Apr
14
14
Brochure for the training event can be found on
www.churchconsultingnetwork.org
Training Event is September 28-29, 2010, Indianapolis, IN.
Mar
3
3
Growth Planning Consultation
The Consulting Network FMCNA provides Growth Planning services to enable local congregations to have a trained church growth consultant make an on site visit to analyze and diagnose the total church program. The planning process is designed to provide the pastor and church leaders with a clear picture of their present strengths and make recommendations for long range health and vitality.
Growth Planning Process
Local Church Preparation
Prior to the consultant’s visit to a church, a packet of materials will be sent for the church to complete and return at least two weeks before the visit. These include: 1) A 10-year growth history, 2) a church background questionnaire, 3) a volunteer worker analysis profile, 4) community analysis information and 5 ) various staff worksheets and questionnaires, along with such other data-gathering instruments as may be deemed helpful in light of the church’s unique circumstances.
The consultant will use these instruments in preparation for the on site visit.
Interview with the Staff
The consultant will interview both paid and volunteer staff during the on site visit. The consultant will discuss the preliminary materials completed by staff members and get information on the life and ministry of the local church, as well as dreams and aspirations for the future of the church.
Interview with Selected Church Leaders and Members
A cross section of the congregation involving 10 to 20 lay leaders and members meet with the consultant for a 90 minute dialogue on their perspective of the life and ministry of the local church. The consultant may also meet with several other local church boards and committees, depending upon the size of the congregation.
Analysis of the Total Church Program
This analysis of the church, including activities and facilities, occurs throughout the visit in preparation for the consultant’s verbal report at the close of his/her time there. While the analysis varies from church to church, depending on specific requirements of the situation, the following areas are typically examined for problem diagnosis and recommendations:
- Philosophy and style of ministry
- Program and personnel
- Congregation and community
- Priorities and finance
- Strengths and possibilities
- Critical issues and next steps
Verbal Report to the Congregation
This setting provides an opportunity for others in the congregation to hear the consultant’s initial observations and to give the consultant additional information or responses before he/she writes the final report.
Diagnostic Report and Recommendations
A full written report follows within four to six weeks of the on site visit by the consultant. The report included the observations and reflections of the consultant and is used as a tool for the local church to develop a long range master plan. Specific recommendations and alternatives are made for the church to take correcting in areas of weakness and maximize areas of strength.
Cost Description
The cost varies according to the size of the congregation, travel expense, and length of time spent at the church.
Questions answered by the “Growth Planning Consultation”
This personalized service is designed to provide a clear and helpful analysis of your church, with specific recommendations for taking future actions. (It is not intended to give the process for implementing each suggestion, or to become your five year mater plan.) It will present you with the necessary data for formulating and launching an effective master plan during a subsequent phase.
The Growth Planning Consultation Service is intended to answer the following basic questions concerning the health and vitality of your church
Who are we
What kind of church are we (location, region, culture, image, age, size, style, structure, etc.)?
What are our limitation and potential in light of our distinct identity?
Where have we come from?
What has been unique about our church (history, growth, people, programs)?
What have been our major milestones?
What is our Purpose?
What is our “philosophy of ministry?”
What are our actual (as well as stated) priorities?
What are our objectives for the future?
How well do we relate with our community?
How similar are our people to those we are attempting to reach?
What is our potential for reaching the various kinds of people living around us?
Which groups of persons are most receptive to the witness of our church?
What are the growth patterns of our church?
Are we growing too fast or too slow?
Are we in good health?
What kind of growth should we expect in the future?
How well are we staffed?
Do we have sufficient number of staff?
Do we have the right kind of staff?
What are the potential problems facing our staff?
What is the status of our present programs?
How effectively are we meeting the needs of our people?
Do we have too few or too many programs for our church’s size?
How well are our people equipped for ministry?
How many persons are not being cared for personally?
How adequate are our facilities?
What effect do they have upon our rate of growth?
Which facilities will need to be improved or expanded during the next five years?
How well are we doing financially?
How reasonable is our present level of indebtedness?
What limitations or potential do we have in regards to our present overall resources?
Fifteen Reasons for scheduling a growth planning consultation in your local church
- An evaluation by an outside consultant provides you with greater objectivity.
