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Several chapters of Holy Conversations cover a set of overarching issues that planning leaders typically encounter. These include:
- Sources of energy in a planning process.> Pain plus possibility can allow a congregation to risk change.
- Where vision comes from. We will look at congregation, pastor, and denominational connection as possible sources of vision, then offer an understanding of vision as “meaning we make together.” (Chapter 8)
- Ways to read the congregation’s culture. To a large extent, a congregation’s culture determines the purposes it can embrace, the populations it can passionately serve, and the kinds of planning conversations in which it can engage most naturally. (Chapter 9)
- Ways to read the community context. Planning gains energy when members take a fresh look at the lives of the people around them. As the congregation answers the question, “Who is my neighbor—today?” people may find themselves called to express in new ways their enduring faith. (Chapter 10)
- How congregations discern God’s leading. Planning requires an attitude of discernment, and appropriate practices for listening to self, other, and God. (Chapter 11)
- How people in different roles contribute to the planning process. We will review the roles of the planning committee and its chair; the pastor; the governing board; and, where appropriate, the planning consultant. (Chapter 12)
- Ways to involve the congregation. A wider circle of leaders needs to get on board with the planning questions, the learning process, and the key choices before the congregation at this time. Beyond this circle, the entire congregation needs to become aware of the process, feel invited to participate according to their energies and interests, and trust that those more involved in the planning are doing the right work in a thoughtful way. (Chapter 13)
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