Where Are We As A Congregation?
The congregation at Doon Presbyterian Church has been “Serving Our God and Our Community since 1851”. Not many Christian Churches in Canada can make a claim like that. During these 160 years, there have been “ups and downs” that have generated excitement and discouragement but we have continued to be a Presbyterian presence, worshipping our God and reaching out to our community and our world.
Some would claim that during the past few years we have been moving from an “up” towards a “down”. Although you may or may not agree with this perception, if you pause to look at what we have become over the past 5 to 10 years, I think you will agree that we have made some wonderful positive changes – Mission trips – CAT and Shelley Dental Trips, Junior and Senior Youth Activities, Vacation Bible School, Modification to Worship Services, Data Projector and Screen in the Sanctuary and in the Sunday School, updated Website, Webcasts of sermons on the website, upgrade of the sanctuary windows and paving of the parking lot, major changes to committee structures, and more.
If we are in a “downward” trend, we are in the company of a large number of churches and denominations and considerable concern is being expressed at many points (e.g. read the Presbyterian Record). What is our response? Instinctively one tends to complain, criticise and point fingers. To whom do we complain? Our friends as we as we share a coffee? Does the complaining bring about the changes that will bring us back to some of those exciting times when we were “up”? I don’t think so. If we persist in bad mouthing and complaining and take no other action, we could experience the results as illustrated in Rev. Sutherland’s sermon on October 31 when he compared complaining and badmouthing to termites eating at the structure of a building. If it continues with no actions being introduced, the structure will eventually collapse and be of no value to anyone.
What does this mean for us?
Does complaining and expressing concern mean that we would like to see change? Are we willing to work at designing and implementing change? Will we provide support and commitment to the changes that are introduced? I believe at our wonderful old church on the hill, our congregation will answer yes, yes, yes, yes and yes, just show us how and lead us through the tasks so that we can create the organization and atmosphere that will generate that “up” that we long for.
What needs to happen?
First off let’s stop being termites who have one goal only and that is to destroy! Being critical is destructive if it exists by itself and if it becomes the normal and prime topic of conversations. Criticism can be used as a means of identifying procedures, organizational structures, programs, etc. that are felt to be no longer relevant and/or need to be changed.
Once the complaints, criticisms or concerns have been identified, one needs to move quickly to provide a balance by looking at what is working well, what are we proud of, what do we want to protect and support?
To this point the process is only descriptive of what exists; now we need to be creative. What would we like to see happen, – the creative activity that can result from people sharing their ideas and dreams.
The final and vital step is the encouragement and building of supports that that will strengthen those who are committed to make it happen.
To ensure that what we are doing is part of God’s Renewal Project for our congregation, prayer and the seeking of God’s directions are major needs through the entire process.
The Plan
| Action | Date |
| 1. The congregation will be given information about what is planned and progress reports will be issued regularly via announcements in the bulletin, the Grapevine and the church website. | Ongoing |
| 2. Information will be collected in a structured manner focusing on three main questions – What do we need to change or stop? What do we need to celebrate? What do we need to start? The congregation will be able to submit their information by interview, on a written form, and/or in small groups. Information presented privately will not be used with the presenters name associated with it. Anonymous information that may be received will not be considered. | Dec – Jan |
| 3. Teams of two will be available after church and other times to provide interview sessions | Dec – Jan |
| 4. Session will be provided with resources and training to receive/collect information as they go about their activities in the church and in the homes of the congregation. | Jan |
| 5. Efforts will be made to collect information from as many people as possible associated with our congregation. This will include the initial input as well as reaction to the information that will be published and the recommendations that will be developed. | Dec – Feb |
| 6. Summaries of the collected information will be published to show what is happening as well as providing encouragement to those who have not been involved to that point, to share their information. | Jan – Mar |
| 7. The information will be examined for patterns and summarized for understanding. The information will be brought to Session as a workshop for recommendations. | Mar |
| 8. Information may be taken to the various existing committees for analysis and recommendations. | Mar |
| 9. The information will be taken to the congregation as a workshop to look for consensus and direction. | Apr |
| 10. Meetings will be arranged by topic/theme and interested members will be invited to participate in shaping the action Renewal Project for implementations including establishing of goals. | May |
| 11. Meetings will be arranged for members willing to be involved in the development of an action, establishing its structures, detailing its goals, establishing a budget and committed to making it happen. | June |
The Leadership Team willing to provide leadership and answer questions through this project will be Rev. Sutherland, Lisa Brimblecombe, Lew Ford, plus others who may wish to be involved and/or are seconded to the team.
Three Questions to Think About
The interviewing team invites you to think about these questions as you prepare to participate in the Renewal Project here at Doon. Information Collection Sheets are available here or print versions can be picked up at the church. You are encouraged to continue online or get a copy, record your ideas and concerns and turn the copy in to Lew Ford or Lisa Brimblecombe:
What do we need to change or stop?
What do we need to celebrate?
What do we need to start?
Summary
We believe that by providing a way for the complaints to be heard and encouraging everyone to make recommendations for improvement followed by shared decision making as to “what do we continue doing, what do we stop doing and what do we change” will build a more positive environment and increase commitment to serving our Lord and our fellow man.
If you have any questions, please contact
Lew Ford – lewford at rogers dot com
519-748-6091
or
Lisa Brimblecombe – mildex at golden dot net
519-894-1722
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