PROPOSAL FOR
WESTMINSTERPRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

A SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT PROCESS
TO DETERMINE THE FOCUS AND FUTURE

SCRIPTURAL THEME:  Proverbs 29:18  “Where there is no vision the people perish.”

PHILOSOPHY:

My work with churches is based on the belief that Christ is the head of the church, and that God is actively involved in calling the church to fulfill God’s plans for the future.  The church’s role is to listen to God’s call through a spiritual discernment process grounded in prayer, Bible study, silence and discussion.  While business practices and principles are used to identify the future in terms of values, a vision statement, and mission statement, long range goals and objectives, this work is first and foremost a spiritual endeavor.   

The process for articulating the future must engage the mind, heart and spirit of as many members as possible with the goal of achieving an emotional/spiritual level of commitment on the part of the leadership and congregation.  Spiritual discernment is thus a process, not an event, which creates direction and energy, helps resolve conflicts, invites ownership and provides a license to act on behalf of the church. 

My work also reflects a bias for involving not only the church leadership, but also as many members of the congregation as choose to participate.  Various opportunities are provided to solicit input and to include those who have the gifts of discernment and creative “big picture thinking” about the future.

Change is also a norm today and is happening at an ever increasing rate.  The challenge facing congregations is how to remain consistent in the gospel message that is shared while, at the same time, finding new and creative methods for sharing that message in relevant and meaningful ways with those inside and outside the church. 

GOALS  OF THE PROCESS: 

To discern the ministry and mission to which God is calling the church.
To articulate the future of the church in terms of a vision, mission, values, goals and objectives.

This process can also assist with additional goals if desired by the church.  For example:

• To determine the staffing structure needed to support the ministry of the church.
• To determine the facility resources needed to support the ministry of the church. 
• To develop financial, plans that will supports the vision, mission, values, goals and objectives of the church

PROPOSED PROCESS (Recommended time frame is given below):

 

APPROVAL

The session approves the process, time frame and use of an outside facilitator.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

The session announces the process, time frame and use of outside facilitator to the congregation through a mailing, newsletter article, insert in the bulletin, and/or announcement in worship.

 

KICK-OFF

• The congregation will gather (often after a meal following worship):
• to meet the facilitator
• to hear an overview of the process, time frame, expected outcomes and opportunities for participation
• to gain a better understanding of the realities of the church in a changing world.  

 

STUDY AND PRAYERFUL PREPARATION

The congregation will spend time in Bible Study and prayer to begin to discern the future to which God is calling the church.  This is crucial as it undergirds the discernment process and must continue beyond the formal planning time frame.

 

DATA GATHERING

The congregation will provide input through small group discussions regarding the desired future of the church.The session or planning committee will gather and assess the following data:

• geographical data on the community and the congregation for review regarding trends and implications for the future
• growth trends as projected by the local chamber of commerce, county or city planning commission, school board, utility companies
• a snapshot of reality via a “windshield survey” of the area
• information from those outside the church (unchurched) as to what are community and personal needs that churches should address, what would make church relevant to people today, and what barriers keep people from attending church
• information from  members who have moved or left the church as well as visitors who have not returned (if possible)

 

DIRECTION SETTING

The future of the church will be articulated in terms of a vision statement, mission statement, values and long range goals in the areas of ministry and programs, staff, facility and  finances.   (See below for recommended participants in this phase.)  Session committees will then each develop one to five annual objectives based on the vision, mission, values and goals.

 

ENROLLMENT OF THE CONGREGATION

The congregation will have an opportunity to “get on board” regarding the vision, mission, values and goals so that there is a shared sense about the future of the church on the part of the congregation