Ministry Planning Cycle

The GLC exists to serve Covenant Churches in the Great Lakes Region. According to our Constitution and Bylaws, The Annual Meeting, which is comprised of delegates from Conference Churches, is the highest deliberative and decision-making body of the GLC. The GLC Executive Board and Staff would like to engage the Annual Meeting delegates – and through them the churches – in a planning process that is consistent with the traditions of the Covenant and in concert with the Holy Spirit’s work in and through the churches so that delegates to our Annual Meeting can make informed decisions about the GLC’s mission direction. We are calling this new initiative the “Ministry Planning Cycle”.

We are asking all of our churches to consider these three questions:

1. Why has God placed your church – with the congregation you currently have – in the community where you are located? Why are you there?
2. What resources (opportunities, relationships, skills, talents, strengths, or other assets) are already in place that are helping you move in the direction of where/how you believe God has called your church.
3. Is there a gap in the church’s resources that needs to be bridged in order to fully move into where/how God has called the church?

As a church, understanding the Ministry Planning Cycle is crucial in order to align with God’s purpose for your congregation. It is important to recognize that God has intentionally placed your church where it is, with the congregation you currently have.

Many communities have changed since the founding of your church. Mission Insite is a thorough look at who lives in your community, their needs and how to effectively communicate with the audience and their prejudice about church. The leadership team of Bethany Covenant Church in DuBois, PA were surprised to learn from Mission Insite that there were 200 families headed by single men and women, who were interested in opportunities for their kids. The families said the most effective way to communicate was through social media. Jodi Eidnes can help you get started with Mission Insite ([email protected]).

By contemplating why you are where you are, you can gain insight into the unique opportunities and challenges that your church faces. This understanding will enable you to develop a strategic plan that aligns with God’s calling.

pH Check is a great way to determine what your congregation is thinking about in areas that need to be strengthened. Coming out of Covid, many church members were discouraged at the drop in people coming to church and their commitment level. This showed clearly in pH Checks. Recently, the pH Checks have been more focused on finding a solution after accepting that things have changed. Missional Vitality has developed Finding Your Why to understand God’s calling on your church. This one-day workshop involves as many in the congregation as possible, so that in the end, the congregation has a clear vision to go forward. Living Your Why is a follow up, where a strategic plan and specific steps are developed to go forward.

It is essential to identify the resources that are already in place within your church community. These resources can include dedicated volunteers, passionate leaders, and existing programs or initiatives that are actively supporting your mission.

Missional Vitality has resources both for church leaders and those in the congregation to understand one another and identify God’s gifting in the congregation. Stoneridge Covenant in Allison Park, PA used Change Behavior Assessment for both the church leadership and ministry programs to better appreciate how all the members come to decisions. Several churches are planning to use Heart Mind Soul for new people who have joined the congregation since Covid and have not discovered their gifting.

By recognizing and leveraging these resources, you can move closer towards fulfilling God’s purpose for your church. They serve as valuable assets that can propel your ministry forward and enable you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those around you.

Taking advantage of the Ministry Planning Cycle allows your church to be intentional about its direction and fully utilize the resources at hand. By doing so, you position yourself for growth and success as you faithfully follow God’s calling for your congregation.

The best source of answers to these questions is the Council/Leadership team of the church (which includes the Lead Pastor). We recognize that unless your church has already developed answers to similar “Mission and Vision” questions, then it may be difficult to develop this in a short time.  It is our goal to serve the churches, not burden them. At the same time, the input from your church is needed to help us help all of our churches, including yours. We may reach out to you to see how this is going and offer assistance.  We have staff who are experienced in helping church leadership groups through these types of questions who would love to come alongside you. If you think that would help in your church, please call the GLC office, or get in touch with Peg Cichon (616-510-1221; [email protected]. We will incorporate every input from your church into the prayerful discussions that go into developing the GLC’s mission direction, whether your input is received during this current step of the Ministry Planning Cycle leading up to the 2024 Annual Meeting. You can also learn more here – https://covchurch.org/start-strengthen-churches/missional-vitality