- The growth planning service provides you with a sufficient data base to carry our realistic long range planning and goal setting.
- You will receive an objective evaluation of your strengths and potential.
- You will be exposed to the latest state-of-the-art church growth principles.
- You will be able to develop “Church growth Eyes”; you will see more and understand more of what is happening in your church.
- You will understand more dearly why God wants (and will bring) growth for His church.
- The growth planning process will provide a new awareness for many concerning their place in His church.
- You will understand more dearly your basic purpose and philosophy of ministry.
- You will be able to strengthen your staff relationships with each other and with your congregation.
10. You will be better able to find those who can be most readily reached by your congregation.
11. The consultation will assist you in aligning your present resources (time, talent, treasure, facilities, etc.) with:
a. Your stated priorities
b. The undiscovered gifts of your congregation
c The potential in your community
12. You will receive professional support and clarification for what you have been attempting to communicate.
13. The consultation will help you to discover bottlenecks that are restricting growth.
14. You will be able to make practical application of church growth principles.
15. The consultation will help you to clarify your present “people flow” (why people come, stay, leave, or increase their involvement) strengths, and how to build upon these.
Feb
11
11
God’s Command – “Go Make Disciples”
Study by Dr. Ray Ellis
Matthew 28:16-20 – Jesus gives the command to make disciples and promises to give us His power and authority to carry out His command.
The primary focus of God’s Word is to make disciples. Disciples do not become part of the church community automatically. Disciples are not born; they are made.
Acts 1:8, 2:1-4 – We have the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to keep the “Go” in the gospel.
Acts 2:41-47 – Early church – Experienced exponential grow
• Devoted themselves to the apostles teaching
• Fellowship
• Prayer
• The Lord added to the church
Seven – Step Process – Acts 2:41-47
7. v. 47 They grew in numbers daily
6. v. 47 They reached their community
5. v. 42-46 they continued in fellowship with the ch.
4. 42 They were instructed by the church
3. v. 41 They were added to the church
2. v. 41 They were baptized
1. v. 41 The gladly received the Word
Growth in the early church
Acts 1:15, Acts 2:41-47, Acts 4:4 Acts 5:14
The Early Church was a Church on the Grow
Acts 6:7
Acts 9:31
Acts 16:5
Acts 21:20
Prayer preceded outreach in the early church.
Acts 13:1-3 – Church in Antioch
• Worshiped
• Fasted
• Prayed
• Sent Forth Missionaries
1. Prayer brought power and boldness to believers in the early church. Acts 2:42,47, 4:31,33
2. Through prayer the church sought God’s guidance in making decisions for leadership. Acts 1:24-26, 6:3-4
3. Sinners were convicted of sin and saved because Christians prayed. Acts 12:5, 7,8,23
4. Miracles were the result of prayer. Acts 3:6, 16:18
5. The early church was called to prayer through persecution.
Acts 3 – Lame man was healed – Peter and John were arrested –they were ordered to stop speaking about Jesus and his resurrection.
Acts 4:29-30 Christians prayed:
Effective prayer gets results – Acts 4:32
God answers prayer:
Earthquake –
A time of refreshing – Acts 3:19
They were given boldness to speak
The Holy spirit makes clear His vision and purpose for the local church.
Do we talk about prayer more than we pray? Luke 18:1 “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.’
A C T S is a helpful way to pray
Adoration – Lord you are wonderful – Psalms 46
Confession – Isaiah 59:2 – sin separates people from God – I John 1:9 is the answer
Thanksgiving – I Thess. 5:18 “In everything give thanks.”
Supplication – Pray for specific needs. Phil. 4:6
“When the church shuts itself up to the power of the prayer closet, and the solders of the Lord have received on their knees, power from on high: then the power of darkness will be shaken and souls delivered.” Andrew Murray, The Believer’s Prayer Life
Jan
15
15
STRATEGIC PLANNING – THE MISSING STEP – PASSION
By Dr. Ray Ellis
John 4:35 – Jesus said, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest?’ I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might, nor by power but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
As we plan for the future the organizational steps of strategic planning are helpful.
We need to study and know culture. We need to know church growth principles.
It is helpful to debate the homogeneous principle taught by Dr. Donald McGavran.
