Holy
Conversation
Team
The team completed its report in 2007 and it was accepted by Session. Paper copies are available from the Church office. You may read the findings and recommendations of the report here. The entire report, including appendices, is available from the Church office.
Holy Conversations Facilitation Team
Concluding Report to Session
November 19, 2006
The Facilitation Team presents this report to Session as the conclusion of the team's portion of the Holy Conversations planning campaign.
We have completed our assignment as outlined in the letters from session of February 1, and 16, 2005. We have become familiar with and extensively referred to the workbook Holy Conversations Strategic Planning as a Spiritual Practice for Congregations by Gil Rendle and Alice Mann. We have heard the dreams, concerns, and include SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), Listening Posts (small meetings held in home environments) meetings. Abundant time was provided for group break out and discussion. Meetings were held with the Session and Deacons together and separately with Staff. There was enthusiastic participation in these meetings which provided extensive data. The following three questions were always present in various forms during the meetings: Who are we? Who is our neighbor? What has God called us to do or be? We have compiled and analyzed the data from the congregation and reviewed previous works such as the most recent Mission Study and Session Study Group forums. The team has held a meeting at least once, usually twice, each month since February 2005.
The reader will find a brief description of the data gathered and analyzed by the team in the following pages of this report.
Please note that the "Plan" is presented in the lead pages of this report in the form of a Congregation supported Vision Statement and certain Objectives, Goals, and Recommendations. These are provided as a suggested strategic guide by which the Vision might be reached.
It is the team's recommendation that the statement "To Know Christ and Make Him Known", which has been used interchangeable in the past as both a Mission Statement and Vision Statement, remain as the Mission Statement of this congregation.
The team respectfully desire to thank Session for your support and patience during the past eighteen months and appreciate having been called to serve our Lord in this way.
Signatures of the team,
Vision Statement
This congregation reaffirms with the earliest Christians that Jesus is Lord, the church confesses that He is its hope and the church, as Christ's body, is bound to His authority and thus free to live in the lively, joyous reality of the Grace of God.
G-1.0100 Book of Order
The congregation envisions our worship of God as the primary reason we gather as the community of Christ.
The congregation envisions itself as vital and healthy, expressing joy in their spirituality and fellowship, and encouraging others to share in the continual love and grace of Jesus Christ.
The congregation envisions outstanding educational and age appropriate programs that meet the spiritual needs of all, with particular attention directed toward a diverse family ministry.
The congregation envisions a successful faith-based outreach which brings its Presbyterian identity and tradition to society and strengthens membership and community relationships.
The congregation envisions ongoing training of its leaders to prepare them in the tradition and theology of our worship services, educational programs, spiritual and fellowship needs, as a Presbyterian congregation.
The congregation envisions itself as a mission church participating in local, national and global missions.
The congregation envisions the development of current facilities and additional buildings to reflect the activities of its members and needs of the community.
Statement 1: The congregation envisions our worship of God as the primary reason we gather as the community of Christ.
Objective
The maintenance of divine worship
Goal 1: Worship will draw the community of faith into the proclamation of the Word, and send it out in service responding to God's grace.
Goal 2: Worship will provide for the needs of the congregation for the nurture of spiritual growth.
Goal 3: Special emphasis will be given to the elements of worship that reflect the diverse styles of music, proclamation, and prayer that help the congregation relate to each other, to the community in which we live, and to the world.
Goal 4: Traditions of the congregation will be honored in worship.
Goal 5: Experimentation with new worship forms will allow for an ever-expanding quality of worship that helps the congregation relate to change inside and outside the church.
Goal 6: Careful and sensitive communication will happen to discern the best ways to offer worship for our congregation; i.e., one or multiple styles of worship and one or more times for worship.
Goal 7: Staff will be chosen that bring leadership to these needs in music and liturgy.
Goal 8: The primary time of worship will be on Sunday morning.
Goal 9: Special worship services that are seasonal; i.e., Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, as well as worship for special occasions; i.e., healing and prayer, will be scheduled at appropriate times in the church year.
Goal 10: In all ways it will be necessary to maintain our Reformed understanding of worship that upholds our identity as Presbyterians (Book of Order, Directory of Worship).
