1. The 3 Phase Tool - 0 -

2. What Phase are you in? Every church has a current emphasis or phase I wash, I rinse, I dry... then I do it all over again! - 1 -

3. Transition changes in attitude and relationships Transition changes in attitude and relationships Deepening changes in faith, outreach, and love Deepening changes in faith, outreach, and love Management changes in facilities and programs Management changes in facilities and programs There are 3 phases... Each Phase is marked by the changes that need to occur: Your phase shapes your leadership needs and goals - 2 -

4. What you hope to accomplish depends upon your phase The Transitional Phase seeks Healing The Deepening Phase seeks Authenticity The Management Phase seeks realignment of Assets to fit mission and identity - 3 - 1) Healing 2) Authenticity 3) Useful Assets

5. I don’t want to change! - 4 -

6. Transitional Phase: In a transitional phase a congregation seeks to accept losses, adapt to new leadership, and/or adjust to changing circumstances. Healing - 5 -

7. This phase feels like wilderness - 6 -

8. Wilderness can’t be rushed - 7 -

9. Deepening Phase: The congregation seeks to become more authentic by deepening: Faith & Spirituality Mission & Outreach Fellowship Authenticity - 8 -

10. Deepening Phase: Deepening congregations ask... How can we witness to our faith? What particular mission and outreach work should we do? How can we become a more loving fellowship? - 9 - This Phase feels exciting because people can sense growth happening

11. Management Phase: In the Management phase churches seek to restructure their staff, buildings, and public image to support their real Faith, Mission, and Congregational Life Useful Assets - 10 -

12. Management Phase: This is the easiest place to get stuck. Changes made in this phase are concrete, practical, and expensive. They involve buildings, organization, and staff. It’s easier to do nothing. Cautio n! - 11 -

13. Congregations gradually move from phase to phase: Deepening authenticity leads to the need to manage ones assets. Tough choices regarding buildings, staff, and programs lead to transition Transition provides the wisdom that is needed to grow again - 12 -

14. At any given time, all three phases are present But, one type of change will tend to occupy center stage Transitional change: when people are adapting to new circumstances Deepening change: when people seek to become more faithful, missional, and loving. Management change: when visible changes are being proposed - 13 -

15. Break into groups and discuss what phase you are in: Transition Phase or “wilderness” Deepening Phase or “growth” Management or “making things look and function better” - 14 -

16. Congregations should set goals and look for resources appropriate to their current phase. - 15 -

17. Reality Check 101 = Credits = This tool is part of the Reality Check 101 kit. Developed in cooperation with the Small Church Commission, an agency of the Western PA Conference, UMC. Reality Check 101 text by Bill Kemp. He is also the author of other resources relating to church change found at: www.notperfectyet.com