Ministry Planning Update - What you need to know and Feb. 2nd

A lot has happened in the last 4 months! We’ve completed several big milestones and we have another one coming up, the on-site analysis portion the weekend of 1/31-2/2.

Mark your calendars for Sunday Feb. 2nd for a report out on what we have discovered.

We are at the midway point for Phase 2 “Analysis”. We expect this phase to conclude and Phase 3 “Mission/Vision Setting” to begin in March.

We anticipate being well prepared to call a Pastor after completing Phase 3 “Mission/Vision Setting” around August or September.

Continue reading for more on this and other information.

What has happened?

A lot has happened since engaging with Crossroads Ministry Consulting last fall to guide us through a ministry planning process:

• In September, phase 1 “Introduction” concluded with a workshop presentation by Pastor Stroh.
• In October, members voted to continue with phases 2, 3, and 4 of the ministry planning process with the continued assistance of Pastor Stroh.
• In November, we kicked off phase 2 “Analysis” and scheduled the on-site analysis
• In December, we worked on several analysis instruments about our church and community.
• In December, we also started forming a “Guiding Coalition” to support the ministry planning process.
• In January, we conducted a congregational survey and submitted the completed analysis instruments.
• Now, we are planning for the on-site analysis happening Jan. 31st to Feb. 2nd.

What is an “analysis instrument”?

As part of the ministry planning process, Pastor Stroh provides several documents that help us take stock of what’s happening at our church and in our community. These documents help us analyze where we are at today and where we should go in the future. Listed below are some of the activities that went into completing the analysis instruments:

• Reviewed a demographics report including population, household, race/ethnicity, economic, social, and other trends in our community
• Interviewed 8 community leaders including a city council legislator, two principals, and five Pastors
• Surveyed 61 people in our community who are on our prospect list
• Conducted a member survey, guest survey, and tabulated the result
• Reviewed St. John membership, attendance, financial, and participation trends
• Completed a volunteer inventory and fellowship group profile
• Gathered reference documents including council and voter meeting agendas/minutes
• Conducted a survey of our elected leaders and office worker

What have you learned?

That our community is ripe for the Gospel!  Phase 2 “Analysis” is still in progress so we’re still gathering information but we have learned a lot thus far. For example, did you know the following about the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood?

• 50% of households with children 0-18 are single parents
• The two largest generations are Gen Z (ages 0-17) at 33% and Millenials (ages 18-37) at 31% of the population.
• 76% of Adults have graduated high school and 20% have a college degree
• The community is considered more receptive to Christian faith than national averages
• The primary concerns of the community are affordable housing, neighborhood security, programs for youth, and racial/ethnic prejudice.
• Homelessness and family instability are two of the primary factors negatively impacting student success at our local schools.

These are just some of the many things we’ve learned so far in the process. You can hear about these and more at the February 2nd report out to all members.

What’s next?

Next is the on-site analysis which is scheduled Friday Jan. 31st to Sunday Feb. 2nd and will conclude with a report out for all members the afternoon/evening of Sunday Feb. 2nd. This weekend will include lots of activities intended to help analyze our potential for ministry, including:

• Several “Pulse Groups” with 8-10 members each
• A council leaders brainstorming and analysis session
• Interviews with Pastors, our office staff, and others
• A tour of our facilities
• An observation of our worship service, Bible study, and Little Lights
• Meals and events in the community as an opportunity to observe the community

How can I help?

There will be several opportunities to be involved, including pulse groups or attending congregational meetings. When asked to be involved, share your candid feedback and honest responses. Attend congregational meetings and be engaged.

When will start to see the results of our Ministry Planning?

We are already starting to see the positive benefits of ministry planning, although you may have to look closely to see it! Ministry planning is a long and thorough process so it can be easy to miss the small successes. Instead, we need to celebrate and thank God for the successes! For example, did you know the Evangelism committee doubled the number of people who canvassed the neighborhood this past summer? Or think about all the fruitful discussion on the future direction of St. John. These are all blessings that we are evaluating our Ministry and working to make it better.

When are we going to call a Pastor?

So far we have been waiting to extend additional calls to Pastors until we have a more defined ministry plan. Without a ministry plan, we don’t know what skills are important for a Pastor at St. John and in the community. Additionally, it is difficult for a Pastor to evaluate the call if a church does not have a ministry plan.

The good news is the Crossroads Ministry Planning Process is helping us to develop a ministry plan! We anticipate being well prepared to call a Pastor and share our ministry plan at the conclusion of Phase 3 “Mission/Vision Setting” which will conclude in August or September.

We know it isn’t ideal without a full-time Pastor, but our prayer is that by enduring this period of instability we will establish the foundation for our ministry to thrive on the East side for decades to come!