in Vestry Papers
By Christopher Adams
In Strategic Planning Is Overrated, Christopher Adams shares the experience of his parish as it navigated a strategic visioning process, learning that listening to the Spirit and creating a common language together can completely transform a congregation.
By Jim Said
What role does relationship building play in strategic visioning? In Planning Your Work, Working Your Plan James Said narrates his experience with Invite Welcome Connect; a transformational ministry that helped his congregation address their interest in increasing their ASA thoughtfully and sustainably.
By Lauren Grubaugh
How do we evangelize and mobilize ourselves to be doers in the Jesus Movement? In Stretching Our Strategic Imagination – Part II, Lauren Grubaugh discusses three ways to activate our souls and bodies towards our work in building God’s Beloved Community. This article is available in English and Spanish.
By Charis Bhagianathan
For strategic visioning to be successful, several steps need to be actively discerned. Involving all stakeholders from the start, creating a shared mission and vision and setting goals are just a few of these steps. Perhaps the most important is the first – leading with the Spirit and going where you are being called, often when it is inconvenient, difficult and time-consuming. In this issue we bring you ideas from individuals and congregations who were inspired, challenged and positively altered through their visioning processes.
By Maurice Seaton
Maurice Seaton gives us ten ideas to improve annual giving at your church. Each pledge or gift is a deeply personal decision and the easier you can make it to give, the better returns you will see.
By Nancy Fritschner
This webinar is designed to help you understand how compensation is taxed including salary, housing, and other benefits clergy may receive.
By Lisa Fischbeck
The Episcopal Church of the Advocate lost its best loved greeter and mouser this spring. Smoke the Advo-cat came initially to take care of a pernicious mouse problem but soon began to make himself an indispensable part of the church community.
By Anne Vickers
What role does financial strategy play in strategic visioning? In Through All Kinds of Weather, Anne Vickers shares the Episcopal Church’s unique five-step system of integrated support to transform us into mission-driven, financially-secure and sustainable congregations.
By Louise Baietto and Leslie Pendleton
Are you feeling stuck with your traditional six-year strategic plan? In Real-Time Strategy, Louise Baietto and Leslie Pendleton explain the importance of real-time strategic thinking and how ECF’s Strategic Solutions program can help.
By Melissa Rau
Beginning a strategic visioning process? In Eight Visioning Mistakes to Avoid, Melissa Rau lists common roadblocks that can slow down or halt a congregation’s strategic visioning goals and offers advice on how to avoid them.
Save Search