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A Definition of Congregational Development Congregational development is: 1. The development of the congregation as a community of faith with a unique identity, purpose and dynamics. 2. The development of the congregation as an organization that can be understood, assessed and improved using the knowledge and methods of organizational behavior and development. Taken from the Church Development Institute Manual In the Diocese of Milwaukee Congregational Development expenses use 17% of the diocesan budget. The department offers financial support of mission and developing congregations throughout the Diocese that are offering regional, mission and community presence. Please see the parish updates under Commission and Mission and Development for detailed information. Congregational Development also seeks to help communities equip leaders through teaching, networking, resourcing and building relationships. These include FreshStart, Church Development Institute, Mutual Ministry Reviews, Community of Hope as well as scholarships for leadership training. If you are looking for information on funding or training events: See Commission on Mission and Development. And be sure to check out how congregations are using their Meachem Grant for ministry.
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Application for Mission and Development aid (2011)
Remember the 2010 Challenge Grant is available for all congregations. The goal is to create, or review your current plan, for the incorpation of new members, implement this plan for two months. Review your implemention of plan making adjustments as needed and then do it again. Deadline is Aug. 15, 2010.
Hint: Greeting is a part of incorporating (integrating) newcomers into the community but it is not the whole package. You need to ask how do we help people know our congregation and become a part of it through social, formation and action/service opportunities. In the book Transforming Stewardship by CK Robertson he states that "in order to move simply greeting newcomers to integrating them into the parish, it is critical that we make a serious commitment to tracking - not tracking the newcomers but tracking our progress in welcoming them" and providing the opportunities for deepening relationships. Tell us what you are doing - how is your plan working and how are you tracking it? If you are not sure where to start why not conduct a Hospitality assessement. We have two to choose from: Hospitality Checklist or Audit. ********************************************************************************** Also check out Church Development Institute for more information on how this training can help you in your personal leadership development as well as the congregation. How can your congregation be a leader in the community? For those who are ready to learn this is where you will find specific information on what to expect for your first weekend. |
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Congregational Development |