New for Congregations: From the Indianapolis Center for Congregations

Learn about the latest discoveries, resources, and congregational stories from the Indianapolis Center for Congregations (ICC)!

In Your Own Backyard: Congregations Reach Out to Neighbors. "In Your Own Backyard" documents stories of congregations that are serving as instruments of God's grace by offering physical and spiritual sustenance to their surrounding communities. Here are stories of King of Glory Lutheran Church, whose mission moved from a "membership" to a "discipleship" model; Southwest Church of the Nazarene, which offers a "bus ministry" for children in area neighborhoods; Jones Tabernacle, which provides a food pantry, children's ministry, mentoring, and tutoring beyond the church's walls; and Neighborhood Fellowship, which gives space to local outreach organizations. Resources and reflection questions are featured as well.

Using Group Processes that Facilitate Positive Change. Do you and members of your congregation attempt group processes to plan congregational change, only to find yourselves stymied? The ICC describes some new approaches that foster positive change. Such approaches include appreciative inquiry, asset mapping, open space technology, and world café. In addition, the ICC suggests the situations that best utilize each approach, as well as things to consider before you begin. Included is a list of helpful resources.

Taking a Closer Look: Using Facilities Assessments. The ICC defines a "facilities assessment" as a "holistic overview of your facility's condition by an appropriate team of professionals who assess the current condition of the building and its components." Such an assessment leads to better and more cost efficient planning for the optimal condition of your church or synagogue. This report explains types of assessments, why they are needed, and who does them. It also gives valuable tips on how to prepare for one and what to do when an assessment is completed.

Strategic Planning in Congregations. Whether it's because of growth, decline, unexpected changes, or anticipated transitions, "all congregations find themselves in need of strategic planning at some time." The ICC's report on strategic planning guides congregational leaders in finding and utilizing a consultant for their strategic planning processes. The report—based on interviews with thirteen consultants and six congregational leadership teams—addresses stages of planning, costs, leadership roles, factors that contribute to an effective process, and more. The report concludes with a list of print, Web, video, and organizational resources.

Working with Consultants. When congregations need an outside source of help, consultants can provide valuable support. Here are some wise thoughts on working with a consultant—including the advice to convene a core working group and to include the consultant's work in the prayer life of the congregation. Also featured are helpful boxes listing items to include in a contract, questions to ask a potential consultant, and common misconceptions about consultants.