strategic plan implementation progress report second...

WILSHIRE BAPTIST CHURCH

Dallas, Texas

Strategic Plan Implementation Progress Report

Second Quarter 2008:

April - June

Prepared for Challenge Council Meeting Monday, August 4, 2008

File: WBC Challenge Council Second Quarter 2008 Report 08.03.08.doc 2

WILSHIRE BAPTIST CHURCH Strategic Plan Implementation Progress Report

Second Quarter – April through June 2008

Wilshire Statement of Mission: Definition: The Wilshire mission is to build a community of faith shaped by the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Wilshire Statement of Values:

Worship: Gathering together joyfully, reverently and faithfully to praise God. Discipleship: Growing in the grace of Christ through prayer, study and doing God’s will in all things. Fellowship: Sharing together and serving one another as a nurturing and expanding community of God’s love. Witness: Proclaiming by word and deed the good news of God’s salvation, and supporting those in like mission locally and globally. Ministry: Working for God’s justice, mercy and peace in the church, the community and in all creation. Stewardship: Giving boldly of and managing wisely God’s spiritual and material gifts through sacrificial service. Note: The Statement of Mission defines the congregation’s purpose for being.

The Statement of Values defines those uncompromising principles that will guide the congregation through times good and bad.


Wilshire Priorities Overview:

`

The Priorities are designed to move the congregation closer toward serving its mission. The plan timeline is five years: 2007 through 2011

The Wilshire mission is to build a community of faith shaped by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Priority 3: MOBILIZE MISSIONAL SERVANTS: Wilshire will enlist, equip and empower congregants for service in and beyond the church.

Priority 2: PROMOTE CHRISTIAN PRACTICES: Wilshire will equip and encourage all congregants to practice the disciplines of the Christian life.

Priority 1: EVANGELIZE OUR COMMUNITY: Wilshire will invite people to faith in Christ and fellowship with the church.

Priority 4: TEACH BASIC BELIEFS: Wilshire will teach the core beliefs of the Christian faith and historic Baptist distinctives across all ages and stages of faith development.

Priority 5: EXPAND CARE MINISTRIES: Wilshire will support and nurture individuals and families through life challenges.


A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June):

1. The focus for the quarter was on Tactic 1-A-2 (Research and identify ‘best practices’ of other similar congregations with strong ‘hospitality evangelism’ programs in place.) In order to ask other congregations what methods they use

to attract and involve new members, we spent this quarter documenting some of the ways we currently assimilate new members. There are many more connection methods that are not in the attached lists (i.e. Mothers of Pre-Schoolers, choir, committees, mission projects, person-to-person, etc.). See Attachment A: Primary Methods Currently Used to ‘Process’ Wilshire Visitors.

2. With the help of Carolyn Shapard, we took photos of 11 adult Sunday School classes. These photos will be incorporated into the Welcome Center notebook.

Priority 1: EVANGELIZE OUR COMMUNITY- Steve Terry and Mark Wingfield, Priority Co-Leaders Definition: Wilshire will invite people to faith in Christ and fellowship with the church. Rationale:

• From the beginning of the Bible to the end, God’s love is seeking love. God seeks to draw all creation into relationship with himself.

• God has called his people to be a light to the nations and to bear witness to his salvation.

• Jesus himself commanded his followers to be witnesses for him in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the world.

• Thousands of people within reach of Wilshire either do not have a relationship with God through Christ or have no connection to a community of faith.

Strategy 1-A Definition: Nurture, within the congregation, a culture of hospitality that welcomes and connects every person. – Dennis Smith, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. Wilshire will naturally welcome and connect with visitors and other members. 2. Visitors will have a way to get to know Wilshire before becoming a member. 3. Wilshire members will be able to celebrate and recognize our individual and corporate diversity.