We should be committed to studying relevant and cutting edge methods and technology. Part of our strategy is finding out what the Holy Spirit is blessing and get in on it.
Often the missing step in strategic planning is PASSION. It is paramount that we don’t leave out the work of the Holy Spirit in our planning.
We constantly need to rekindle and renew our passion for lost people. We dare not lose our first love as we hunger and thirst after the newest church growth program out in the market place.
I agree with the authors of Marketing for Congregations by Norman Shawchuck, Philip Kotler, and Bruce Wrenn: “The best marketing plan in the world cannot compensate for spiritual lethargy or confusion, so that none are able to listen in the silent closets of the heart where God awaits to communicate with us. Nor can a marketing plan counterbalance a lack of vision.”
I would add, a marketing plan can not compensate for a lack of passion and love for people who are not yet members of the Family of God.
The Apostle Paul reminds us: “If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn’t love others, I would only be making a meaningless noise like a loud gong, or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love, I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.” I Cor. 13:1-3
If we are culturally relevant, but have not love, it profits us nothing. If we preach great sermons, but have not love, we are making noise like a loud gong. If we take mission trips and pay out tithe, but have not love, we are like clanging cymbals.
Tim Chester and Steve Timmis in their recent book, Total Church, A Radical Reshaping around Gospel and Community have a good word to say about passion: “Attendance at meetings, involvement in evangelism, an ability to handle the Bible, starting new initiatives, a reputation for being sound or radical, all of these, in and of themselves, indicate nothing unless they are a heart response to the deep, passionate love of God and emerge out of a deep, passionate love for God.” P. 204
Jesus said, “Look on the fields they are ripe unto harvest. John 4:35 – What is our response, “So what?” or “Who cares?” The farmer who planted the seed has great concern. He looks at his field with passion.
Are we planting and sowing seed? Are we planning on a harvest? What is our vision in planting?
I saw a drawing of vision. One picture was a fisherman with a hole cut in the ice to catch a fish. The hole in the ice was about a foot wide. The other fisherman had cut a hole five feet wide. Who had the greater vision?
The right vision attracts commitment and energizes people.
The right vision creates meaning in workers’ lives.
The right vision establishes a standard of excellence.
The right vision bridges the present and future.
We are committed to prayer and fasting and coaching congregations toward health and implement outreach ministries because we are not satisfied with little or no harvests.
Preparing for harvest whether harvesting wheat or adding to the Kingdom of God is hard work. To have a great wheat harvest of 40-50 bushels per acre take lots of preparation. First you plow the fields, then disc and harrow the ground. At the right time you drill and plant the grain. You wait for adequate snow and rain and sunshine.
Then at the right time, not to early or to late, you start the combine and harvest the wheat. You spend long days in the field. You use the latest equipment available to harvest the grain before it rains or hails and ruins the crop.
Jesus said, “Look on the fields, they are ripe unto harvest.” The “look” is a look of passion.
A church planter can drive through a city and see great potential for Kingdom growth. He knows that where there is little vision people perish. People of vision and faith are not problem minded, they’re opportunity minded. They feed opportunities and starve problems.
As leaders God is calling us to have the “look” of passion as we plan to go to the next level in our churches.
Louzes and Posner in Leadership Challenge write: “Leaders are pioneers. They are people who venture into unexplored territory. They guide us to new and often unfamiliar destinations. People who take the lead are the foot soldiers in the campaigns for change. The unique reason for having leaders – their differentiating function, is move us forward. Leaders get us going someplace.”
As we lead our churches and conferences to the next level we are open to making changes to sharpen the sickle for a greater harvest.
As we develop our spiritual strategic plans and future mapping let’s not miss the step of passion.
Dec
31
31
Team Building
As a church consultant I interview ministry staff and program staff of churches. Successful leaders know how to develop effective team ministries. One helpful tool to use in team building is the Personality Profile “DiSC.”
The Personality Profile assists individuals to understand why and how they affect other people the way they do and why other people affect them the way they do.
The “DiSC” profile helps individuals to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses. The profile helps individuals develop a positive attitude about self, which causes others to trust and to have confidence in them.
When you know yourself and your strengths and weaknesses you develop the ability to study situations and people and adapt appropriate behavioral strategies.
