Feb 2

Written by: cvadney
2/2/2012 11:40 AM 

Dear Congregation,

At our Jan 31 Ad Council we voted to approve and affirm the Church Doctor to come and do a Church Diagnostic Consultation. I will share an announcement this Sunday regarding what all that means.

I have included for you the information that we have on that process. I ask for your prayers as we grow. In Christ, Ted

 

 

Church Doctor Diagnostic Consultation at First UMC

 

We are excited to bring Dr. Kent Hunter, the Church Doctor, to come and help us grow healthier as a church. He and his team will get information from surveys, interview the congregation and staff, and review our total ministry.

Dr. Hunter and his team will then share with the congregation action steps we can take to improve and become more effective in Making Disciples.

Please keep this process in prayer as we seek to discern God's will for our future and celebrate how the Lord is growing us.

 

(The Administrative Council approved and affirmed having the Church Doctor come at their Jan 31 meeting. This action was preceded by the Strategy Council inviting Dr. Hunter to a meeting in November. Dr. Hunter has been doing Church Consultation for over 30 years all over the world. You can check out his ministry at ChurchDoctor.org.)

 

Timeline for Church Doctor at First UMC

 

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Survey given to entire congregation at 8:30a.m. and 10:45a.m. services.

 

Saturday, March 17, Sunday, March 18, Monday, March 19

Interviews and on site visit with Dr. Kent Hunter.

 

Sunday, March 18

Administrative Council Meeting with Dr. Hunter in evening (Time TBD)

 

Saturday, April 28

Preview Report Dinner, 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. Leaders and Dr. Hunter.

 

Sunday, April 29

Dr. Hunter preaching at 8:30 and 10:45a.m. services.

 

Sunday, April 29

Congregational Dinner, 12:00 – 1:00p.m. in Fellowship Hall

 

Sunday, April 29

Congregational Presentation with Dr. Hunter, 1:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.

 

 

 

Church Doctor Diagnostic Consultation Process

First United Methodist Church

 

Church Doctor® Ministries will provide the following through a consultation:

•    To help our church most effectively be all that God has called it to be.

 

•    To serve our church as an objective third-party analyst.

 

•    To help our church differentiate between symptoms and causative issues.

 

•    To provide our church with outside perspective — "fresh eyes."

 

•    To challenge, direct, and motivate our church to see its potential, identify opportunities, and develop strategies for ministry.

 

•    To serve our church as a monitor for planning toward reaching short-term and long-range goals.

 

•    To stimulate Great Commission thinking and lead your congregation to other opportunities for help through resources and other services.

 

•     provide follow-up through various stages of the process.

 

 

Consultation Features:

•    Surveys for the congregation/those in worship.

 

•    Analysis surveys for all key staff.

 

•    Onsite visits by a Church Doctor consultant, which includes interviews with staff, leaders, and a cross-section of membership; an analysis of facilities; a survey of the community.

 

•    Analysis of all written documents (bulletin, newsletter, brochures, etc.).

 

•    One-day, return trip to provide an Oral Report to the congregation, with an opportunity for questions and answers.

 

•    As the congregation develops Action Plans for follow up to recommendations; the consultant will evaluate and monitor the progress for one year.

 

•    The consultant provides phone, e-mail, and fax support for the congregation.

 

Diagnostic Consultation Process Includes:

•    Three (3) days onsite days for analysis and interviews.

 

•    One (1) day return visit to present an Oral Report to the congregation.

 

•    Written report with recommendations and resource ideas.

 

•    Ongoing assistance in the development and implementation of Action Plans.