B. Goals To Be Pursued During Third Quarter 2008 (July – September):

1. Develop a template or questionnaire to facilitate conversations with other churches concerning their methods for addressing ‘hospitality evangelism.’ This will allow contacts from several different people to cover similar ground.

2. Identify 10 congregations with what appear to be strong ‘hospitality evangelism’ programs in place in search of great ideas that might be implemented at Wilshire.

3. Replace team member Paula Woodbury whose baby is due in September.

Tactic 1-B-1: Research and select resources, materials and methods for training and mentoring people to share their faith with others, e.g. consider modeling the design and roll-out of this endeavor after the Stephen Ministry and / or pastoral residency program at Wilshire.


1. Yvette Patton, Steve Terry, Mark Wingfield, Mike Bateman and Mike Imhoof met to review possible Sunday School

curriculum related to evangelism. 2. Narrowed preferred resources to two possible options.


1. Invite select group of adult Sunday School teachers to review chosen resources and see who would be willing to develop a lesson plan that could be taught in adult Sunday School classes on a rotation basis.

Strategy 1-B Definition: Train and mentor people to share their faith. – Yvette Patton, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. Scores of Christians are being trained and mentored to share their faith with others. 2. Wilshire will be recognized among other faith communities as a model training ground for development and

mentoring of people in faith-sharing. 3. Wilshire will be a dynamic, growing congregation.


Tactic 1-B-2: Identify capable, willing members of the congregation for training as teachers-mentors in faith-sharing.


1. See report for Strategy 1-B-1. Tactic 1-B-3: Educate and promote Wilshire’s new faith-sharing resources among members of the congregation.


1. Not applicable at this time.

Tactic 1-B-4: Periodically offer train-the-trainers / mentor courses to gradually enlarge the numbers of those in the congregation who are available to mentor others in faith-sharing. A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June):


Tactic 1-B-5: Identify and train those in the congregation who are willing to be trained and mentored in sharing their faith with others. A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June):



Tactic 1-C-1: Plan and promote a regular series of guest speakers on a variety of topics. A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June):

1. No action in this quarter; awaiting further input from other areas of strategic interest for collaboration.


1. Continue to gather input from other strategic areas to begin formulating additional plans for guest speakers of community interest that also coincide with our strategic goals.

Tactic 1-C-2: Expand offerings in music and the arts.


1. Major work was done in preparing for soft launch of the Wilshire Academy of Fine Arts targeting. 2. Used Wilshire Winds patriotic concert as a community outreach event, resulting in 730 people (many guests)

eating barbeque dinner and a full house in the Sanctuary for the July 2 concert. 3. Laid plans for four future art exhibits in 2008 and 2009, each with distinct themes that can connect with teaching

and outreach.

Strategy 1-C Definition: Identify and create events and service opportunities that serve as entry points for inviting friends and others into fellowship with the church. – __________________________, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. Membership increases and increased attendance at Wilshire events. 2. More people who view Wilshire as a place for community. 3. A culture of change with focus on connecting with prospective members through both new and existing ministries

and programs.


B. Goals for Third Quarter 2008 (July – September):

1. Launch Wilshire Academy of Fine Arts. 2. Publicize new season of senior adult choir in the community to increase outreach.

Tactic 1-C-3: Increase and promote hospitality; offer use of Wilshire facilities for outside groups and their events and publicize the offerings to members of the congregation. A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June):

1. Hosted several outside groups. 2. Not aggressively pursuing this tactic until construction is completed.


1. This tactic may be interrupted by construction although outside groups are using Wilshire facilities even during construction.

Tactic 1-C-4: Offer thematic events, e.g. the Robert Benson prayer conference. A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June):

1. To be addressed later.


1. To be addressed later.


Tactic 1-C-5: Create more activities for men. A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June):

1. Planning in process for both men’s ski trip and men’s canoe campout, both of which promote fellowship and spiritual development


1. Execute plans for ski trip and canoe trip. Tactic 1-C-6: Collaborate with Priority 4 (Teach Basic Beliefs) to create a Wilshire course in basic Christianity. A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June):

1. This tactic is at a standstill due to commitments of an enlisted leader to help first at Christ Church Rockwall and awaiting arrangements with new adult education staff.


