Developing and implementing your Action Plan
We often consult with congregations that have done previous work with consultants. They usually share the results of their work with previous consultants with enthusiasm, but then, more often than not, confess that "we haven't implemented many of the recommendations yet." The reason for this, we have come to realize, is that most church leadership teams don't know how to develop and implement an Action Plan, and most of the consultants churches work with aren't teaching them how to do this.
When we do a major consultation with a church, the church agrees to form a Church Health Team that is charged with developing and overseeing the implementation of a ministry plan designed to strengthen the church's NCD Minimum Factor(s). Over the past few years, at Living Stones we have developed through trial and error a system for coaching Church Health Teams that is resulting in a very high implementation rate in the churches we work with.
The Church Health Team is charged with identifying the core issues that contribute to the Minimum Factor being the church's area in need of greatest improvement. Then they are charged with developing an Action Plan consisting of 2 to 5 specific actions that can be implemented within the next twelve months to strengthen the Minimum Factor. The Church Health Team is not responsible to do the implementation, but to determine what action needs to be taken, by whom, and by what time. The Church Health Team then makes these assignments and provides accountability for the tasks being implemented on time.
The Church Health Team's role is one of strategic planning, advising, and providing accountability. The Church Health Team does not assume any responsibilities that are reserved to the church's governing board. For example, if a recommendation involves hiring a staff member, the Church Health Team can recommend, but the governing board will need to decide whether to act on the recommendation.
What you can expect from Living Stones Associates
- If you work with Living Stones, your consulting team will:
- Guide you in selecting the right kind of people for your Church Health Team to maximize the value you receive from your consultation process
- Provide a 3-hour orientation and training session for the Church Health Team when they launch their work
- Provide ongoing coaching by phone and email to the Church Health Team through a designated contact person
- Make available ongoing coaching by phone and email to members of the church staff
In addition, if you wish, your Church Health Coach (a member of your consulting team) can:
- Participate in meetings of your Church Health Team via speaker phone.
- Return to the church to work with the Church Health Team or to conduct training events for the church related to the church's minimum factor.
The number of site visits by your Church Health Coach and the duration of the coaching arrangement are negotiable.
What is Natural Church Development?
What the Natural Church Development survey measures