The “DiSC” stands for the following:
D – Dominance
I – Influence
S – Steadiness
C – Conscientiousness
The high “D” and high “C” person tend to be task oriented, and the high “I” and high “S” person tends to be people oriented.
The high “D” personality is usually outgoing and fast-paced. They like to be on the move. This person has the motto, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way!” Some of the descriptive words for a high “D” person is: dominant, driving, demanding, determined and decisive doer. About 10% of the U.S. population is a high “Ds”.
The Apostle Paul was a “D” time leader. Without the control of the Holy Spirit, he was out to destroy Christians and churches. Under the control of the Holy Spirit he was motivated to help people, start new churches and write mush of the New Testament.
The high “I” personality type is a people person. High “I” individuals are outgoing, people oriented, inspirational, influencing, inducing, impressive, interactive, interesting and interested. About 25-30% of the U.S. population is high “I” type personalities.
“Is” believe life is too short to be miserable, the entire world is a stage, and they are the main attraction.
The Apostle Peter is an example of a high “I”. He was impetuous and impulsive. Peter wrote only two short NT books.
High “Is” want recognition. They tend to talk a lot. They are very friendly. They know no strangers. High “Is” are compassionate, carefree, outgoing, enthusiastic, warm, and personable. They are the life of the party.
The high “S” personality person tends to be reserved and desire a great deal of security. They are submissive, stable, steady, sentimental, shy, status quo, specialist, servant and supportive. High “Ss” make excellent support staff personal in a local church.
The Apostle John is an example of a high “S”. He was quiet, unassuming apostle whom Jesus loved.
The basic need for “S” type personality is appreciation. They love routine because it makes them feel comfortable. In leadership they tend to lead as a coach, rather than a dictator. High “Ss” make up 30-35% of the U.S. population.
One of the high “Ss” weakness is they want to keep peace at any price and therefore are indecisive.
The high “C” personality is reserved and task-oriented. They are cautious, competent, calculating, concerned, careful, compliant, conscientious and contemplative.
High “Cs” love detail. They want quality answers. They are very analytical and sensitive. They tend to be perfectionists and have an eye for detail. High “Cs” make up 20-25% of the U.S. population.
Personality types hear words of appreciation in different ways. If you tell “D” types, “I appreciate you,” they might respond, “You ought to! As much as I do for you. There would be a lot of people who would be grateful to have someone around like me?” High “Is” may respond, “Well, what do I win?” High “Ss” may respond with a smile and “Thank you.” High “Cs” will wonder, “I am being manipulated? Are you trying to get something by me?”
Studies show that at least 80% of the population is dominant in at lest two areas and two areas they are less dominate.
Hippocrates and others give different descriptions to the four personality types:
“D” – Choleric or Lion
“I” – Sanguine or Otter
“S” – Phlegmatic or Golden Retriever
“C” – Melancholy or Beaver
For additional information see Personality Plus by Florence Littauer and for products contact the Carlson Learning Company. You can e-mail me at raywellis@aol.com.
Dec
7
7
September 28-29, 2010 a great training event will be held at the Free Methodist World Ministry Center, 770 High School Rd., Indianapolis, In. Our trainer will be Nelson Searcy, Sr. Pastor of the Journey Church in N.Y. and President of Church Leader Insights. www.churchleaderinsights.com.
For information on the training see www.churchconsultingnetwork.org.
Nov
20
20
REPORT ON THE GREAT COMMISSION RESEARCH NETWORK
ANNUAL MEETING
NEW ORLEANS, LA
November 9-12, 2009
OBSERVATIONS BY DR. RAY ELLIS
DIR. CHURCH CONSULTING NETWORK FMCNA
Last year the American Society for Church Growth changed its name to the Great Commission Research Network, reflecting the work of the organization.
Tuesday, November 10th
Sponsored by Tom Harper, President of the Society for Consulting with offices in Louisville, KY. This day focused on church consulting.
Presenters included: John Ewart, Associate Professor of Missions at Southern Baptist Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Dr. Bob Whitesel, Associate Professor of graduate studies in ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion In. Gary McIntosh, President of McIntosh Church Growth Network. Aubrey Malphurs, Senior Professor of Pastoral Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and Will Mancini, founder of Auxano, a national consulting group.