1. Continuing dialogue and preparation.


A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June): 1. See Priority 2 team report below


1. See Priority 2 team report below

Priority 2: PROMOTE CHRISTIAN PRACTICES – Jeff Hampton and Doug Haney, Priority Co-Leaders Definition: Wilshire will equip and encourage all congregants to practice the disciplines of the Christian life. Rationale:

• Christian maturity requires intentional personal spiritual practices or disciplines to deepen one’s relationship with God. It takes practice to become ‘imitators of Christ’.

• As a church, we are called to equip fellow believers to live out the love of Christ through experiential learning.

• ‘Habits of the heart’, or spiritual practices, are needed for personal growth and to strengthen the Wilshire community.

• Spiritual practices or disciplines to be encouraged may include but not be limited to prayer, scripture, spiritual reading, meditation, worship, fasting, solitude, spiritual friendship, stewardship and spiritual journaling.

Strategy 2-A Definition: Identify and define historic Christian practices. – Jeff Hampton, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. The congregation will be open to using Christian practices personally and corporately. 2. Prayer will become more important both personally and corporately. 3. The congregation will look different demographically.






A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June): 1. See Priority 2 team report below

Strategy 2-B Definition: Identify resources to help individuals understand and explore disciplines of the Christian life. – Tina Murdock, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. Wilshire will be known as a resource and teaching center for disciplines of the Christian life. 2. Members will be able to talk about disciplines of the Christian life with clarity and confidence. 3. Wilshire members and the congregation community will become new resources for the disciplines of the

Christian life.

Strategy 2-C: Create opportunities to invite people to become aware of and experience historic Christian practices. – Phyllis Gross, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. A wide variety of personal and community experiences – both one-time and ongoing – will be offered throughout each year to highlight disciplines of the Christian life.

2. More people across the congregation will have incorporated Christian disciplines into their everyday lives. 3. A variety of Wilshire events will promote Christian practices with appeal to people of all ages and stages of faith

development.




Second Quarter 2008 Progress Report for Priority 2 – Promote Christian Practices: Having previously identified an extensive list of Christian Practices and narrowed the initial focus to three – Prayer, Scripture Reading/Study, Silence/Meditation – the Priority 2 strategy groups are now focusing on a series of events for January 2009. Doug Haney worked with Wilshire staff to establish three successive calendar dates for these events. The focus of the events will be prayer, but they will include some of the other Christian practices that have been identified since many are in fact forms of “prayer” or activities that help guide and focus prayer. Strategy Group 2-B has continued to research and hone a list of resources for understanding, learning and adopting Christian practices. Strategy Group 2-C has also explored some of these resources. Strategy Group 2-A has completed its initial work but will participate as desired in the ongoing Priority 2 plans. A meeting on July 27 between the strategy group leaders led to the formation of the following event schedule and focus:

January 11 – Christian Practice Emphasis Partnering with Wilshire Academy, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Aspects of Prayer

• Contemplative Prayer: Silence and Meditation

• Praying the Scripture

• A Journey of Praying: Labyrinth and Prayer Walking

• Ancient Practices of Prayer for Today

• Prayer Books: Guides for Praying

• Teaching Children to Pray

• Finding Time for Prayer in a Busy World

• Introduction to Companions in Christ

• Introduction to Philip Yancey’s Prayer: Does it Make a Difference presented briefly to all participants during lunchtime as an introduction to the next event on January 18.


