1. Using Appreciative Inquiry in Parish Pastoral Planning to Discover More Abundant Life, Strength and Hope
Presented by: Rick Krivanka Diocese of Scranton February 2013

2. Three Pillars of a New Movement
Appreciative Inquiry
Strengths Focus
Positive Psychology

3. A Starting Context An essential role of leadership: Creating the culture of our communities in our conversations

4. What kind of culture?
A culture of life and hope “I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
- that sees and reverences the sacredness of life in everyday life and ministry! (people’s gifts, energy, initiative, creativity)
that builds hope! Be mindful of my presence: How do I leave people in my wake?

5. Pastoral Leadership
is a relationship - Mission of Jesus is essentially relational
is a resonant relationship - being in tune and in touch with others “the good shepherd…”
moves, inspires and mobilizes people to: a more abundant life - join together in common mission - cooperative anticipation of a shared future

6. Conversation & Hope
“To advocate human conversation as the means to restore hope to the future is as simple as I can get. But I have seen there is no more powerful way to initiate significant change than to convene a conversation…It is always like this. Real change begins with the simple act of people talking about what they care about… There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about. Ask what’s possible, not what’s wrong. Keep asking.”
--Margaret Wheatley, Leadership and the New Science

7. Leadership, Conversation, Hope
Hope is dependent upon the quality of our conversations.
Conversations build relationships. Relationships build hope.
The key to our future is in tending to our conversations.
Hope springs from the appreciation of life and goodness among us. There is more is going on around us than first meets the eye.
Discouragement comes more from the words we exchange than from the realities that confront us.
When we have right relationships, we sense that no matter what the future holds, we will be together. And hope abounds.
- Bishop John Hopkins, East Ohio United Methodist Church

8. Comparison “Problem Solving” “Appreciative Inquiry”
(medical diagnosis approach)
“Appreciative Inquiry”
(life-centered approach)
Identify the Problem
(“symptoms”)
Determine the Cause
(“diagnosis”)
Propose a Solution
(“prescription”)
Implement It
(“treatment”)
Identify What Gives Life
> Discover the best of “what is”
Imagine Ways to Enhance Life
> Dream “what could be”
Co-construct the Ideal
> Design “what should be”
Empower Innovation
> Do – create “what will be”

9. What is Appreciative Inquiry?
1. A collaborative and rigorous search to identify and understand the individual’s/group’s/organization’s (parishes) strengths, in order to… 2. Imagine our highest hopes and greatest possibilities, to stimulate… 3. Co-construction of the ideal future, and… 4. Launch self-directed change and innovation Dr. Ron Fry, Case Western Reserve University

10. History Appreciative Inquiry David Cooperrider, Ph. D.
Case Western Reserve University, 1986
Doctoral Dissertation:
Appreciative Inquiry: Toward a Methodology for Understanding and Enhancing Organizational Innovation
Used internationally in all kinds of organizational and cultural settings - local, global, religious, corporate, government, NGO’s, inter-generational…
Appreciative Inquiry -

11. Spirituality Appreciative Inquiry Scripture
“I came that they might have life
and have it more abundantly.”
Appreciative Inquiry
John 10:10

12. Spirituality Appreciative Inquiry Scripture – St. Paul
“Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence and
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Appreciative Inquiry
Philippians 4: 8-9

13. Spirituality Appreciative Inquiry Theology
“To see anything for what it is,
is to see the goodness of it,
the love of God for it,
God’s grace.
The challenge is to see things as they are,
as God sees them,
and as God says about creation:
‘It is good. It is very good.’
That which is always and everywhere,
God’s grace,
must be noticed,
accepted and celebrated.”
Appreciative Inquiry
Fr. Michael Himes
Cleveland, April 18, 1999

14. Leading with an Open Heart
We diminish ourselves – we squeeze the juice out of our souls, we close our hearts when we fall into…
‘Cynicism’ dressed up as ‘realism’: ‘I’m not cynical. I’m realistic.’
‘Arrogance’ dressed up as ‘authoritative knowledge’.
‘Callousness’ dressed up as ‘a thick skin of wisdom’ ‘I know how it is – and this is all there is.’
Ronald Heifetz Founding Director, Center for Public Leadership Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government
Appreciative Inquiry

