This three year Strategic Plan for Christ Church was developed through a careful process that involved the leadership of the Vestry and input from the entire congregation. The Plan seeks to incorporate the desires, dreams, and wishes of the Parish for its future and seeks to evidence respect for and preservation of our Anglican-Episcopal traditions. A lot of hard work, careful and thoughtful deliberation and much prayer have gone into putting together this Strategic Plan. Every parishioner is invited to embrace the Plan and to choose a place where he/she might provide leadership or support. For the Plan to be successful, prayerful support and intentionality in serving will be required from each family in the Parish as we move forward in faith.

 

The Goals and Objectives for each year of the Strategic Plan build upon one another. In other words, there will be many things carried over from year one into year two and from years one and two into year three. The intent is to go from strength to strength as we implement this plan for the Parish's future. The Vestry will be charged with the responsibility of monitoring progress on the plan but the implementation of the Plan will be through a series of Task Forces who take on the particular responsibilities or Objectives related to a particular Goal. Opportunity to volunteer for one of the Task Forces will be available to everyone in the Parish and the Task Forces will be formed and ready to be consecrated at the Parish's Annual Meeting in January of 2012.

 

While this Strategic Plan does not incorporate absolutely every comment that was made at the recent House Meetings, it does include the vast majority of those comments. It is in the form of Goals and Objectives. Goals are particular things that we would like to accomplish in the life and mission and ministry of the church. Objectives are the means for accomplishing the Goals. We have not given a “how" to the Objectives because that is the responsibility of the Task Forces who will implement the specific Goals. 

 

There are three "legs" to the Strategic Plan: 

 

 

The enthusiastic ownership of the Strategic Plan by the “whole” Parish is the overwhelming key to its success. Please pray about where God is leading you to be a part of implementing this very important Strategic Plan for the future of Christ Church. Each and every member of the Christ Church family is a vital and important part of this Strategic Plan.  

 

 

1) We will strengthen every channel of communication, internal and external, at Christ Church by:

a.      developing an accurate database of communicants, members and friends

b. publishing an Informational Brochure listing all of the current ministries and contacts for those ministries

c. establishing, monitoring and responding to a confidential parish Hotline for people to share needs and concerns

d. providing and keeping current a comprehensive list of Pastoral Care needs in the Parish

e. sharing news about Christ Church and its programs and ministries through the public and social media

f. actively serving as ambassadors for CCF in the Golden Isles community

g. recruiting parishioners to serve as greeters; pastoral care volunteers; Eucharistic visitors; transportation providers; and to conduct post--service personal follow-up with

        visitors

h. encouraging all parishioners including our youth to host guests at church services and events

i. continuing to enhance the website; doing more frequent press releases and e-newsletters using a volunteer coordinator; publicizing church events via social media; and

        continuing “News You Can Use"

 

2) We will involve the whole parish in outreach, mission and ministry, by:

a. establishing a Skills Bank of volunteers to have a record of their abilities, interests, time commitment and talents

b. regularly communicating current volunteer opportunities and providing a method for members of the Parish to connect with those opportunities

c. involving all age groups with outreach opportunities in a coordinated way

d. cataloging and publishing all of our current mission outreach efforts

e. involving more of the parish in hands-on delivery of services (e.g., more Manna House volunteers; bagging food at food pantry; Habitat for Humanity) matching community

        needs with our parishioners talents

f. engaging and collaborating with our fellow Episcopalians on services, events, news and community ministries

g. hosting and participating in community cultural and ecumenical services and events

 

3) We will celebrate the parish as a family, by:

a. regularly and publically celebrating special events and accomplishments of members of the Parish

b. developing an intentional ministry with all school age children that is fun and inviting to children

c. holding House Meetings twice a year for fellowship and sharing with one another in the Parish

d. creating a variety of fellowship groups  to address common interests and experiences from within the Parish

e. building relationships through our small group ministries and our social connections

f. providing childcare and age appropriate child activities for all Parish gatherings

g. implementing a Transportation Ministry for those who need its services

h. exploring ways to bring our Parish Family together in worship and studying the best use of our worship opportunities each weekend

i. actively cultivating church leadership

j. carefully and prayerfully evaluating consolidation of some services and ministries

 

4) We will expand our ministries with young adult families, by:

a. grooming young adults for leadership in the Parish

b. engaging young adults in an intentional dialogue about their desires for and needs from the Parish

c. establishing terms for participation in ministries of the Parish so that others may have the opportunity to lead or serve in the those ministry groups

d. creating an “under 40” social group for the Parish

e. encouraging and fostering inter-generational support of children’s and youth ministries

f. sharing with young adults and their families the ministries offered at Christ Church inviting them personally to be a part of the family

g. offering variety in worship experiences to address the needs of young adults and their children

h. implementing activities that will be attractive, inclusive and inviting to families

i. involving the youth in our worship services and all areas of ministry

j. sustaining and promoting our stellar music ministry; using it to attract former members and new members to the church as we grow the church

k. hosting events relevant to the interests and needs of young families(e.g, weekly Mother’s Day Out)

l. learning from and building on the successes of other churches where appropriate

m. providing a dynamic Christian Education program for young adults      

 

