Using Resources

Strategic Planning

jane — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:14:43 GMT

What is strategic planning? Should we use a consultant? What can we do to be successful? This Using Resource piece explores strategic planning in congregations and offers recommendations, ideas, and resources to help achieve success.

Group Processes that Facilitate Positive Change

jane — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:56:06 GMT

Emphasize the positive. Use affirming language. Look for the life-giving moments. Congregations are finding pathways to positive change through a variety of group processes that encourage supportive and uplifting actions involving the whole community of faith. Processes such as Asset Mapping, Appreciative Inquiry, World Café, and Open Space Technology are gaining momentum as congregations look for ways to emphasize and utilize their strengths to meet their challenges.

Selecting Fundraising Consultants

jane — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 20:16:07 GMT

Fundraising can be a touchy and difficult issue for congregations. Growth, expansion, remodeling, and repairs often require a religious organization to focus on the money necessary to most successfully continue its ministry and spiritual education. Professional fundraising consultants can put their experience and expertise to work, bringing a sense of accomplishment, community and fulfillment to a congregation's stewardship efforts.

Working with Architects

jane — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 20:07:33 GMT

Working successfully with an architect depends upon cooperation, thoughtful consideration, prayerful planning, research, and adherence to timelines and budgets. Although challenges are inherent to any architectural project, these barriers can be minimized with good planning, open lines of communication, and an on-going awareness of the true goals of the project.

Getting the Most from an Education Event

jane — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 20:05:02 GMT

Workshops, seminars, conferences, and classes are incredible learning tools for congregations. They can provide inspiration, refreshed views and new concepts and ideas. Often putting into action the innovative ideas and plans presented, however, can get lost, forgotten or met with lukewarm reception once the event is over. This Using Resources piece offers some ideas on how to get the best results from an education event.

Making the Most of Your Resource Grant

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:56:47 GMT

Indianapolis Center for Congregations offers a Resource Grants program that helps congregations address their challenges and expand and enhance their ministries. A successful Resource Grant process involves discussion, planning, proposals and putting the grant into action.

Using Congregation Management Software

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:56:11 GMT

Keeping track of a vital, bustling congregation can be a challenge. Congregation management software (CMS) can help a congregation efficiently stay current with members, scheduling and money information, leaving more time for the personal care, service, and ministry of the faith family.

Beyond Reading: Using Books as Resources

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:55:36 GMT

Congregations face a variety of issues every day, including managing change, choosing the best technology and addressing the challenges of diversity. Regardless of the issue, there are books offering practical advice for congregations seeking ideas, information, and solutions.

Relating to Contractors

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:55:03 GMT

A construction project is a huge undertaking for a congregation. Plans, architects, contractors, blue prints, and budgets are just a few of the many intricate facets involved. Developing and maintaining a good relationship with the contractor who will build your project can help smooth the road to a successful and meaningful outcome.

Working with Consultants

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:54:07 GMT

Leading a community of faith is a complex process that includes not only spiritual issues, but more tangible matters as well. Fundraising, strategic planning, mission statements, and goals are all part of the business that sometimes require assistance from an external source. A professional consultant can provide an objective opinion, offer expertise in a particular field, and see issues from afar that congregation members may not see from their close proximity.

Taking a Closer Look: Using Facilities Assessments

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:53:25 GMT

How much longer will our roof last? Are we using the most efficient heating and cooling system? What are the first steps to begin the renovation process on that old education wing? Congregations are often full of questions about how to best maintain and repair their sacred spaces. From the nuts and bolts of a good electrical system to the more abstract concepts of planning space for the future, a full assessment of the facility and all of its parts is an invaluable tool for congregations.