15. Leading with an Open Heart
To stay alive in our spirit, in our hearts, requires the courage to keep our hearts open… we need to give witness to…
‘Innocence’ that maintains hope even when things seem hopeless – a naïve perspective realizing that naïve has the same root as ‘genius, ingenuity, Renaissance’ – a child-like quality
‘Curiosity’ to be genuinely interested, to want to learn more than we already know
‘Compassion’ to respect and appreciate the pains and changes people are going through
Ronald Heifetz
Appreciative Inquiry

16. Basic Principles Appreciative Inquiry Constructionist Principle
our words create our worlds
Poetic Principle
organizations are like poems, or like Scripture, open to infinite interpretation
Principle of Simultaneity
change begins the moment you ask the first question
Appreciative Inquiry

17. Basic Principles Appreciative Inquiry 4. Anticipatory Principle
deep change = change in our images of the future
5. Positive Principle
positive questions  positive image  positive emotion  positive energy  positive relationships
 positive change
6. Narrative Principle
sharing stories unites people across boundaries and generations and creates lasting bonds
Appreciative Inquiry

18. Conversation & Emotions in Parish Life
Growing an Engaged Church – Al Winesman
Gallup Research: Belonging leads to believing
Engagement describes the degree of belonging to church.
Emotions matter – the emotional connection is key to people’s engagement and the life of growing churches.

19. Application Appreciative Inquiry The “4-D” Cycle Discovery Destiny
What gives life?
Destiny
Sustain. Empower.
Improvise.
Dream
Envisioning ways to
enhance life.
Appreciative Inquiry
AFFIRMATIVE
TOPIC
CHOICE
Design
Co-constructing
what should be.

20. Exercise Appreciative Inquiry The Five Basic Appreciative Questions
What attracted you to our parish / ministry setting?
What were your initial excitements and impressions when you began there?
1. Beginnings
Appreciative Inquiry
Recall a time when you felt most alive, most proud, most committed or most enthused about our parish / ministry? What made it such a “fulfilling” experience?
2. Most Life-Giving Experience
What do you value most about yourself?
The nature of your involvement in our parish / ministry?
Our parish / ministry and what it has contributed to your life?
3. Things Most Valued

21. Exercise Appreciative Inquiry The Five Basic Appreciative Questions
As you think about the overall parish / ministry, what is the core image or factor that reflects what most gives life and represents its most essential, life-giving quality?
4. Core Image
Appreciative Inquiry
If you could enhance or transform our parish / ministry in any way you wished, what three things would you do to enhance its life and vitality?
5. Images of Future

22. Application Appreciative Inquiry Appreciative Topics
Select 3 to 5 Key Topics – A Fateful Choice
based on responses to initial five AI questions
affirmatively stated - value what is
compelling
invite stories
sometimes ambiguous – room to ‘swim around’
evoke essential values, aspirations, inspirations
deepen hope and capacity for creating a desired future
Appreciative Inquiry

23. Application Appreciative Inquiry Basic Process Steps
1. Preparation - Planning to Plan
Preliminary discussion with leaders
Form an AI planning team
Finalize steps and schedule (Summit option).
2. Discovery and Initial Dream Phase
Conduct Phase 1 interviews at meeting of leaders / representatives using the 5 basic AI questions
Develop Appreciative Topics and Phase 2 Interviews
Train interviewers
Identify potential interviewees (random, sub-groups, friends, interviewees become interviewers...)
Conduct interviews
Interpret and share meanings (themes/quotes) from interviews
Appreciative Inquiry

24. Application Appreciative Inquiry Basic Process Steps
3. Dream Phase We build the future by carrying forward and building upon the best of our past and the inspiring discoveries from our interviews. We create shared images of what our parish would look life if our exceptional moments and life-giving properties became the norm.
Dream reflection and small group sharing:
Imagine 10 years into the future - it is the year Visualize our community… as you really want it to be – living the fullness of life to which God calls us, and doing remarkable things… What do you experience, see, hear….? How is the world different? What images stand out to you?
Sharing with the assembly in creative ways.
Appreciative Inquiry
3. Dream/Design: Teams, Summit – engage people – examples: - Priests Convocation - SND process - Youngstown Vocations process
- Green Bay
- Foundation (45 min
- Many adaptations of process to call people to dream, and share these dreams

