Best Practices for Ministry in Phoenix, AZ
President Paavola was a guest presenter at the Best Practices for Ministry in Phoenix, AZ. Christ Lutheran Church hosted the 3 day event that is open to pastors, church workers and lay people. This free conference helps congregations to focus on the most effective ways to use their God-given gifts and took place February 21-23, 2019. Approximately 2,700 LCMS Lutherans attend this gathering annually.
“New Tools for Mission and Ministry Strategic Planning”
President Paavola presented two sessions on “New Tools for Mission and Ministry Strategic Planning”. The Congregational Assessment Resource (CAR) and COMPASS survey tools have been developed by the Mid‐South District.
The tools have demonstrated dramatic results for congregations that want a comprehensive assessment of their mission and ministry.
Congregational Assessment Resource (CAR)
CAR is a computerized program that provides comparative information on a congregation using data that quantifies every activity and facet of ministry, and then compares that information with dozens of other congregations’ performance in similar situations, that gives 450 comparative ratios to determine the efficiencies and effectiveness of congregation performance. It includes congregational statistical information, financial, operational, community, stewardship, and building, grounds, and infrastructure.
COMPASS
That information is used when we conduct a COMPASS visit to congregations that invite the District to visit them for a detailed survey of strategic information and problem analysis. The turnaround of directions for congregations that have used COMPASS and CAR has been dramatic.
Real Life Example
One congregation explored ways to eliminate its debt burden and eventually reduced its debt from $1 million to under $100K in less than a year’s time! The COMPASS survey takes three days, solicits information from the congregation’s leadership, pastor, members, and community. The MAP – Ministry Action Plan uses the COMPASS materials and has a navigator assigned to the congregation from the survey team to assist the congregation keep its focus. The information for the MAP is “Descriptive” of the climate of the congregation, rather than “Prescriptive” as what happens in other survey tools.
More Information
For more information or questions contact President Paavola at the district office (901) 373-1343, Toll-free 866-373-1343 or email.
These links will take to their respective pages for more information COMPASS || CAR
BPM conference information – www.cclphoenix.org
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