Key areas of performance are to be agreed upon by the
clergy and the vestry and are related to the congregation's expectations of the clergy and
the clergy's expectations of the congregation as expressed in the Covenant of Ministry.
5.4.2 A review of mutual ministry is a suggested
format developed by the diocesan Personnel Committee to assist congregations in an orderly
effective evaluation process, based on the premise that goals for a congregation's
ministry are mutually established by laity and clergy working together and the performance
of both is dependent on mutual commitment and action. Those congregations familiar with
widely used goal-setting techniques should be able to follow the process on their own.
Some congregations will feel more comfortable (for the first year or two) with the
assistance of one of the diocesan consultants who are available.
Every parish and mission congregation should articulate its purpose in
current, functional and spiritual terms. A statement of this purpose or mission in the
life of the church, is developed through mutual prayer and discussion by clergy and laity
in the congregation. This Mission Statement then forms the basis for the future life of
this part of the body of Christ.
An effective Mutual Ministry Review requires a continuous planning
process to assure the congregation's commitment to the Mission Statement and the
translation of that statement into goals, objectives, and specific plans.
The process starts in the fall with an all day goal-setting session at
a time and place free from distractions and interruptions. Participants are the clergy,
vestry/BAC, and may include other elected officers and those involved with leadership
roles for education, music, worship, youth, outreach, etc.
Those participating should be committed to the concept of growing in
mutual ministry, and expect to attend all planning and review sessions throughout the
year.
The congregation's goal-setting can be accomplished in many ways.
Congregations with an established planning process have developed a style which fits their
needs. Those new to formal planning will find the following steps useful:
Review the mission statement and expand its basic elements to reflect
the major issues/activities in which the congregation will be involved to carry out its
mission in the long range.
List current activities and programs, noting the level of participation,
effectiveness, and use of available personnel and financial resources.
Compare current activities and programs with the expanded mission
statement, identifying conflicts in purpose, poor resource allocation, and impacts of
changes which may be indicated.
Establish from the above three steps:
Long Range goals to define the broad issues to be faced by the
congregation during the next 5 years.
Medium Range specific objectives for the next 2-3 years, derived from
the long range goals, to represent how the congregation proposes to work toward
achievement of those long range goals.
Short Range Plans describing in detail those objectives that will be the
primary focus of the congregation during the next 12 months.
Clergy and lay leaders goal-setting should proceed separately but
concurrently with the above process for the congregation. As individuals or in small
groups, both clergy and lay should develop long, medium and short range plans relating to
personal ministry, spiritual growth, and continuing education.
Mutual ministry planning can now proceed in a joint meeting where the
short range plans developed for the congregation, the clergy and lay leadership can be
refined, coordinated, and specific action plans prepared.
Action plans list a series of specific projects or elements describing
what is to be done, what resources are required, how progress and success will be
measured, and who is accountable for that element of the plan.
This is the part of the Mutual Ministry Review planning process that
provides opportunity for the special skills, leadership and experience of the clergy and
laity to be identified and applied to insure the effective use of resources, enhance the
results, and provide positive growth in the relationships of this spiritual family.
Note: A well-done action plan for the objectives of the
congregation, the clergy and lay leadership, will provide clearly defined expectations for
all important elements of the plan, and provide a checklist to aid in monitoring the
progress of activity so that a shift in direction or emphasis can be made if necessary,
additional or different resources allocated, or other adjustments made if the priorities
of Mutual Ministry change during the year.
Midpoint review of the established mutual ministry for that year
is essential to monitor what has been done (successes), what has been left undone
(potential failures), and how those responsible for action have performed. The setting
should be similar to the goal-setting sessions, (no distractions and plenty of time), and
those participating should be the same persons who made the original plans.
Changes in Action Plans, correction of priorities, or reassignment of
resources are examples of the results of this opportunity for a mid-year adjustment. A
brief written progress report should be prepared and made available to the congregation. A
copy to the Bishop would be well received.
The annual Mutual Ministry Review includes all the elements of the
midpoint review, but with the additional purpose of measuring the overall success of the
plans, mutually assessing the performance of the groups involved in the execution of the
plans and the effectiveness of the individual roles of clergy and laity. The annual review
and analysis is not a time to "throw darts at the clergy" or to trash the
vestry, but rather a time to enhance the effectiveness and growth of mutual ministry as
all seek to respond to God's call "to the building up of the body of Christ."
Repeat the process each year, updating the long range goals and medium
range objectives as appropriate.