Will Mancini, author of Church Unique, presented a new fresh approach in church consulting. I recommend the book as a key source in coaching churches needing to find an authentic contextual vision. For additional info see www.auxano.com.
A helpful statement for churches to wrestle with over time is: “Our church exists to glorify God and make disciples by …………. (big idea).”
Some of the issues discussed were:
Survival of the small church – the challenge in helping smaller churches is the fact they often do not want help.
Reasons some pastors do not want to change and get into a growth mode were suggested.
There is a rising interest in the Southern Baptist Convention in church consultations due to a decline in attendance in 7 of the last 10 years..
A good tool to use to get information from local churches prior to a consultation is www.surveymonkey.com.
An in depth tool to assist a church planting project or local church to determine their target audience is www.missioninsite.com
Wednesday, November 11th
Presenters included: Chuck Lawless (Prayer Ministry in Times of Crisis), Elmer Towns (Dean of the School of Religion, Liberty University) @Changing Paradigms of Evangelism”, David Crosby (Pastor of First Baptist Church in New Orleans) spoke on how First Baptist Church in New Orleans uses compassion ministries in serving the community),
Dr. Chuck Lawless, (Dean of the Billy Graham School at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky), reported on the findings of a study of healthy Southern Baptist Churches. Top issues of healthy churches included focusing on three issues: 1. Evangelism, 2. Discipleship, and 3. Prayer.
Dr. Ed Stetzer, (President of Life Way Research) gave an update on a research project involving 7,000 churches across the U.S. So far 4,000 churches have responded. After they have received 7,000 responses a final report of their findings will be given next year at the Great Commission Research Network annual meeting.
Early findings from 4,000 churches surveyed so far are:
44% are growing
31% are stable
25% are declining
Age of the pastors of the 4,000 churches:
52% are 50 yeas old and up
30% are 39-49 years of age
13% are 18-29 years of age
Thursday, November 12th
Speakers included: Nelson Searcy, (Pastor of Journey Church in New York City), Bill Easum, (Founder of 21st Century Strategies), Gary McIntosh, (President of McIntosh Church Growth Network) and Stewart Hoke. (Adjunct Professor of the General Theological Seminary in New York City.)
The most effective methods resulting in growth today for many churches are compassion evangelism, and small groups.
The Journey Church in New York City uses many ways to touch people in downtown New York. Through various acts of kindness with no strings attached they demonstrate the love of God.
Nelson Searcy is scheduled to be the trainer for next year’s FMCNA Church Consulting Network training, September 28-29, 2010, at the World Ministry Center Indianapolis, IN.
Additional resources:
www.CircleBuilder.com - offers free church software and free websites
www.Groupimaging.com - provides business cards and other online printing
www.Greatcommissionresearch.net – The next meeting of the Great Commission Research Network will meet, Nov. 9-11, 2010, at the Indiana Wesleyan Univ. Marion, IN. The theme event next year is “Outreach in an e-world – Innovation, Creativity & Connectivity.” Information is available at the web site.
Oct
21
21
The natural drift of local congregations and conferences is away from multiplying churches toward maintaining programs and buildings. We need to constantly remind ourselves that the story of the early church is about church planting and the multiplication of churches.
I encourage every FM Conference to have a Great Commission mind-set. Here are five reasons to make church planting one of your priorities:
1. The nature of the church requires the multiplication of new churches.
Fruitfulness is a sign of health and fruitlessness is a sign of sickness
and sin. (John 15:1-8)
2. Christ’s command demands the multiplication of churches. Jesus said:
“Go make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
3. The early church is our model. The primary ministry focus of the
Apostle Paul was planting new churches. (Book of Acts)
4. The growing diverse population in North America demands the
multiplication of new growing churches.
5. The changing needs of people require the multiplication of new
churches.
The Church Consulting Network is available to assist you in the following ways:
· Meet with your Conference Task Force on Church Planting to assist in the development of church planting strategies for the Conference.
· Provide assessment of future church planters using the interviewing and evaluating process developed by Dr. Charles Ridley that assesses thirteen qualities needed for effective church planting. Five of the thirteen qualities are essential to qualify as a prospective church planter. (A list of the thirteen qualities is available. If you would like a copy, send me an e-mail at raywellis@aol.com.