YEAR 2 (2013)   

1) We will continue to strengthen communications; involve the whole congregation in missions and outreach; celebrate the parish as a family; and grow our ministries with

a. building on the success achieved with the Goals and Objectives established and implemented in Year 1 of this Strategic Plan

b. making it easier for newcomers and visitors to find classes; to get on the Church’s mailing list; and to find and use the Parish website

c. strengthening and growing our ministry of greeters and ushers

d. reinstating the evangelism committee for follow-up and outreach to visitors

e. researching and implementing ways to more fully involve our seasonal members

f. acknowledging special days like Father's Day, Mother's Day, and special family events such as the birth of the new child or grandchild

 

2) We will expand and enhance our outreach to the community, by:

a. developing a program to better assimilate new members into the life of the congregation

b. expanding the church's presence in the local media

c. reviewing the Parish’s policies on use of the facilities by the community for weddings and other occasions

d. encouraging each member to take on something extra,  that they haven't done before,  that will involve welcoming others to Christ Church

e. providing more community outreach and special programs similar to The Lochery Lecture Series

f. researching and evaluating the best use of the Dodge Home for activities for the church and community

g. by becoming a “resource church” for the Diocese using the congregations skills and talents in outreach to other Parishes as requested

 

YEAR 3 (2014)   

1) We will continue good communications; expand our missions and outreach ministries; build the parish as a family; and grow our ministries to all age groups, by:

a. expanding and building upon the success of ministries begun in years 1 and 2 of our Strategic Plan

b. continuing to encourage inter-generational activities and support of each other from children to older adults

c. exploring ways to bring together the whole parish for worship occasions and fellowship opportunities

d. regularly refining and updating our Skills Bank for the Parish

e. developing a plan to become a “welcoming congregation” that expands our ministries with visitors, seasonal attendees and newcomers

f. celebrating and supporting our positive ministries such as choir, music, and special services (e.g. Blessing of the Animals)

g. exploring the development of a weekly newsletter that can be distributed by e-mail or regular mail as needed

 

 

2) We will build and strengthen our pastoral care ministries, by:

a. encouraging and growing the Deacon ministries

b. researching and exploring the possibilities of implementing a Stephen's Ministry or some form of a Shepherding Ministry at Christ Church

c. empowering every member of the Parish to be involved in some form of volunteerism

d. offering opportunities for spiritual growth, Bible study, and enrichment

e. developing an intentional Prayer Ministry

 

 

 

 

1) We will strengthen the stewardship of our financial and people resources, by:

a. regularly educating and informing the congregation on our financial status and health through a variety of media including the website, bulletins, and e-mails

b. making the best use of our  “Skills Bank” listing the talents and resources from within the Parish membership (see Mission and Ministry, 2a.) and by publicly listing upcoming

        volunteer needs

c. continuing to communicate and listen to the concerns of the Parish through small groups such as the House Meetings (see Mission and Ministry, 3c.)

d. adhering to a policy of transparency in all budget matters through making the budget as approved by the Vestry available to the congregation

e. increasing stewardship awareness and commitment throughout the year

f. employing the best financial management policies as determined by research of what other churches of similar size and with similar resources are doing

 

2) We will develop a policy for use of available financial resources,  by;

a. researching the best practices of parishes of similar size and with similar available resources

b. establishing a specific three-year plan to determine the best use of operational and reserve resources with a specific formula for the maximum amount that can be used

        from reserve resources1 and for what purposes

c. keeping the parish regularly informed on the use of any and all restricted and unrestricted reserve resources

d. promoting  good and faithful stewardship from the congregation in regard to their financial support of the operations of the parish

e. establishing a three-year comprehensive plan and budget for maintenance of our physical plants and properties

 

     1restricted resources will be utilized only to the extent and for the purposes allowed in all applicable governing documents, and only in accordance with the

       best practices identified in 2a above

        

YEAR 2 (2013)

 

1) We will continue to strengthen our stewardship efforts, by:

a. continuing to provide regular information to the Parish about the Church’s financial needs

b. making the best use of the church's Skills Bank and expanding volunteerism

c. encouraging parishioners to continue to grow in their financial commitment to the parish and its ministries

d. inviting every parishioner to support the church with his/her prayers, presence, gifts, and service

 

2) We will be faithful and good stewards of our resources, by:

a. reviewing all of the church's policies related to financial management and implementing the changes necessary to best manage the church's resources

b. continuing to monitor the use of the income from the Reserve Fund and communications to the parish related to that Fund

c. informing the parish on the financial needs for the operation of the church's ministry and mission including appropriate staffing and maintenance expenses

d. updating a comprehensive demographic study of the community and congregation

e. developing and training new leaders for the church's ministries

 

