Sharing Resources Workshop Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

Share Clergy Share 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. 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. 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) 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! 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 Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

The Plan Action Plan Action Implementation Next? Evaluation Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

 The importance of Communication in the process and the decision.  “Surprised people behave badly.” (Rendle, Mann) 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. 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. 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. Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

 Share Continuum (Sharing Resources sheet)  Invite other ideas/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)? Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

 Choosing the best option: ◦ Double Weighted Priority Process? ( handout) Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

 Where to from here? ◦ Who will do what? ◦ Timeline. Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

 Seek feedback from larger congregation(s) Communication must be ongoing Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

 Carry out the plan Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff

 Evaluate as a Planning group.  Seek feedback from the congregation(s).  Plan next step. 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 Prepared by Roger Janes, NL Conference Staff