Moving from Vision to Action
Abstract
This book and workshop are designed to work in concert with one another. This all is part of the larger process of moving from vision-casting into more tactical processes to help the local church achieve it goals as stated in its core values and mission statement.
General Overview
The workshop is both a look backward in review, but also it is a look forward in to the dynamic process of creating tangible and measurable steps to achieve the local church’s goals. Following is a very simple outline of the key areas covered in the full workshop.
Look at strategic planning principles and processes
Revisit some areas of concern
Go beyond vision and into action
Move into the all-important secondary and action phases of planning
The workshop is an all day event. It is most successful in an off-site setting that is designed for such purposes. Large hotels and conference centers make ideal settings.
Morning Session
The morning session is opened with a spiritual note. It is largely a time of laying some foundational principles that many of the leadership may not be exposed to on a regular basis. It closes with a time reviewing both lay and pastoral strengths and weaknesses. A time of food and fellowship bridges the morning and afternoon. Below is a brief explanation of each session.
Prayer and Praise — The workshop should begin with a focus on prayer and praise for all that God has done or is doing in the church. This time of worship will set the tone for all that will follow. It should be upbeat and inspirational.
Understanding the Successful Strategic Planning Process — Many times we use words like “strategic planning” without a basic understanding. This section lays the groundwork for much of the later discussion and action sections.
Review the lay Leadership Self-Evaluation — It is important to understand our current strengths and weaknesses as a prelude to building or expanding ministries.
Review Pastoral Evaluation — It is also important to understand and accept the strengths and weaknesses of the pastoral staff. Lay leadership must step up and lead in areas where their strengths offset pastoral weaknesses.
Afternoon Session
Following lunch, the workshop reconvenes and looks at some of the issues that came to light from the morning session. The bulk of the remaining time is spent in learning and, more importantly, applying the principles learned. Once again, a brief description of each follows.
Areas of Particular Significance — Several key areas will surface from the evaluation review sections of the morning. This section will allow the participants to expand and respond to the prior evaluation review session.
Working the “Franklin Model” - Part 1 and Part 2 — Using the Franklin Quest Model, the participants learn the valuable skills of determining their core values and developing a process to bring daily activities in line with those governing values.
A Time of Commitment — It is important to close the day with a time of commitment to God, each other, and to the work of the church. This is as important as the opening worship time to the success of the day.
Sunday Celebration
The week-end really needs to culminate in a celebration of God's power in us to be His hands and feet extended. Count on Dave or Kevin to deliver a powerful message from God's Word that ties the themes of the week-end into a cohesive and consistent message.