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Here is an example of how one congregation actually used this tool to plan for changes in the life of their congregation.
A Proposal to Create New Congregational Programs
Long Range Planning Committee, Knox Presbyterian Church, 2
May 2000
The Goals:
(This is a statement of the final, ideal state that will exist when
the work is done. If a single objective or task can help to fulfill multiple goals, then
the importance of that task grows)
To improve the mid-week life of our congregation by creating new activity and
fellowship groups.
To provide the opportunity for increased involvement by our current members.
To meet the needs of people, in our congregation and in our community.
To enhance the attractiveness of Knox Church for newcomers by having a more diverse
congregational life which meets their interests and needs.
To build the congregation’s sense of self-esteem by giving them something to feel
positive about.
Objectives:
(This is a list of the concrete actions needed to be achieved in
order to fulfill the goals. Objectives should be concrete tasks which are achievable and
measurable, so you can know when it is completed. One objective may have several
sub-tasks)
To create the following four groups and activities:
 | a fellowship group for seniors. |
| "Men’s Ministry": our initial concept is of a fellowship time for men
over breakfast with guest speakers. |
| "Youth": to build youth ministry within our congregation which is appropriate
and meaningful for teens today. |
| a series of workshops presented by outside experts in topics as diverse as crafts,
parenting skills, bereavement, community interest topics, etc. These will be "pay as
you go" programs in which the participants share the cost of the program through
registration fees. |
Leadership:
(who would make the best leadership for this project? )
The Long Range Planning Cte will spearhead the formation of these groups.
Task Group Members:
(who would be our best people to approach to help in this work?)
Members of the Long Range Planning Cte, with the addition of the following
congregational members: Mr. Pink, Ms. Mauve, Mrs. White, Mr. Black.
Target Date:
(when do we want this project completed by?)
To have two of these groups operating by Christmas 2000. To have all the groups
operating by June 2001.
Important Elements:
(what will be important parts of the completion of this task? What
needs to be done in addition to the objectives?)
 | Finding leaders for the programs. |
| Finding helpers to support the programs. |
| Ensure congregational committees are on board with the project.
Give them an opportunity, if interested, to take over the leadership for creating any of
these groups. |
| Promoting the new program, both inside the congregation and
outside it in the community. |
| Start a column in the congregation’s newsletter so every
issue can inform the congregation of progress and promote the new activities. |
| Brainstorming for good ideas for these new activities. |
| Begin to collect the names of people who will want to participate
in these new activities. Ask for their input to help in refining the new programs. |
Research:
(What will this task group need to learn in order to pursue this
task?)
| Is there a need and interest for these activities? |
| Who is interested in these activities? Begin to gather names of
potential participants |
| What other congregations in town are running these kinds of
programs? Will any of these programs be unique in our community? |
| When is space available in our building for these activities? |
| Start collecting helpful resources, in contact people and books |
| Can we get help through our denomination’s internet site? |
| Where can we get promotional space in our community: MLS listings
of new homeowners, newspapers and newsletters, welcome wagon, through the Health Unit,
through community service agencies, local cable station |
Resources:
(what kind of resources (people, money, time, materials, etc) will
the task group need to complete their work?)
| Rev. John Knox (St. Andrew’s Church) re: creating big youth
events in small towns 555-1111 |
| Barb Wizard, Calvin Church, on youth groups. 555-0000 |
| Bill Man, Synod Youth Consultant, on youth groups today 555-2222. |
| Knox Church, Othertown, on operating a Men’s breakfast
ministry. |
| Mrs. Blue, First Church, for suggestions on speakers / workshop
leaders 555-3333. |
| Check Youth Specialties website for resources (www.youthspecialties.com) |
Training:
(Is any kind of training needed to help the people on the task group
to prepare them for their work?)
None required.
Support:
(what kind of help and oversight does this team need?)
| Your prayers. |
| The on-going interest and support of Session. |
| An attitude of openness in the congregation as we try these new things. |
Budget:
(Does this team need budget money to accomplish their task? If yes,
estimate how much)
Communications
(There are two kinds of communication needs. Internal: What
kinds of communication structures does the Task Group need (phonelist, email, minutes)?
When doe Task Group members need to be in touch with each other? External: who does
the Task Group need to communicate to (Session, Board, Congregation, Minister?), what do
they need to share, how often, means?)
The Long Range Planning Cte doesn’t need any budget money to complete this
task. However, we may want to set aside some funds in the year 2001 budget for some of the
actual activities.
Evaluation:
(How will we know that the objectives will be met? What will we
measure to know we have completed the task? How will we know we have been successful? Who
will do the evaluation?)
The Futures Cte will do its first evaluation at the end of the
year, simply by asking ourselves, "Have we created two new groups which we hoped to
have up and running at this time?"
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