January 18 – Christian Practice Emphasis in homes, time and places TBD Prayer: Does it Make a Difference by Philip Yancey This will be a guided discussion of Yancey’s 2006 book by the same title which serves as an introduction to discovering the purposes and promises of prayer. The groups will be led by “trained” leaders and will also be aided by ancillaries available with the book (DVD, participants’ guide, prayer journal). It is anticipated that some groups will want to continue the discussion on their own and the participants’ guide to the Yancey book is already set up as a six-session course. Members of our Priority team will be available to help facilitate the continuation of these discussions, but these will be mostly self-propelled groups after the initial meetings. January 25 – Christian Practice Emphasis partnering with Sunday Evening Vespers / Pastoral Residents This will be a service of prayer that incorporates some of the forms of prayer that will have been explored over the past two Sundays:

• Contemplative

• Intercession

• Scriptural

• others



1. Obtained feedback from Priority 3 team on scripture references and finalized the list. The list of scriptures will be

used as the basis for developing our core communication re: our calling as Christians 2. Secured a draft list of all internal and external opportunities for missions and service at Wilshire. We will need to

confirm any changes with the list before using it in a formal communications plan.


1. Develop a core communication, based upon the scriptures obtained, that will enable congregants to understand they are the hands and feet of Christ. Get feedback from Priority 3 team.

2. Identify persons and/or groups in Wilshire that might be candidates to tell their missional story. Brainstorm various ways and places they could tell their story.

Priority 3: MOBILIZE MISSIONAL SERVANTS – Jessica Capps and Mary Ann Hill, Priority Co-Leaders Definition: Wilshire will enlist, equip and empower congregants for service in and beyond the church. Rationale:

• Jesus makes it clear that serving others is a part of Christian discipleship.

• Serving is a natural progression for the growing Christian.

• Serving through gifts and strengths provides a sense of fulfillment and belonging for congregants.

• The gifts of each are important to the whole.

• Wilshire can have a larger impact on the community and the world if every congregant is engaged in ministry.

Strategy 3-A: Articulate opportunities to change and save lives within and beyond the Wilshire family of faith, enabling congregants to understand they are the hands and feet of Christ. – Jason Woodbury, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. There will be an increase in number of missional servants. 2. There will be expanded opportunities for service within existing partner organizations and/or expansion into new

partner organizations. 3. There will be widespread understanding of missional service opportunities as well as our responsibilities as

Christians to be the hands and feet of Christ.


A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June): 1. In April, completed a three-week offering of Living Your God-Given Strengths to the Seekers Sunday School

Class. 2. Began conversations with leaders of Priority 5 (Expand Care Ministries) with regard to how the StrengthsFinder

might be utilized to aid them in their ministries. 3. In June Wilshire’s summer interns took the StrengthsFinder and were coached in its use.


1. Continue conversations with leaders of Priority 5 (Expand Care Ministries) with regard to how the StrengthsFinder might be utilized to aid them in their ministries.

2. Continue coaching interns while at Wilshire. 3. Offer a Living Your God-Given Strengths course this fall during the Sunday School hour.

Strategy 3-B: Identify and affirm the strengths and gifts of people for service. – Geri McKenzie, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. At least 750 Wilshire members will have identified their strengths via the StrengthsFinder assessment. 2. Enthusiasm for ministry has become contagious and oozes through the congregation. 3. Knowing strengths and gifts will create ownership, more involvement and the church’s membership will be

retained and grown.


A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June): 1. n.a.


1. n.a.


1. Enlisted 2 teachers to serve as new mentors for the fall. 2. Continued to look for those willing to serve as mentors.

Strategy 3-C: Match the strengths of individuals with opportunities for service. – Jessica Capps, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. There will be a higher percentage of congregants involved in meaningful ministry. 2. There will be personal fulfillment in knowing one is in the right place and making a difference. 3. There will be a natural ownership of community service: buy-in, passionate, proactive; people see needs and

step in to help meet them.

