The Consultation Process

The Healthy Church Consultation Process is designed to partner with churches to do an in-depth assessment of the church’s ministry. Out of that assessment, a strategic plan is developed to help the church become effective in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Basic Convictions

1. To be effective in fulfilling the Great Commission, a church must be outward focused. In addition to caring for the already-convinced, a high priority must be placed on reaching the lost, because the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).

2. Systems determine the behaviors of people. Therefore, a part of the process includes establishing establish effective systems to fulfill that mission. The board governs, the pastor leads, the staff manage, and the members do ministry. In that way, the church is truly effective and “missional” in nature.

3. The role of Healthy Ministry Resources is to help churches fulfill the Great Commission through assessments, coaching, resourcing, and support.

What to Expect

There are three main parts to the consultation: the preparation, the weekend, and the year of consultation.

1. Preparation

The church must complete a congregational self-study packet prior to the consultation weekend. This extensive report gives the assessment team necessary background information about the church and helps the team form significant questions for the weekend. It should be submitted to the Director of Healthy Church Ministries at least two weeks ahead of the consultation weekend.

2. Consultation Weekend

A team of 2-5 persons spend the weekend conducting a thorough assessment of the church.

Friday. On Friday, the assessment team interviews the pastor, pastor’s wife, and staff (both paid and volunteers who oversee any significant areas of ministry). In addition, a meeting is held with a focus group of 25-30 people who represent a broad spectrum of the church based on age and time associated with the church. Three basic questions are asked:

1. What is the greatest strength of the church?
2. What is the greatest challenge or concern of the church?
3. If you had the ability to change one thing about the church, what would it be?

Saturday. Saturday is spent with the pastor and the leadership team, reviewing all the information collected so far and exploring their hearts and convictions about the direction, vision, and ministries of the church. After this meeting, the assessment teams writes a report which includes:

• The five greatest strengths of the church.
• The five greatest challenges or concerns.
• Five or six prescriptions with deadline dates and responsible party named. These are intended as first steps to move the ministry forward toward health.

Sunday. On Sunday, the lead assessor preaches a vision message about God’s mission for the church. Following the services or at a time determined by the church leadership, the report is shared with the whole congregation.

3. Coaching/Accountability

The consultation team assigns a mentor to coach the pastor and leadership team over the next twelve months in fulfilling the steps of the plan. This includes:

• An on-campus visit at least one day per month.
• Sharing resources that will assist the church.
• Coaching and mentoring as needed between visits.

Commitments

By the church:

The pastor is expected to submit a weekly report. One copy will be emailed to the mentor, and another copy will be sent to the Director of Healthy Church Ministries. The report will include:

• Attendances.
• Finances.
• Steps being taken to fulfill the goals.
• Any reports of God-sightings.

To enter into this partnership, the church board must take formal action to help the pastor lead the church to be outward focused and fulfill the partnering relationship.

While there is no fee for the consultation team’s work, it is asked that the church provide meals for the team during the weekend. This shows at least a small investment in the process.

By the team:

• To pray for and support the work of that church through any means possible.<
• To have a mentor make the monthly visit for accountability, encouragement, and coaching over the twelve month period.
• To help the church find a capable leader if that becomes necessary.
• To work on the localized application of principles, rather than seeing each situation as being the same. In other words, giving the church individualized attention.

If you have any questions about this process, contact Pat Jones, the Director of Healthy Church Ministries at 888-622-3019 or (cell) 260-249-9593.