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2005 Results |
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2005 Results |
NCD Process / Archive / WHF |
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NOTE: A score of 50 represents the average score (mean) of all North American churches. 70% of North American Churches have scores within the range of 35-65. EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP: 60
Looking at the numbers: After investing in "Deepening Spirituality" for the past two years, we have dramatically improved our scores in the categories of worship (+9) and small groups (+10). However our spirituality score remains unchanged! How did that happen? After speaking with the person who calculates our scores, I think we can conclude that a language barrier renders the NCD Questionnaire a poor tool for measuring the spiritual vitality of our particular meeting. Maybe we should create our own supplemental questionnaire for next time. In any case, the next topic with which we need to grapple is in how to improve our "Functional Structures" (see queries below). Functional Structures Although "Functional Structures" is our minimum factor, we don't have a disaster on our hands. A score of 50 is the statistical average (mean) for all churches in North America. Our goal, therefore, is to create structures that are above average! At WHF, our "structures" would include all of our committees, our business meeting and all the patterns we have established for making decisions and getting things done. Some of our structures have been put into place very deliberately (like the budget). Other structures are much more haphazard (like how we set up for potluck). To the extent that our structures are healthy, people will find it relatively easy to get involved. The jobs that need doing will get done. To the extent that our structures are out of whack, people will feel shut out or trapped in jobs that no longer give them life. Structures are simply the tools we use to get from point A to point B. The creators of NCD suggest that we "take advantage of our strengths" when we address our minimum factor. Our strongest attribute is "loving relationships." So let's look at improving our structures from this perspective: it is a way we can better care for one another. In that light, please consider the following queries. Remember, there are no "right" or "wrong" answers. This process will be the most fruitful if you speak candidly. 1. What does it mean to be an "active participant" in the life and work of West Hills Friends? What draws people into active participation? What inhibits active participation? 2. What could the church provide (e.g. training or other resources) to support you in the ministry to which you feel called? 3. How can we best support those among us who want explore new ideas for ministry? 4. How can we best support those among us who want to step away from a ministry that is no longer life-giving to them? 5. What's the best way of offering constructive feedback to people in leadership (musicians, speakers, committees, et al)? | |
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email us : 503.246-7654 | ||
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