Strategy 3-D: Model and mentor ways to use one’s strengths and gifts in specific ministries. – Deah McCoy, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. Scores of people will be willing to be mentors for development of missional servants. 2. A system will be in place to provide feedback and evaluation to mentees and mentors. 3. Scores of people will be willing to be mentored. 4. Mentored missional servants will become mentors themselves.



1. Continue discovery and enlistment of experienced teachers who might be willing to serve as mentors. 2. Determine with Julie Girards the best place within the children’s division to use the recently enlisted mentors.


1. Begin catalogue of ‘thanking’ already occurring at Wilshire. 2. Compile list of areas of service at Wilshire. Continue working with staff liaisons. 3. Contact encouragement ministry team leader to understand steps already in place.


1. Determine specific ways to use education opportunities as recognition opportunities. 2. Ensure that teachers in all departments are recognized consistently. Coordinate with staff on appreciation

breakfasts, etc. already in place. 3. Research ideas for encouragement, affirmation and recognition used both in and outside of Wilshire.

Strategy 3-E: Recognize, encourage and affirm people who serve. – Meredith Mosley, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. All Wilshire members who are serving in any capacity feel appreciated. 2. A culture of recognition, encouragement and affirmation will have been created. 3. Wilshire will have started a Barnabas ministry team.



1. Statement of Christian core beliefs and Baptist distinctives has been completed. SEE ATTACHMENT B: DRAFT STATEMENT OF CORE CHRISTIAN BELIEFS AND HISTORIC BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES


1. TBD

Priority 4: TEACH BASIC BELIEFS – Mike Rosamond and Judy Yarbrough, Priority Co-Leaders Definition: Wilshire will teach the core beliefs of the Christian faith and historic Baptist distinctives across all ages and stages of faith development. Rationale:

• To ground congregants in the doctrines of the Christian faith and historic Baptist distinctives;

• The core beliefs of the Christian creeds and historic Baptist confessions shape the intellectual life of the church;

• All congregants are in need of theological formation in the knowledge of God and the things of God;

• There is an over-arching Biblical narrative that provides the context for Christian teaching and that unites the body of Christ.

Strategy 4-A: Identify and define core beliefs of the Christian faith and historic Baptist distinctives. – Darren DeMent and Rick Logsdon, Strategy Implementation Co-Coordinators Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. We will have agreement on core beliefs of the Christian faith; 2. We will have identified a set of core Baptist distinctives; 3. We will have developed a framework for further exploration.


A. Goals Achieved During Second Quarter 2008 (April – June): 1. Surveys of Adult Sunday School classes were conducted to determine current curriculum and teaching methods

being used. This information was reviewed by the Priority task force. At this time, it is believed that further formal surveys will not be necessary, although informal reviews and discussions with directors and teachers at all age levels will take place throughout Strategy 4-B.


1. Identify existing resources that address Christian beliefs and Baptist specifics in a formational teaching format and determine whether resources may be used in present format or whether revisions or additions are required. As / if existing resources prove to be ready to utilize ‘as is’, work with Strategy 4-C team members to put these resources, along with the statements prepared by Strategy 4-A team, into the hands of directors and teachers for use on a ‘test case’ basis.


1. Several potential implementation opportunities have been identified, including some which involve teaming with other Priority teams to implement teaching of core Christian Beliefs and Baptist distinctives.

Strategy 4-B: Develop and implement a comprehensive approach to faith development that teaches the core beliefs of the Christian faith and historic Baptist distinctives in the context of the over-arching Biblical narrative. – Gail Serratt and Julie Girards, Strategy Implementation Co-Coordinators Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. We will be making progress in understanding our basic beliefs and Baptist distinctives; 2. We will be making progress in tying our basic beliefs and Baptist distinctives to the over-arching Biblical narrative; 3. We will be becoming excited and eager to share our beliefs with others.