Statement 2: The congregation envisions itself as vital and healthy, expressing joy in their spirituality and fellowship, and encouraging others to share in the continual love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Objective
Encourage others to share in the continual love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Goal 1: Develop opportunities for people in the congregation to share their faith with each other.
Goal 2: Develop means for members of the congregation to share their faith with others in the local community.
Goal 3: Develop ways for the members of the congregation to share their faith and the joy of Jesus Christ in the world.
Objective
The congregation will be vital and health, expressing joy in their spirituality and fellowship.
Goal 4: Provide congregational opportunities to grow spiritually and to learn ways to express joy in spirituality through
v Worship
v Education
v Outreach, local and in the world
v Individually
v In groups
Goal 5: Provide fellowship opportunities for
v Congregation
v Community
v Youth
v Families
v Young adults
v Parents
v Singles
v Older adults
Statement 3: The congregation envisions outstanding educational and age appropriate programs that meet the spiritual needs of all, with particular attention directed toward a diverse family ministry.
Objective
Provide, maintain and create outstanding educational and age appropriate programs that meet the spiritual needs of all, with particular attention directed toward a diverse family ministry.
Goal 1: The congregation envisions outstanding educational programs that contain the following elements to ensure participation and spiritual enrichment:
v Content
o Spiritually Focused
o Age Focused
o Useful and Practical Information
o Friendly Inviting Atmosphere
o Time, Day and Length of Time Appropriate
o Interesting Topics
o Variety of Topics
o Up-to-Date Topics
v People
o Trained Enthusiastic Leaders
o Leaders Who Can Relate to the Participants
o Adequate Staffing to Assist
o Enough Participants
o Participants that want to be involved
o Attract New Participants
v Resources
o Adequate Budget
o Appropriate Resources
o Professional Materials and Equipment
o Appropriate Facilities
Goal 2: The congregation envisions the following types of age appropriate programs for fellowship, enjoyment and spiritual growth:
Sunday School
v Youth
o College Students
o High School Students
o Jr. High Students
o Elementary Students
v Adults
Youth Groups
v College
v High School
v Jr. High
v Logos/Discovery
Vacation Church School
Bible Study
v Small groups
v Common Interest Groups (i.e. Men/Women, Young Families)
Ministry to People with Special Needs (i.e. people who are housebound, disabled)
Plays
Music Programs
Seminars/Classes
Congregational Groups
Congregational Meetings with Guest Speakers
Programs During Worship
Mission Projects
Community Outreach Programs
Summer Camp
Age Appropriate/Family Activities
Statement 4: The congregation envisions a successful faith-based outreach which brings its Presbyterian identity and tradition to society and strengthens membership and community relations.
Objective
A successful faith-based outreach effort directed toward our friends and neighbors of the community of Turlock California.
Goal 1: Personal invitation by the congregation to friends and neighbors is the primary tool of outreach! It is essential to motivate and work with members of the congregation so that they feel comfortable with the message they wish to bring. The message needs to be from the heart, what they truly feel and not something uncomfortable or programmed.
Therefore, the congregation should be encouraged to participate in a series of training meetings. The meetings should be designed to build enthusiasm and inform as to our Presbyterian identity and traditions. There should also be practical experience in developing and extending the vital invitation.
Goal 2: When prospective members come to church there must be program that interests them. The window of opportunity in keeping a prospective member is very narrow. Friendliness, spirituality, the pastor, and fellowship are all important. However, a strong program which is clearly presented and meets the needs of the prospective member is essential. An aggressive follow-up program is also imperative. A prospective member should feel the warmth and inclusiveness of the congregation each time they attend service.
Goal 3: Two person teams are to be formed for the purpose of calling upon our neighbors. It is to be a very friendly no pressure approach with the intent of letting our neighbors know we exist and becoming acquainted with them.
Objective
Provide an effective communications network.
Goal 4: Review all current communications practices.
Goal 5: Seek professional public relations counsel through PCUSA and private resources.
Goal 6: Create a public relations campaign directed toward raising a positive impression on the part of the community toward First Presbyterian Church, Turlock. The campaign will help establish a firmer Presbyterian identity within the community and will also be helpful in developing positive attitudes within the church family.
Goal 7: The pastor should be an active resource for the outreach committee. The pastor should make every effort to be active in the life and affairs of the community.
Goal 8: Provide informal "town meetings" which are conducted in an environment conducive to openness, encouraging feedback and unity of understanding.
