A lay and clergy group who serve the Diocese of Olympia and its congregations as skilled consultants to congregations (primary) and, (secondary) to diocesan groups and specific diocesan-wide initiatives.
Sustaining congregations: Team-building, goal-setting and Mutual Ministry Review, data-gathering, program assessment and planning, organizational culture assessment and improvement work, Vestry retreats, parish-wide congregational development sessions, change processes, helping congregations deal with new opportunities (membership growth, transition, mutual discernment, anything requiring parish-wide listening and decision making processes)
Transitioning congregations: Pastorate start-up and ending, portions of call process, redevelopment work
Specialized requests: Conflict consultations, facilitation for advancing and deepening stewardship, evangelization, multi-cultural/ethnic, youth and young adult development work; long-term congregational development consultations; developing new ministries etc.
All consultants working in the consulting network are deployed by the Rev. Melissa Skelton, Canon for Congregational Development. Once deployed, the consultant and client congregation or group works out an agreement for the work that includes the scope and goals of the consultation as well as fees involved (our consultants charge a modest fee for their services). If a congregation wishes to engage a consultant but cannot afford to pay, the Canon for Congregational Development may have funds that can underwrite the effort.
For more information:
The Rev. Melissa Skelton
Canon for Congregational Development
206.291.5001
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