YEAR 3 (2014)

1) We will grow in stewardship and practice good financial management, by:

a. continuing the policies and programs that have been put in place to strengthen stewardship and implement sound financial management principles during the first two years

        of our Strategic Plan

b. carefully studying all sections of our Annual Budget in order to be better informed of how our resources are allocated for operations, staffing, and mission and ministries

c. keeping the parish fully informed of our financial status, financial responsibilities, and our record of stewardship and giving

 

2) We will make the best use of our resources, by:

a. continuing to monitor closely all of the funds of the Parish

b. studying and determining the best use of all our physical plants and facilities

c. exploring the possibilities of expanding our facilities with an activity center or worship space or multiuse facility

d. developing comprehensive job descriptions for our staff positions and considering any additional staff that may be needed as the Parish grows

 

 

 

 

1) We will be inclusive of the parish in the calling process for a new Rector, by:

a. intentionally communicating with the Parish the progress of the Calling Process including the timeline of the steps that need to be completed with the intention of having a

        new Rector called and in place at Christ Church no later than June of 2013

b. continuing to seek specific ways to engage the Parish in the process

c. allowing the Parish to make recommendations for the make-up of the Calling Committee so as to guide the Vestry in carefully selecting a skilled Calling Committee that will

        reflect all aspects and ages in the Parish

d. keeping the whole Rector calling process transparent through posting the minutes of the meetings (with confidential information not included as necessary)

e. gathering appropriate information from the parish related to the type of Rector best suited for Christ Church

f. engaging the parish in intentional prayer support of the calling process

 

2) We will openly communicate our needs related to the calling of  a new Rector, by;

a. developing a comprehensive profile of the parish, including descriptions of all Guilds and other small groups

b. faithfully implementing our Strategic Plan with its Goals and Objectives and developing an accountability measuring tool for the progress on the specific Goals and Objectives

c. engaging in intentional dialogue with our Bishop related to the search for a new Rector

 

YEAR 2 (2013)

1) We will continue to involve the parish in all aspects of the calling of a new Rector, by:

a. timely and comprehensive communications related to the progress of the calling effort

b. inviting the parish to continue to keep the Calling Committee and their efforts in prayer

c. auditing and continuing to update the church's database

 

2) We will prepare for the arrival of the new Rector, by:

a. forming a Transition Task Force who will begin to outline the steps necessary for the exit of the interim Rector and the arrival and assimilation of the new Rector

b. evaluating current staffing positions and making recommendations to the Vestry related to the best use of staff

c. researching the Rector's Compensation Package offered by churches of similar size and resources

d. continuing to implement all of the aspects of the Parish’s three-year Strategic Plan

e. saying farewell and Godspeed to our interim Rector

 

3) We will welcome the new Rector, by:

a. developing an intentional way for the Rector to meet the families of the Parish

b. evaluating and celebrating the successes of the various elements related to our three-year Strategic Plan

c. praying for the new Rector and his/her family

d. listening to and supporting the personal vision of the new rector for his/her ministry among us

e. preparing a notebook profiling the St. Simons Island community and Glynn County to be presented to the new Rector

 

4) We will facilitate the transition to a new Rector’s leadership, by:

a. implementing a series of house meetings to develop a three-year strategic plan for the next three years under the guidance of the new Rector

b. continuing to provide strong leadership in our particular areas of ministry

c. volunteering and continuing to serve where needed in the life and mission of Christ Church

d. being faithful stewards to our obligations financially and with our presence and prayers

e. uniting in a common spirit as the body of Christ and witnessing to Christ’s love in each of us

 

 

 

 

 

 

God’s plan for the church calls for each member of the Body of Christ to play a vital role.  God wants us to find joy and fulfillment when we serve.  That happens when we serve in a role that matches who God created us to be. In order to determine what role God intends for you at Christ Church, we are asking all of those who would like to be in leadership and implement our Three Year Strategic Plan and who are willing to invest their God given talents in the future of CCF, to participate in a four week course entitled Serving from the Heart. 

 

Those completing the classes will be placed in a “leadership pool.”  From that pool, the Vestry and Rector will choose leaders and members of the Task Forces charged with implementing the Strategic Plan.  The class is being taught at various times and days so that each member of the Parish who wants to serve CCF will have an opportunity to complete the four sessions.  This study leads adults through assessing their talents and abilities, spiritual gifts, resources, individual style, dreams and experiences – all adding to an enhanced capacity to serve God and neighbor.

 

The sign up for the Leadership Classes, Serving from the Heart will take place during the month of February and the classes will be conducted during the month of March.  The goal then is to have all of the Parish's leadership in place no later than April 1, 2012.  

 

To Sign Up for the Serving from the Heart Classes and to indicate your desire to be entered into the "leadership pool" - please CLICK HERE and complete the form.