Statement 5: The congregation envisions ongoing training of its leaders to prepare them in the tradition and theology of our worship services, educational programs, spiritual and fellowship needs, as a Presbyterian congregation.
Objective
Teach tradition and theology
Goal 1: Sunday or midweek class open to the entire congregation on one or more of the following subjects:
v Why we worship the way we do.
v General Assembly, what it does, and what it did this year.
v What it means to be "Reformed"
v "Theology 101" - What is it, how does one do it?
Goal 2: Plan and conduct a confirmation class for youth.
Objective
Provide leadership training
Goal 3: Go back to holding a weekend Session retreat, including a large chunk of time devoted to the role of the Session and elders. Do the same for Deacons.
Goal 4: Suggest that members of various commissions network (maybe at a Presbytery meeting) with elders from other churches who have similar duties. Encourage sharing of ideas and questions beyond our congregation.
Goal 5: Provide each ruling elder and deacon with a subscription to Presbyterians Today. Provide each Church School teacher and youth group leader with a subscription to whatever newsletter or magazine supports their work.
Goal 6: Include a budget item to help defray the costs of appropriate conferences for lay leaders.
Objective
Develop prospective leaders
Goal 7: Begin a program in which experienced church members mentor potential leaders in our congregation.
Goal 8: Develop and maintain a youth leadership team.
Statement 6: The congregation envisions itself as a mission church participating in local, national and global missions.
Objective
Support Calvin Crest
Goal 1: Contact and coordinate with Calvin Crest for details concerning what is needed at the facility and how First Presbyterian of Turlock can support their needs.
Objective
Communicate mission ministry information with the church members and community in different media styles.
Goal 2: Utilize alternate styles and presenters of all ages so information is fresh and memorable. This includes but is not limited to Minute for Mission, Newsletter, bulletin inserts, table in Voight Hall or patio area.
Objective
Review the missions supported by PCUSA when considering mission selection.
Objective
Develop guidelines for mission selection process.
Goal 3: Communicate the selection process to the congregation.
Statement 7: The congregation envisions the development of current facilities and additional buildings to reflect the activities of its members and needs of the community.
Objective
Refurbish and repair entire facility as required and needed.
Goal 1: This would involve but is not limited to repairing or replacing the sanctuary roof, painting where needed, grounds work in the garden area, outdoor lighting etc.
Objective
Create a welcoming facility
Goal 2: Hire someone or ask for experienced volunteers to form a plan of attack and make these projects church events.
Goal: Use the mustard seed T-shirt or its design as much as possible on communications with the congregation. This will remind the congregation that Holy Conversations listened to them and something is being done.
Objective
Create a fun and safe environment for high school aged youth.
Goal 3: Involve youth of all ages. Ask what their vision is for a youth room. Ask them what they can do to make sure it happens.
Objective
Inspire congregation to participate in church projects
Goal 4: Communicate in an effective and direct way to the congregation what is needed.
Goal 5: Organize an event for the community of Turlock.
Chronology of Holy Conversation Process
The Holy Conversation process had its inception at a conference attended by Dick Freeman, Charlie Wickwire, and Dave Zollinger. There they were inspired by a presentation by Alice Mann describing a design for congregational renewal called Holy Conversation. They proposed that Session explore whether this was something that our congregation would support and find helpful. Session agreed.
An open meeting of the congregation took place, led by Dick, Charlie, and Dave. The lasting memory of the meeting was a graph of the typical life cycle of a local church, through birth, development, maturity, and decline. Each of the more than 70 people at the meeting was asked to place a sticky dot on the graph to show where he or she thought our church was in this life cycle. The vast majority of dots were on the declining portion of the graphic. This visual of our church's health was a powerful motivation for the process of discernment.
Session authorized the formation of a Facilitation Team to guide the congregation through the Holy Conversation and to report to Session. The Team included Tam Cordray, Mary Jo Mastin, Candace Peterson, Martin Purdy, and Dave Zollinger. Rev. Lorne Bostwick and, later, Rev. Nancy Clegg served as ex officio members.
The facilitation team first met March 1, 2005. We started with a common resource, the book Holy Conversations: Strategic Planning as a Spiritual Practice for Congregations by Gil Rendle and Alice Mann. The Team agreed that Dave would act as our chair and Candace would be our secretary. We also agreed to meet twice a month, a frequency which we maintained or exceeded through most of the Conversation process.
