Dan Hotchkiss
Senior Consultant
Who is Dan Hotchkiss?
Before joining Alban, the Reverend Dan Hotchkiss served congregations for 12 years and the Unitarian Universalist Association for seven. He has been a full-time Alban consultant since 2001 and has consulted with hundreds of churches and synagogues across the American religious spectrum on a wide variety of issues. His areas of special interest include strategic and financial planning, congregational governance, clergy leadership, and social justice ministries. His is also a highly-successful Alban author and seminar presenter, including leading “Shaping Holy Conversations,” the Alban seminar on planning and “Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership.”
Philosophy of Practice
I first ask, “What difference do you want our work together to make in your congregation?” Clarifying your objectives is the first step; then I write a proposal. I want to become available to you as a full partner. Typically I work with clients for several months to a year or more, seeing them through a customized process of discernment, planning, and action. Normally the contract includes unlimited phone and e-mail coaching for designated leaders and a flexible schedule of on-site visits. My commitment is to help you to achieve your goals, rather than to spend a certain amount of time. I like to set up the consultation so that I am fully a member of the team, and so that we share responsibility for moving the work along.
Specialties
Planning
Healthy congregations have a clear sense of vision or mission that shapes who they are and what they do. In planning, it is often more useful to build on strengths than fret about weaknesses. Planning can be anything from choosing a short-term, quickly successful project to a long process of “holy conversation.” I help congregations to choose the planning process that is right for them at a given moment.
Governance
I often help congregations to move beyond frustrating and ineffective ways of managing the work of boards, clergy, and staff. How much time does your board or committee spend managing programs? How much time do your program leaders (paid and volunteer) spend seeking approval for choices they could be trusted to make on their own? Good governance starts with clearly defined roles and authority; it succeeds when lay and professional leaders lead ministry together as collaborating partners. I can help you whether you want to sharpen leaders’ skills, reorganize to grow, or consider an entirely new model for governance.
Clergy Coaching
I coach colleagues through regular conversation, homework assignments, feedback, and evaluation. Coaching begins with a no-charge conversation about the potential client’s needs, anxieties, hopes, and objectives. Optionally, I will come to your place of work to “shadow” for a day and observe your leadership style. The coaching conversations, which can take place on the phone or in person, typically happen monthly for an hour, over a six-month period. And, I am available by phone or e-mail to discuss issues as they arise.
Financial Assessment
I will examine your financial and giving records and provide a report answering the questions you identify, such as: Is our budget sustainable? Where are we headed? Do we depend too much on a few givers? What stewardship strategy will best move us toward our goals? Should we worry about debt? Are we handling invested reserves and endowment funds responsibly? How can we encourage members to add to these funds? A financial assessment can stand alone or serve as part of a larger planning process.
Education
- B.A., Oberlin College, Oberlin OH
- M.Div., Harvard University, Cambridge MA
Publications
- Ministry and Money: A Guide for Clergy and Their Friends, 2002, Alban
- Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership, 2009, Alban
Articles
Testimonials
Below are some of the many testimonials for Dan, but you can read all of them here.
How grateful we were to have Dan Hotchkiss with us. It certainly shaped our decisions, and our time with the Senior Staff. I think the Board felt well-informed by the Staff, and well served by them/us. It helped to share with staff what we had learned and decided about Board roles. Dan was also a profound influence on our Senior Staff meeting the following week. I think it really helped them define their purpose and roles more clearly.” — Rev. Nancy Wilson, Metropolitan Community Churches
Dan, I cannot thank you enough for the incredible leadership role you played in helping us reach a mutual decision on such a difficult issue. You are amazing.
Resources
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