Step 6: Choose an option

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Where to from here?◦ Who will do what?◦ Timeline.

Step 7: Action Plan

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Seek feedback from larger congregation(s)

Communication must be ongoing

Communicating with members

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Carry out the plan

Step 8: Implementation

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Evaluate as a Planning group. Seek feedback from the congregation(s).

Plan next step.

Step 9: Evaluate the new Initiative

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

“When the task is too great, beyond ability or available resources, the leader must work on steps the congregation is willing to take that will move it toward the goal.”

Holy Conversations: Strategic Planning as a Spiritual Practice for Congregations

The Lesson of Successive Approximations

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

When Introducing CHANGE Consider feelings

Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Questions?