Under God’s blessings, you can expect most or all of the following benefits from a Diagnostic Consultation:
~ Affirmation of what you are doing right.
~ Clear understanding of opportunities that exist for growth, ministry, and service to your community.
~ Identification of and strategic approaches for removing roadblocks to congregational vitality and growth.
~ A renewed clarity concerning the purpose of the church.
~ Among a majority of active members—a significantly increased enthusiasm, involvement, and ownership in the work of the church.
~ Increased financial giving—a result of an enhanced vision.
~ Increased focus among leadership, promoting greater unity and effectiveness.
~ Specific, recommended changes or additions in programming, staffing, facilities, etc.
~ New insights for ministry activities.
This consultation experience is a total assessment process which provides the following features:
~ A thorough, diagnostic analysis of your congregation’s health, strengths, challenges.
~ A list of recommendations that will help you achieve more for God’s purposes.
~ A report that graphically depicts the views, attitudes, and worldviews of the members.
~ A mechanism to develop a strategic plan so that recommendations become action steps.
~ A one- to five-year plan of action, represented by the collective Action Plans formed on the recommendations given.
~ A growing relationship with a new friend, resource, guide, and encourager—your consultant.
~ Consultant access and support by phone and e-mail.
How the process works:
~ Surveys are distributed to everyone who worships.
~ Documents requesting information are sent to staff and key leaders.
~ Your consultant visits the church interviewing staff, a cross-section of the membership, leadership; conducting a thorough investigation of the facilities and property; and participating in a real estate windshield tour of the community.
~ Your consultant writes a report that includes a complete analysis of your church; the perceptions, views, and worldviews of the members; spiritual health; core strengths; and 50-200 specific recommendations (depending on the size of the church). The report is sent to the senior pastor, who shares it with the board.
~ The consultant returns for an Oral Report, to which the entire congregation is invited (often the largest crowd in the church‟s recent history). The consultant reports the most significant points of analysis and key recommendations. Church members have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments. The consultant responds. A very energizing event!
~ A PowerPoint CD is available upon request to the congregation. It contains graphs, tables, and charts of analytical information.
~ With guidance from the consultant, the church develops a small task force that disseminates the recommendations to key leaders and groups in the congregation. They write Action Plans following a model provided.
~ Action Plans, gathered by the task force, are sent to the consultant for review, analysis, and further guidance. These Action Plans, collectively, represent a strategic 3-5-year plan for the congregation.
~ During the 3-5 years of implementation, the consultant provides support by phone and e-mail.
~ Often, the congregation will utilize a short follow-up, one- or two-day visit from the consultant on an annual basis (at an additional, minimal charge).
~ Repeat Ministry: Frequently, this consultation process is so positive, churches schedule a consultation every 3-5 years as part of its healthy and vital congregational lifestyle.