This assessment requires a full day to complete per individual or couple. A comprehensive report of the findings on each of the thirteen church planting qualities is given to the participant and the sponsoring conference.
· Church Planting Assessment Center – A Team Approach to Church Planter Assessment includes the following:
Provides coaching on the church planting project design & strategy,
Development of church planting timeline and action initiatives needed from conception to first public worship service.
Evaluation of each participant preaching a sermon as if prepared for the first public worship service,
Behavioral interviews covering the thirteen basic qualities needed for effective church planters,
Case study by participants of a church-planting project, and
An evaluation of prospective church planters presented by the teaching team in a one-on-one interview at the close of the Assessment Center process.
· Provide a local church consultation for churches stalled or needing to
move to the next level of their potential. (Three-day consultation – Friday through Sunday)
· Provide coaching of a cluster of pastors who are committed to becoming Great Commission pastors. Groups of five to seven pastors meet one-day sessions meeting once a month for five consecutive months. (A curriculum of the training is available upon request)
· Provide a two-hour seminar on “Team Building” using the Personality Profile – DiSC. This training is especially helpful to pastors working with a local church board as well as paid and volunteer staff.
Summary
All of the above resources are available to local churches and conferences. Contact Dr. Ray Ellis for more information and scheduling.
Oct
19
19
Ministry of Consulting
Dr. Ray Ellis
September 29, 2009
Proverbs 25:11-13, “Timely advise is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket. Valid criticism is as treasured by the one who heeds it as jewelry made from finest gold. Faithful messengers are as refreshing as snow in the heart of summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.”
Providing consultation for local congregations is a ministry. As consultants we are involved in diagnosis and analysis, but one of our key opportunities in working with pastors and leaders is to bring about positive change.
If the church has lost its Biblical focus of bringing people to Jesus and making more and better disciples we help the church leadership to get a Biblical Focus and bring together all their resources to become a Great Commission church committed to the process of making disciples: going – evangelizing, baptizing – convert growth, and teaching to obey.
Prayer is one of the keys to a successful consultation. There is usually resistance to coaching churches toward health. Satan wants to keep churches toxic, ingrown and sick. Through fasting and prayer the congregation can defeat the powers of the enemy to keep the church ingrown and toxic.
The Apostle Paul gives us this reassuring Word in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “We are human, but we don’t wage war with human plans and methods. We use God’s mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ.”
With Jesus as our guide we come alongside the pastoral staff and people and identify the toxic elements in the church. In the power of the Holy Spirit the Devil is defeated and the church is coached along toward health.
Churches that I have worked with in the past tend to get stuck in SOS – same o same o. We all know that the sign of a dying church is an unchanging church in a changing community and culture.
To the local congregation that feels like they are surrounded by insurmountable blocks and obstacles to grow as consultants we bring hope and options back toward health. I believe the Presence of the Lord is surrounding every congregation where people are gathered to seek the Lord with authenticity. The Lord wants to come and bless if they will only listen to His voice. The consultant comes alongside to help open new ways to see the Lord at work.
In 2 Kings 6:15-17 Elisha’s home is surrounded by the army of Aram, troops, horses and chariots were everywhere. When the servant of Elisha saw that they were surrounded he cried out: “What will we do now?
This is the cry of many churches that are stuck and declining or holding on till Jesus comes. “What will we do now?” Elisha prayed for his servant: “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” “The Lord opened his servant’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” 2 Kings 6:”17
As coaches and consultants we have the opportunity to pray and ask the Lord to open the eyes of pastors and church leaders to see new ways of doing ministry to become a Great Commission Church. The power of God is available if only their spiritual eyes are open.
As consultants and coaches we put on the full armor of God. We are in constant prayer to have eyes to see and ears to hear what God wants us to identify as possible blocks and barriers keeping the church sick and unfruitful.
As consultants we help churches discover and focus on their strengths. As consultants we are involved in the ministry of encouragement. Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
We look at the background of the congregation but we don’t dwell on the past we focus on the future. Our task is to help the church prepare for the future.
The Apostle Paul was committed to the ministry of encouragement.