Strategy 4-C: Invite and engage people of all ages and faith stages to learn the core beliefs of the Christian faith and historic Baptist distinctives. – Carolyn Murray and Mindy Bateman, Strategy Co-Coordinators Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. Scores of people of all ages will be actively engaged in ongoing learning; 2. Creating and fostering of a consistent mechanism to help congregants know and understand; 3. The majority will embrace and proudly own the core beliefs of the Christian faith and Baptist distinctives.



1. Possibly implement the issuance of currently existing materials, as identified by the Strategy 4-B team, along with the statement of core Christian beliefs and Baptist distinctives to Sunday School class directors and teachers for use on a ‘test case’ basis.



1. Johnny Taylor, Janda Taylor, Jim McCray and Tiffany Wright met on June 25 to discuss recommendations concluded from the research of best practices as presented during the last Quarterly Challenge Council meeting. Each practice was reviewed as to its potential for application at Wilshire. Focus was given to seven interesting practices which seemed on the basis of logistics and organizational structure needed for implementation. Discussion was also given to the possibility of pairing some Sunday School classes for caring such as an older class paired with a younger class; but more discussion will follow concerning that idea.

A complete summary of all ‘best practices’ reviewed is available from Johnny Taylor for anyone interested in seeing the entire summary.

Focus will be given, for now, to the following seven potential care ministry practices – not arranged in any particular order of priority:

Priority 5: EXPAND CARE MINISTRIES – Janda Edwards, Laurie Taylor and Tiffany Wright, Priority Implementation Co-Leaders Definition: Wilshire will support and nurture individuals and families through life stages and challenges. Rationale:

• The Spirit of Christ builds community by meeting people where they are.

• Jesus taught us to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’.

• There are many examples of life stages and challenges in the church community and the neighborhood community today.

• During life stages and challenges, people may be receptive to the church’s ministry and the voice of God.

Strategy 5-A: Research and adapt ‘best practices’ of other communities of faith that do a superb job of providing care ministries for individuals and families. – Johnny Taylor, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

1. We will be aware of virtually every potential care model. 2. We will have evaluated, analyzed and determined which care models to pursue. 3. We will have implemented the best of the care models we have found.


Best Practice 1: The Support Team Network – A Nationwide ministry utilized in churches throughout the United States.

WHAT IS A SUPPORT TEAM? A Support Team is a group of volunteers working together to provide practical, emotional, and spiritual support for individuals and families living with health concerns or other special needs. WHAT DOES A SUPPORT TEAM DO? A team's activities may include transportation to the doctor or grocery store, household or yard chores. Some people enjoy running errands, preparing meals, or providing social outings. Others prefer to visit, make phone calls, or provide a break for caregivers. Team Members simply do what they enjoy doing for others, when they are able, in an organized way, with a built-in support system. By coordinating their efforts as a team, volunteers can support others in many important ways without burning out. WHY ARE SUPPORT TEAMS NEEDED? As individuals and families deal with serious illness, they may need assistance with caregiving for months or years. Often volunteer caregiving efforts are short term or limited in scope.


Support Teams help friends and neighbors join forces to provide a very practical and comprehensive approach to volunteer caregiving. A training conference was held at North Park Presbyterian Church February 27 – 28, 2008, and attended by representatives of several churches in the Dallas area. Wilshire would be a good location to host a follow-up conference for those churches led by James Brooks, Executive Director of Project Compassion in Chapel Hill, NC and Leadership Development Director for the National Support Team Network. The event could serve as a follow-up for those who attended the February conference as well as a training event for those interested at Wilshire and other churches in the area who may want to initiate the concept in their church. This concept is Ecumenical in that Wilshire Baptist Church could partner with other churches in the area to meet the growing needs of the community surrounding the church This concept is Evangelistic in that it is taking the gospel to share the love of Christ to people in need. May be used for community surrounding the church also. This concept is Missional in that it is mission action in its purest form. This concept is Biblical in that it is living out the Good Samaritan Story.

