CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM REPORT ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING March 3, 2013

THE JOURNEY SIGNIFICANT LEARNINGS PARKMINSTER’S STATEMENTS MOTION ACTION PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS QUESTIONS MOTIONS

SIGNIFICANT LEARNINGS DIVERSITY CHANGE EVOLUTION

SIGNIFICANT LEARNINGS MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS DYNAMIC & GROWING CHURCHES

ACTION PLAN 1.PARKMINSTER’S STATEMENTS 2.SUPPORT AND CARING 3.SPIRITUAL GROWTH 4.OUTREACH & PARTNERSHIPS

ACTION PLAN 5.COMMUNICATION 6.LEADERSHIP, STRUCTURE 7.RESOURCES 8.CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 9.JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

1. PARKMINSTER’S STATEMENTS Foundation for our future Reflect input from the congregation Have essential agreement (Nov. 4, 2012) Feedback process (Nov.-Jan 15)

“Who We Are” Parkminster is a theologically evolving community of faith that: Celebrates the rich heritage of our Christian faith Takes seriously the spiritual search as believers, questioners and questioning believers

“Who We Are” Celebrates music as a key expression of the Spirit Nurtures children and youth in their spiritual journey Is welcoming, open, inclusive Respects our diversity as we seek unity in the Spirit

“Who We Are” Has a wealth of gifts, talents and passions Practices our spirituality by serving others and reaching out to the community beyond our doors

“Who We Are” Demonstrates a strong sense of fellowship and commitment to caring for each other, and our world Embraces the sacredness of all life and the living earth.

“What God Is Calling Us To Be & Do” God is calling us to be an evolving community of faith inspired to embrace our future as we: Deepen our commitment to each other Nurture our spiritual vitality and growth Live a life of loving influence in the world.

“Who We Are” “What God Is Calling Us to Be & Do” MOTION: THAT Parkminster United Church approve the “Who We Are” &“What God Is Calling Us to Be and Do” statements and use them as a foundation for our work

ACTION PLAN 2. SUPPORT & CARING CONTINUUM OF CARING Begins at first connection and continues until exit Welcome Belong Care Spiritual Support Encompasses everyone

2. SUPPORT & CARING MINISTRY OF CARING As a community of faith we ALL need to take responsibility in this caring ministry BELONGING People seek first to belong Important to connect them with others having common interests

2. SUPPORT & CARING GIFTS & TALENTS Connects people, involves them Could do a better job of knowing and asking people to share these More concerted effort needed

2. SUPPORT & CARING Recommendations: THAT Parkminster investigate the possibility of adding lay leaders with special training in pastoral care THAT Parkminster support a new role of a Gifts and Talents Coordinator

3. SPIRITUAL GROWTH No one program fits all Areas to continue, explore, and/or pilot:  Innovative worship services  Funding for the spiritual development of Ministry staff  Expansion of current small interest groups  Alternative ways and times of worship

3. SPIRITUAL GROWTH Areas to continue, explore, and/or pilot:  Small Group Ministry  Friendship, Support, Spiritual Growth  Intentional small group process  Ministry staff support needed for training/support of spiritual component  A team of interested people would explore what currently exists and develop a model to pilot

3. SPIRITUAL GROWTH Recommendations: THAT Parkminster embrace the concept of Small Group Ministry THAT Parkminster initiate a pilot project for this purpose in 2013

4. OUTREACH & PARTNERSHIPS Scope  Peace, justice, environmental issues  Local and international outreach Awareness Celebrate New partnering initiatives

4. OUTREACH AND PARTNERSHIPS Recommendations: THAT Parkminster continue to expand our involvement and outreach in the wider community where there is interest and energy

4. OUTREACH AND PARTNERSHIPS Recommendations: THAT Parkminster look for natural ways to partner with other congregations and community organizations as opportunities arise

5. COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATION STRATEGY Provide critical and timely information Celebrate achievements of individuals and groups Advertise and celebrate being an open and affirming community

5. COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATION STRATEGY Help people feel more connected Allow others to find us for partnership Integrate internal and external information (written, verbal, electronic, social media)

5. COMMUNICATION Recommendations: THAT Parkminster support the formation of a Communications Committee THAT Parkminster explore contracting a trained communications specialist

6. LEADERSHIP, STRUCTURE & EMPOWERMENT LEADERSHIP Strong Ministerial leadership champions a strong vision Each Minister has their own style Board leadership focused on strategic items Spiritual development is a priority for all leaders

6. LEADERSHIP, STRUCTURE & EMPOWERMENT STRUCTURE Boards less than 15 members Nimble, Clear and Transparent Decision Making

6. LEADERSHIP, STRUCTURE & EMPOWERMENT EMPOWERMENT Further develop our culture of lay leadership  Consistent leadership principles  Supports and encourages new leaders  Provides new leader training

6. LEADERSHIP, STRUCTURE & EMPOWERMENT EMPOWERMENT Further develop our culture of lay leadership  Ongoing education and growth  Ministerial staff to encourage and support lay leaders

6. LEADERSHIP, STRUCTURE & EMPOWERMENT Recommendations: THAT Parkminster explore a model of a smaller board structure

6. LEADERSHIP, STRUCTURE & EMPOWERMENT Recommendations: THAT Parkminster review its current Committee structure, responsibilities, & descriptions to:  Address overlap  Clarify decision making  Clarify Committee relationship to staff positions

6. LEADERSHIP, STRUCTURE & EMPOWERMENT Recommendations: THAT Parkminster further develop and foster a culture of lay leadership

6. LEADERSHIP, STRUCTURE & EMPOWERMENT Recommendations: THAT Parkminster review current policies as opportunities present themselves to support our vision and structure

7. RESOURCES Look differently at how we fund the work of the church Appreciate and use abundance wisely Use a creative approach

7. RESOURCES Other changes suggested can increase membership  Focus on all aspects of the continuum of caring  Small Group Ministry  Communications

8. CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Churches must evolve to meet the changing needs of their congregation Foster a culture that embraces  learning, changing, growing, seeking Dialogue must continue Action Plan identifies continued work

8. CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY OF POSSIBILITIES COMMITTEE Mandated to:  Further the work of the Action Plan  Explore areas of interest  Share information gathered Chaired by a member of the CD Team

8. CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY OF POSSIBILITIES COMMITTEE Act as a steering group having 3-4 core members Add additional resources as needed Report to Council

8. CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Recommendations: THAT Parkminster continue with Meaningful Conversations THAT Parkminster set aside funds annually for congregational development

8. CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Recommendations: THAT Parkminster create a Ministry of Possibilities Committee

9. JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE (JNAC) The information gathered and this report form the basis from which the JNAC will do its work Input from the Congregation was gathered Meaningful Conversations

9. JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE (JNAC) Recommendation 1: THAT the JNAC explore ministry to include both Ordered and lay persons

9. JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE (JNAC) Recommendation 2: THAT the JNAC explore and make recommendations regarding staffing structure including: A staff leadership model

Staff roles  Timely decision making and communication All staff positions  Clarify and decrease areas of overlap Position descriptions that define:  Relationships with lay leaders  Support for lay roles involved in small group ministries & pastoral care

9. JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE (JNAC) Recommendation 3: THAT the JNAC explore and consider creative ways for filling staff positions including: The possibility of a Gifts and Talents Coordinator position The possibility of a contract position for communications

Support for trained Small Group Ministry from Ministry staff Explore various ways of leading Christian Education/development (adults and children)

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES We appreciate the trust and support that we have received It has been an honour and an amazing experience The possibilities are endless and that is truly exciting!

QUESTIONS?

MOTION: THAT Parkminster United Church accept the Congregational Development Team Report dated March 3, 2013

MOTION: THAT Parkminster United Church create a Ministry of Possibilities Committee to further the work identified in the Action Plan

MOTION: THAT Parkminster United Church create a Communications Committee for the Purpose of creating a communications strategy