25. Application Appreciative Inquiry Basic Process Steps
Design / Destiny Phase Creative Initiatives for Action a guiding vision and set of practical actions – little things, big things, a pilot project, a prototype, an experiment, bold steps, a generative conversation, something to try – that have the potential to move people toward realizing the vision and hope expressed for a given area of life
These statements bridge “the best of what gives life” with a collective aspiration of “the best of what might be.” They are grounded in the common themes generated from our best experiences and dreams.
Appreciative Inquiry
Social Architecture – Design based on Good News and Dreams
Consider areas of the ‘social architecture’ of the congregation - the structures, places and vessels that hold and sustain life and activity. You choose - these are examples. It’s your design!
• Local image and reputation – Who do people say that we are?
• Nature of leader-member relationships - What does this look like in the future?
• Overall mission and core values
• How we do worship, formation, outreach
• Structures (administration, boards, groups, teams, ministries, meetings)
• Policies and practices, welcoming, decision making, planning processes
• Collaboration, leadership training, networking
• Communications practices – internal, external, marketing, technology
Congregation Example re Empowerment, Belonging
We are a congregation where every member feels a sense of belonging, appreciation and ownership. Each person believes the congregation is theirs to care about and enhance to bring forth our fullest potential in serving the mission of Jesus. People openly offer their best ideas and contributions in all kinds of ministries. A culture of gratitude and telling the ‘good news’ is a part of every group and activity. Leaders empower people to be open and innovative in seeking ways to make the message of Jesus more alive in everyday life.

26. Application Appreciative Inquiry Basic Process Steps
5. Further Dream & Design outcomes
Mission Statement, Core Values
Statements of “what most gives life” & “ways to enhance life”
Creative Initiatives for Action – Strategy / Action commitments
Engage as many people as possible in these events
6. Proclamation - Publish and Celebrate the Results
7. Destiny Phase
Sustaining, Empowering, Learning, Improvising, Innovating
Appreciative Inquiry
6. Destiny Phase:
Sustain by creating an Appreciative Culture of “Good News,” of energy, hope, excitement, creativity, commitment…
Quote: “We didn’t have a clue about how much this parish means to people!”
Empower by challenging groups and individuals to implement Design Phase goals and values in all aspects of parish ministry. If we value “welcoming”, then that starts with the parish receptionist and the way people are greeted when they come to the parish office and attend Mass for the first time.
Learn and improvise by asking appreciative questions regularly and making adjustments to enhance things even further. Evaluating as “Telling the Stories”

27. Application Appreciative Inquiry Appreciative Topics
CASE STUDY
St. Bernard Akron, Ohio
1. “A Community of Many Different People: God invites all people here, that we may be one”
1. “A Community of Many Different People: God invites all people here, that we may be one”
2. “A Beacon of Service and Hope”
3. “Liturgy and Prayer for All People”
4. “Call to Involvement”
5. “Nurturing Our Young People”
Appreciative Inquiry

28. Application Appreciative Inquiry
Appreciative Topic, Paragraph & Questions
CASE STUDY
St. Bernard Akron, Ohio
A Community of Many Different People: God invites all people here, that we may be one
We are blessed as a community of different people with unique gifts to share. New people are always welcome here and continue to bring new life to our parish. As a community of wounded healers, we accept the challenge to be there for all people, and strive to offer openness and acceptance to them.
Appreciative Inquiry
Note nature of a/b questions:
A: Go deeper into when we are at our best – what contributes to these best moments – don’t take it for granted
B: Engage people’s imagination - what is the best we can be, inspired by the best of the past
Recall a time at St. Bernard Parish where you experienced an inspiring moment of welcoming or being welcomed. What did people say or do that created this moment?
b) Imagine St. Bernard Parish in 5 years. What do you see happening that best expresses unity and cooperation amidst our diversity?

