Last Friday evening, six of us from St. Antony's attended a workshop at St. Paul's, Port Townsend given by Kevin Martin, the Dean of the Cathedral in Dallas, Texas. It was an enjoyable evening, with a pleasant drive up together and a delicious meal served by the host church.
Kevin has a long history of parish development, and he draws on many years of experience as a consultant to many parishes. He opened up some of the material from his book, Five Keys for Church Leaders. The five keys are very simple guides for improving the health of a parish. Perhaps this would be a good book for next year's Bishop's Committee to read together. Here are the five keys:
1. Build the Team
A healthy parish is not hierarachical, but team-driven. The vicar and bishop's committee should pay attention to building a team effort to lead the parish. Vision and values are the foundation for moving ahead.
2. Pay Attention to the Generations
We have more generations together in church now than ever before. Which generation runs things? Which generation do we cater to?
3. Tend the Two Doors
Getting people in the front door of the church isn't helpful if they just go out the back door. It's important not only to invite people to church, but also to welcome them and incorporate them into the life of the church.
4. Keep the System Healthy
Pay attention to the emotional health of the parish, which starts with healthy clergy. Don't give in to "emotional terrorists" who hold the parish hostage with their emotional control, usually anger.
5. Raise the Stewardship Level
Do members of the congregation know the amount of the average pledge of the diocese? Be open and up front about the level of giving. Bring new members into participation in ministry, not just attendance at church.
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