Colossians 2:1-2 “I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,”
Colossians 4:7-8 “Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
1st Thessalonians 4:18 “Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
1st Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Discouragement is a destroyer. It sees the obstacle but faith sees the way out. When you are discouraged, you are telling God that He cannot help you. Joshua sent out spies to spy out the promise land they brought back a report that discouraged the Israelites; they saw the people of the land as giants that they could not overcome. They had forgotten that it was God who said they should go and possess the land. They should have known that since He said they should go, He would be with them because the battle is the Lord’s and He will fight it. These people eventually provoked God to anger and they all perished in the wilderness. They did not get to the promise land.
Rather than thinking about the worst of the church’s situation we need to trust God and think about the best of their situation. We need to practice what Paul says in Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Surround yourself with positive people. With positive people by your side you can turn obstacles into opportunities. Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 4:8-9 (Living Bible), “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.”
I realize that part of our mission as a consultant is to give a spiritual check up for churches and assist them in taking a reality check. On some critical issues we care enough to confront, but we also need to help churches focus on their strengths.
We can determine to be an encourager. Ephesians 4:29, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear you.”
When working with Pastors and leaders we come along side as a “Barnabas.” Barnabas was called the “Son of encouragement.”
An encourager we believe the best in the churches situation. We magnify the good and minimize the bad. Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Encouragers look beyond the immediate pain or suffering and see what God is painting on the big picture. Encouragers lift the vision of people so they can seek how their current challenging circumstance can be used by God to bring good.
Someone has written:
I watched them tear a building down;
band of men in a busy town.
With a `HO-HEAVE-HO’ and a lusty yell;
They swung a beam and a sidewalk fell.
I asked the foreman, `Are these men skilled?
And the men you’d hire if you had to build?’
He gave a laugh and said, `No indeed!
Common labor is all I need.
I can easily wreck in a day or two,
What builders have taken a year to do.’
And I thought to myself as I went on my way,
Which of these roles have I tried to play?
Am I a builder who works with care?
Measuring life by the rule and square?
Am I shaping my deeds to a well-made plan,
Patiently doing the best I can?
Or am I a wrecker, who walks the town,
Content with the labor of tearing down?
As coaches and consultants we are builders. We build people up and give words of encouragement.
Let’s look a the good and build up, life up, cheer up, call up, praise of the church of Jesus Christ and everyone in it.
Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my hart be acceptable in your sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer.”
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Cluster Consultation Strategy
Cluster Consultation Process Description
The cluster consultation strategy is a unique consulting process to provide growth-training opportunities for pastors of churches averaging 40 to 350 in morning worship attendance. The training provided will assist pastors to take advantage of proven methodologies used to remove growth barriers and empower key leadership in their local congregations.
The cluster consultation is not a quick fix. It is structured to cover five months’ participation with five-cluster sessions. Each session has five hours of teaching time (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, includes an hour lunch break). Assignments given to each participant are to be completed between meeting times with accountability and checkpoints built into the process. Pastors are teamed up in groups of two for coaching and encouraging each other during the duration of the cluster consultation. The trainer conducts an onsite visit to each participating church over a weekend to make observations and coaching suggestions. The training is designed to take place in five consecutive months, but the scheduling of training days is flexible.
This training program is not for pastors who are looking for a generic program, but rather for pastors who are willing to commit to an individualized program that the cluster consultation provides.
Consulting is a working relationship between a church and an individual or a team that is trained to assist that church in interpreting its past, assessing its present, and planning for improved future ministry. A local church needs at least seven lay leaders to participate in the cluster strategy process.
The focus of the Church Consulting Network is targeted in its application to issues of pastoral leadership and congregational life as opposed to other more specific applications (i.e. conflict resolution, financial crisis, birthing church plants, and community changes, etc.) that may be available through other sources.
FMCNA Church Consulting Network is particularly focused on those churches that are motivated to become more than they presently are and to move toward an improved future ministry. Churches at great risk, or who are experiencing a crisis in a particular area of church life, may be better served through other intervention methodologies.
OBJECTIVES
· To partner with the Holy Spirit in helping local churches clarify and fulfill God’s agenda for their ministries.
· To provide Conference Superintendents with another tool to use in developing churches under their leadership.
