One of the management issues we have in our congregation is that the constitution mandates an annual survey of the congregation and then plans for 1,3, and 6 years.  We spend several months trying to decide how to survey this year, we develop a plan, then only a small amount of the plan is completed in a year.

You talked about collecting too much data, but instead to do something.  How do we get over this hump?

Bob Dailey 

Bob:

Here are some quick thoughts:

• How easy or hard would it be to change you constitution?
• Does the constitution mandate what the survey has to ask or collect?
• Does the constitution mandate how detailed or what kind of plans you develop?
• It sounds like a lot of work for a little effort.

Can you,

• Ask powerful questions that would imply action in individuals and groups?
• Ask impact questions rather than output questions?
• Get people to tell you stories through focus group interviews where you also ask them short, simple questions, and only a few of them. They stories should be of
• Signs of health and strength in the life and ministry of the congregation during the past year.
• The things that had the most significant impact on their spiritual development during the past year.
• The places and times where the support of a loving congregation make a significant difference in their lives.
• People who they sought to touch with unconditional love during the past year, and what the story is behind this touching.

Basically I am suggesting to use the survey requirement to ask powerful questions that lead people to think about their relationship with God, one another, and the context in which you serve.

What questions do you have to clarify what I am suggesting or to go father in this dialogue?