More and more pastors and parish councils are finding value in helping parishioners and staff members develop a three-five year parish plan.  Such a planning process typically takes a year or more to complete.  It is time well spent.  At the end of the process the parish has:

·       A clear understanding of what it is called to be and do. (Mission Statement)

·       A shared vision of how it wants to grow as a faith community. (Vision Statement)

·       A step-by-step plan for each area of parish life aimed at achieving their common goals over time. (Action Plan)

·       And best of all, a pastor, parishioners, staff, committees and council who know how they fit into the plan and who are all committed to a vibrant future and dedicated to making it happen.

 

Not every parish is ready to develop a long-range plan.  Yet each parish can develop an annual plan.  How? 

1)     The council can:

a)     Review the parish mission statement.

b)     Evaluate the success of its leadership by asking: How did we encourage our parishioners, committees and staff to make the mission a lived reality? (See article: How Do I Know If Our Council is Successful?) 

c)     Give each parish committee their job description as found in the council by-laws. Ask the committees to evaluate their work in light of the parish mission statement and their committee description and develop a proposal for council review of specific, measurable goals for the following year.

2)     Committees can:

a)     Review the parish mission statement and their job description as found in the parish council by-laws.

b)     List the ways they accomplished their work in the past year.

c)     Develop a proposal for council and staff review of specific, measurable goals for the following year.

3)     Staff can:

a)     Review the parish mission statement and their job descriptions and list the ways they accomplished their work in the past year.

b)     Review the committee proposals.  Among their personal professional goals add specific, measurable goals where they apply, to help the committees achieve their goals in their area of ministry. Review these committee goals at a staff meeting.

4)     Parishioners can:

a)     Pray the parish mission statement in place of a hymn.

b)     Consider how they have grown in their faith in the past year.

c)     Reflect on what area of parish life most influenced their spiritual growth.

d)     Develop a personal faith-growth goal for the new year.

 

After the council receives, studies and discusses the committee proposals, throw a party! Gather the committees and staff with council for a “Kick-off” to a new year of servant-leadership at the parish.   Enjoy a cookout or supper. Invite the committees to share their hopes/goals for their ministry area (previews of coming action).  Look for ways to work together or support each other’s goals.  Voila!  The committee goals become the parish annual plan.

For more information on Appreciative Inquiry, contact Noreen Welte, Director or Dr. Robert M. Melcher, Associate Director – Office for Parish Councils and Planning, 414-769-3381 or melcherr@archmil.org