· To provide training for pastors of churches averaging 40-350, who are interested in church revitalization and church growth strategies.
· This resourceful program provides an effective means to link professional church growth expertise to churches at affordable rates.
· To assist churches who want to improve their health and the effectiveness of their ministries:
—to assess their present realities,
—to capture a fresh vision of their future, and
—to develop strategies and an action plan that will lead them toward a preferred
future.
POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
After coaching, the pastor will lead his/her people through a planning process to gain congregational ownership for developing a unique growth strategy. This strategy is designed to meet the specific cultural, denominational, and local needs of the congregation.
The result will be broad based congregational “ownership” of growth strategies, leading to increased commitment and implementation.
RESOURCES USED
· Natural Church Development (assessment) is an option, but not required
· Local church data packet (Background questionnaire, DiSC, etc.)
· Pulse groups
· The Life Cycle of a Church (group dialogue/assessment)
· Strategic Spiritual Journey (group dialogue/diagnosis)
· Future story writing guide (visioning)
· Strategic planning model (strategies, action plan)
· Process guide for local church(s)
COST
The goal of the Church Consulting Network of the FMCNA is to add value to every Free Methodist Conference that would like assistance. The expenses of the Cluster Consultation Strategy will be worked out with each participating conference.
CLUSTER STRATEGY CURRICULUM CONTENT
Session One: Helping Your Congregation Reach Its Full Potential
· The Pastor’s Personal Development (Understand your personal leadership style)
· Generating Spiritual Energy
o Corporate Intercession
o Prayer triplets (100 Days of Prayer)
o Spiritual Disciplines of Pastor and People
Session Two: : Developing a Shared Ministry Vision
· Strategic Spiritual Journey
· People of Vision
· People of Position
· Strategic Spiritual Journey
· Understanding the Life-Cycle of a Congregation
Session Three: Developing Effective Leaders
· Understanding and Implementing the Leadership Multiplication Model established by the Board Of Bishops
· Mobilizing
· Mentoring
Session Four: Accelerating People Flow
· People Flow Strategy
· Lifestyle Evangelism
Session Five: Cultivating Congregational Ownership
· Developing a Master Plan & Implementation Strategies
· Managing & Communicating Strategies for Change
CONSULTING PROCESS
1. The pastor, in agreement with the Conference Superintendent, will determine a leadership team that will be engaged in the consultation process.
2. The CS will guide in the establishment of the relationship between the consultant(s) and the local church, clarifying the leadership team that will work with the consultant and establishing agreement among all participants.
3. The consultant(s) will meet with the church leadership team to establish a relationship, collect an understanding of the history of the church, and give direction to the steps that will be taken.
4. The consultant(s) will instruct the church leadership team in completing the Natural Church Development profile assessment if the NCD survey is used.
5. The consultant(s) will share the results of the NCD assessment, introduce the Life Cycle of a Church, and guide the leadership team in the Strategic Spiritual Journey. Results from the NCD, the SSJ, and evaluations from the Life Cycle of a Church will provide the context for dialogue among the leadership team members as they move toward consensus in clarifying their present realities.
6. The consultant(s) will guide the leadership team in a future story writing exercise. This will involve:
Ø work in small groups,
Ø preliminary reports to the whole group,
Ø reworking the story in small groups after hearing the stories of others
Ø spending time in prayer, and
Ø gaining group agreement on a combined future story that expresses the leadership team’s belief in God’s purpose and plan for their church.
7. The consultant(s) will guide the leadership team in the development of a strategic plan based upon what they have visualized God wants them to be and where they desire to be in five/ten years. This plan will include the establishment of:
Ø five/ten year goals that will fulfill their vision,
Ø strategies to reach the goals,
Ø an action plan that specifies action that will be taken and timelines for these actions, and
Ø points for monitoring progress and making adjustments.
8. Leaders of the church will covenant to pursue the plan to fulfill the shared vision. The plan will be presented to the local congregation as a master plan for the future.
9. The consultant(s) will provide counsel at strategic points of stress that may be created while implementing the action plan.
COACHING
The consultant (or a designated coach) should come alongside the pastor to coach him/her through the implementation of the strategies.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The local church will report its plan to the Conference Superintendent and periodically report their progress toward the goals that have been established in the plan.