29. Application Appreciative Inquiry Appreciative Topics
CASE STUDY
St. Bernard Akron, Ohio
1. “A Community of Many Different People: God invites all people here, that we may be one”
2. “A Beacon of Service and Hope”
3. “Liturgy and Prayer for All People”
4. “Call to Involvement”
5. “Nurturing Our Young People”
Appreciative Inquiry
“A Beacon of Service and Hope”

30. “A Beacon of Service and Hope”
Application
Appreciative Topic, Paragraph & Questions
CASE STUDY
St. Bernard Akron, Ohio
“A Beacon of Service and Hope”
We are a community that is there for people when they need us. We treat people with great care and dignity in each of our ministries. We reach out in response to real human needs by helping people to serve and help one another, and to use their gifts in ways that go far beyond what could be seen or imagined.
Appreciative Inquiry
a) Recall 1 or 2 of the best experiences of seeing St. Bernard Parish as a beacon? What do people do that most expresses this kind of service and outreach?
b) What is one thing that St. Bernard might do to better listen to and serve the needs of people in our community? How might we become more aware of and in touch with voices not readily heard, including the elderly and homebound ?

31. St. Bernard Parish Mission Statement
Application
“Design Phase” Product
CASE STUDY
St. Bernard Akron, Ohio
St. Bernard Parish Mission Statement
Established in 1861, we are a people of diverse cultures and backgrounds who choose to come together as a spiritual family to give glory to God by:
celebrating the Eucharist,
learning and living our Catholic faith,
serving the spiritual and human needs of the surrounding
community.
Appreciative Inquiry

32. St. Bernard Parish Core Values
Application
“Design Phase” Product
CASE STUDY
St. Bernard Akron, Ohio
St. Bernard Parish Core Values
We are committed to live by these values to fulfill our mission
ACCEPTANCE We welcome and accept all people, greeting them and inviting them to participate within our community.
A BEACON OF SERVICE & HOPE We are committed to work for justice and serve the spiritual and human needs of all people throughout the world, including the poor, homeless, homebound and each other - treating each person with dignity and giving them support and encouragement.
EMPOWERMENT We call upon every member of our parish to be involved in our prayer, worship, service and community life.
FLEXIBILITY We grow and change to meet a variety of needs in our worship, service and activities.
Appreciative Inquiry

33. St. Bernard Parish Directional Statement – Part 1
Application
“Design Phase” Product
CASE STUDY
St. Bernard Akron, Ohio
St. Bernard Parish Directional Statement – Part 1
“A Community of Many Different People: God invites all people here, that we may be one”
In listening to our people we discovered these further reflections on the life of St. Bernard in their words:
- For people from both near and far away, St. Bernard’s is a beautiful
place that is like a home away from home.
- We are a parish with no barriers, open to all. Our people love worshiping
with people from different backgrounds - racial, economic, nationality.
- We admit and celebrate our cultural differences. All cultures can
express themselves here in different ways.
- Members of our Spanish community have indicated that the Spanish
Mass ‘makes me feel like I am in my country with my people.’ I feel deep inside my heart a great excitement.
- The Mass here is full of life, love and unity.
Appreciative Inquiry

34. St. Bernard Parish Directional Statement – Part 2
Application
“Design Phase” Product
CASE STUDY
St. Bernard Akron, Ohio
St. Bernard Parish Directional Statement – Part 2
“A Community of Many Different People: God invites all people here, that we may be one”
We are committed to sustain and build upon these gifts and experiences in the future. We also will:
1) Sustain a vibrant Hispanic worshiping community that evokes ‘my country, my people’ while working to integrate people and activities as fully as possible into the overall life of the parish.
Discern a Spanish speaking deacon.
Enhance the education in our faith for Hispanic people.
Continue to invite and reach out to Hispanic people who do not come to church.
2) Reach out to people of other cultures to assist them in forming cohesive faith communities.
3) Provide more opportunities to mix cultures in parish activities.
Appreciative Inquiry
Discuss at tables

35. Living Appreciatively
Ask: What is the AI question in this moment?
Sustain life, inquiry and innovation!
Live on the Appreciative Edge:
Whatever has happened or is happening, every act or utterance, has affirmative potential. Attend closely! All is gift,all is blessing.
Say “yes” to the mess!
Embrace errors as a source of learning and discovery!
Appreciative Inquiry

36. Living Appreciatively
Pope John XXIII:
Consult not your fears, but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential.
Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.
Thank you! - Further Questions Rick Krivanka
Appreciative Inquiry