First, I propose to meet this need for consulting by developing a seminar based Self-Study process to present basic information on church growth

Project Purpose

            In 2003 I was trained as one of six certified consultants supporting the Office of Congregational Development of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. In 2004 this judicatory unit was given the responsibility of responding to requests for consulting in church growth and revitalization from over 120 individual churches within the next twelve months. The large number of requests threatened to overwhelm the capacity of these part-time consultants to respond in a timely and effective manner. The majority of these requests were for participation in a yet-to-be-developed guided Self-Study Process or Percept’s ReVision program. This project was designed to solve this ongoing problem.

            This project has two purposes. First, I propose to meet this need for consulting by developing a seminar based Self-Study process to present basic information on church growth, create shared vision and prepare participating churches to enter a more rigorous consulting process. Consulting is normally a long-term, interpersonal, on-site process, while a seminar approach can absorb an unlimited number of participants in a cost-effective and timely manner. The seminars will combine relational methods of evangelism derived from third world cell churches with relational methods of overcoming resistance to change based on the work of Peter Senge, Everett Rogers and Geoffrey Moore. Completion of such a self-study process is a reasonable first step in the consulting process.

QUOTE [1]

NOTE

DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS

RESOURCES

[1] The quote is a selection from David O. Kueker’s Fuller Seminary Doctor of Ministry project submitted in September, 2007, entitled Diagnosis, Dialogue, and Decision: A Threefold Process of Revitalization For the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.
It is shared here in recognition of its 12th Anniversary along with comments to update and provide perspective on the material. The original project was a Training Manual/Study Guide of three Seminars supported by three chapters of research and an Introduction. The material is available for download at www.disciplewalk.com/Resources.html. In 2009 it was provided for purchase as a softcover book entitled Designing Discipleship Systems: Christian Disciple Making For Any Size Church, Any Theology through CreateSpace.com.

[2][3] [4][5] [6][7] [8]

All Scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Please review the page How and Why We Use Quotes.