After we had read through most of the book, we decided on a framework that would allow the congregation to discern our future. Based on the results of the congregational meeting and our own understanding, we looked at the extent of the strategic planning process required. Did we need problem solving, developmental, or frame bending? We reached a consensus the situation called for something between developmental and frame bending. That meant that the process could easily take up to 18 months. We focused on three foundational questions: Who are we? Who is our neighbor? What is God calling us to do?
Rendle and Mann suggest that an early part of the planning process include finding a "story" for where we were. We talked a lot about this, looking for the right mix of faith, confidence, and recognition of need. Eventually, we agreed on the parable of the mustard seed from Matthew 13:31-32 . This led to the adoption of a logo consisting of the tree which we envisioned growing from the mustard seed we were planting. We had the logo printed on tee shirts which we have worn at official Holy Conversation functions and have offered for sale to members of the congregation.
We also tapped the knowledge of Rev. Jack Schutte, an experienced facilitator provided by the Sierra Mission Partnership to consult and advise congregations at the request of their pastors. Rev. Schutte met with us three times in the course of the Conversation, and his input eased our learning curve. Dave also consulted with Rev. Curtis Kearns and Rev. Dave Hawbecker, both with PCUSA. We thank all of them for their assistance.
Some time earlier, Lorne had done a sermon on the subject of hope in which he had handed out 3x5 cards to everyone and asked us all to respond on the card to the question of what we would say to someone who asked us why we have hope. All of the responses were typed up and passed out the next Sunday. The Facilitation Team asked Lorne to do the same exercise asking us to write down what we s believed God was calling us to do as individual church members. He did so on Oct. 9, 2005, and again the responses were collected, typed, and passed back to everyone. Both of these lists became touchstones and inspiration for the Facilitation Team as we worked through the Holy Conversation with the congregation.
To start to get the congregation focused on our resources, we first organized a series of "SWOT" meetings. SWOT is the acronym for "Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. We started with an open meeting, and then met separately with Staff, Session and Deacons, and Youth. At the open meeting, each Facilitation Team member recruited a recorder. The meeting split into five groups, and each group brainstormed Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, which were recorded on newsprint. The Team had discussed at some length how to keep the discussion positive and prevent it from becoming personal, and we were able to succeed in doing so. These meetings were intended to help us acknowledge the negative aspects, but focus on and celebrate our strengths and opportunities. The SWOT meetings generated a master list for each category, which the Team used to help us focus on strengths and opportunities seen by the congregation.
Probably the heart of the process was the series of "Listening Posts" we conducted in various homes. Each Facilitation Team member conducted 2-3 meetings, attended by 9-12 members. A list of everyone who attended a listening post is attached as an Appendix. Again, we spend a lot of time deciding what questions we needed to answer, and arrived at a list of three:
What is uniquely different about our Presbyterian Church?
What kind of church do we want to be?
Who is the target of our outreach? What are the implications when we reach the target?
The Listening Posts were scheduled over a couple of weeks, both in the evening and during the day. As we had done at the SWOT meetings, we tried to avoid criticism of particular individuals. These meetings produced lists of concerns, desires, prayers, proposals, and comments. The Team tallied and categorized all of these responses. We reached a tentative conclusion that the congregation felt we should try to attract a "younger demographic." We presented a progress report to Session along with our tentative conclusion.
Further meetings, discussions, and reflections led us to re-evaluate and eventually discard "younger demographic" as a specific goal. We were trying to create a more comprehensive vision statement. After many meetings, we formulated a draft statement which we presented to the Session and to the congregation for approval. Both Session and congregation voted to adopt the vision statement.
Our final task was to provide Session with a set of specific goals and recommendations which we believed would support the various parts of the vision statement. This again took several rounds of drafting and revision. We struggled with the need to be specific so that the congregation could gauge progress toward the vision, without wanting to dictate particular programs to Session.
With the submission of these goals and recommendations, the Task Force has completed the work entrusted to it to guide the congregation through this Holy Conversation. It is our expectation that the congregation will revisit this vision on a regular basis to insure that our prayers and programs are directed toward its fulfillment. We also anticipate that in a very few years, we will need to update the vision as parts of it are achieved and as new needs and opportunities arise.
