The following is a list of important areas
of congregational life that can be productively explored by the lay and
pastoral leadership of the congregation during the interim between called
pastors. Addressing these nine areas will assure that things are in good
order in the congregation in anticipation of calling a new pastor.
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1.
History
(Organizational Genogram)
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List of pastors who have served the congregation
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List of presidents who have served
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Major events in the life of the congregation
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Identification of informal power structures
in the congregation (past and present)
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Other significant data
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2.
Mission and Purposes
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When were the missions statement and purposes
last updated? By what process?
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How well understood are they by the congregation?
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How intentionally are they pursued?
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3.
Constitution and Bylaws
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When were they last revised?
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What was the process?
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Are they adhered to?
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If not, in what areas?
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4.Governance
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Do you have an organizational chart?
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Describe how the Council functions.
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What are strengths and weaknesses of the Council?
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Describe how committees function in relation
to the Council
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Are the committees functioning congruent with
their charge in the Bylaws?
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What changes in leadership have affected governance?
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5.
Stewardship, Goals and Budget
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What is the congregation's stewardship program?
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How does it function?
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Do committees and the Council set and follow
annual goals?
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Describe process.
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Are the programmatic goals tied to the budget?
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Are strategies and time lines for implementation
of goals developed and followed?
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6.
Ministry and Programs
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Describe the most significant ministries and
programs of the congregation.
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What ministries and programs have failed or
are most needed?
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Describe a vision for the ministry and programs
of the future.
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7.
Relationship to the synod, ELCA, Ecumenical,
and Interfaith Organizations/Coalitions
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Describe briefly the congregation's significant
relationships with the broader religious community.
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How are these relationships maintained?
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What is the vision for renewing relationships
with the synod during the interim?
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8.
Issues
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What are the significant issues facing the
congregation today?
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Is there any conflict in the congregation?
What is it? How is it being managed?
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Have issues and conflict been identified,
and acknowledged? By whom? What was the process?
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How is the leadership of the congregation
dealing with these issues?
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What is needed to address unresolved issues?
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9.
Tasks During the Interim
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What challenges and opportunities face the
congregation during the interim?
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What specific tasks need to be accomplished
during the interim?
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Who will be the major players?
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Who will provide leadership? What will be
the process?
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What will be the role of the pastor during
the interim regarding issues and tasks?
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