Best Practice 2: Shepherd Program Full Gospel Church of God in Christ St. Michaels and All Angels Episcopal Church Dallas, TX Margaret Sharp, Shepherd Volunteer Coordinator System for identifying and addressing member needs. All congregant families assigned by geographic location to a Shepherd who makes contact at least twice per year, distributes updated roster annually, sends birthday cards and/or seasonal card, serves as the point person for a communicated need from member or church staff, and coordinates hand-off to church for longer term needs, perhaps through Support Team Network. Approximately 20 families per Neighborhood Shepherd and a regional Shepherd oversee several Neighborhood Shepherd groups.


Best Practice 3: Visitor / Community Video DVD Christ United Methodist Church 3101 Coit Road Plano, Texas 75075 Five minute presentation provided to visitors and community about the church and its ministries. This also can be a way to share how new members can connect to groups and programs interested.

Best Practice 4: Shawl Ministry St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 2700 West Spring Creek Parkway Plano, Texas 75023 Tish Allen: 972-335-6501 E-Mail: [email protected] Care and the love of knitting and crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reach out to those in need of comfort and solace as well or other life challenges. Many blessings are knitted or crocheted into the shawls. Designers begin each one with prayers and blessings for the recipient. This is based on a 3-stitch seed pattern. The pattern of threes can be found in every religion and society. This is a reflection of planting peace, healing, love, comfort and hope. In the tradition of Christian faith, the number three symbolizes the Trinity. When the shawls are completed they are offered a final blessing before being distributed.

Best Practice 5: Prayer Pager Lovers Lane United Methodist Church 9200 Inwood Road Dallas, Texas 75220 Pagers are distributed to various church members who go to the hospital or are sick at home. Members are asked to pray for the individual with the pager and then call the pager imputing the caller’s Zip Code. Those with pagers become more conscious of the prayers of the congregation.


Best Practice 6: Affinity Groups Wilshire Baptist Church Singles Ministry Tiffany Wright and Gail Serratt Various offerings of activities for people with a common interest (e.g., cycling, book club, movie bunch, dance group, culinary group) as a way to connect people. These could expand to offer church-wide to encourage intergenerational interaction.

Best Practice 7: Better Use of Connections Survey in Database Format to Connect People Wilshire Baptist Church Contact: Jessica Capps

Update, maintain and make available database to staff with information from Connections survey as a way to better connect people with similar life experiences.


1. Continue to research, refine and prioritize potential care ministry ideas and opportunities.


1. n.a.

Strategy 5-B: Compile, make readily available, and periodically update a list of quality, accessible resources to which member and non-member individuals and families could be referred. – Donna Hamby, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

• A list of quality, accessible resources will be readily available to the congregation.

• A person or persons will be readily available for consultation to interpret available resources.

• A process will be in place to assure that the inventory of resources is regularly updated.



1. Get input and approval from Associate Pastor to administer a survey of the congregation; 2. Distribute questionnaire to congregants; 3. Gather data from questionnaire and begin to develop care ministry responses based upon needs identified by congregants; 4. Research with key ministry staff members those available resources already in place for congregants.


1. Began laying groundwork for launch of the Care Team Ministry (The Support Team Network). Tiffany Wright will serve as the ministry staff liaison for this new venture; and Mindy Logsdon, Nicky Bell, Linda Garner and Tiffany Wright will be trained to launch and give guidance to this new work.


1. Follow-up on plans to launch the new Care Team Ministry.

Strategy 5-C: Identify and connect individuals and families facing life stages and challenges with others who have knowledge and/or expertise to support and minister to them. – Mindy Logsdon, Strategy Implementation Coordinator Three conditions at Wilshire that will be totally different by 2011 as a result of achievement of this Strategy:

• Every individual will be cared for at Wilshire.

• Every individual in the congregation will know where to go and how to get help when needed.

• A system will be in place to identify and connect those who need ministry with those who have appropriate resources to provide ministry.

strategic plan implementation progress report second...

Documents