You're invited to be a part of "Think Tank"

Read, Consider, Discuss, Grow with Think Tank! In Think Tank, we will be reading and discussing Kennon Callahan’s highly acclaimed book the 12 Keys to an Effective Church.  The"12 Keys" program, created by  Kennon Callahan, helps a church evaluate its ministry and mission based on the "12 keys" or ministries found in effective churches.   Churches identify the Keys which are the 'strengths' within their church and develop ways to build on and expand these 'strengths.'  The "12 Keys" program builds new energy, focus and self-confidence in churches and is very user-friendly. According to Callahan, there are twelve characteristics of strong healthy congregations.  To be considered a strong healthy congregation churches must   deliver any 9 out of the 12.   Here are the twelve keys to a strong and healthy church:  1. Specific, concrete mission objectives 2. Pastoral and lay visitation 3. Corporate, dynamic worship 4. Significant, relational groupings 5. Strong leadership resources 6. Solid decision making 7. Several programs and activities 8. Open accessibility 9. High visibility 10. Adequate land and parking 11. Adequate space and facilities 12. Solid financial resources If a church delivers four or fewer of these characteristics, Callahan says they are dying.  At our last vestry retreat, the vestry scored St. Philip’s at around 6-8. Where do you think we score?     In the coming year, will focus on the strengths we already have, not the strengths we wish we had or even that we used to have.  Then we will follow Callahan’s plan to enhance our strengths and grow in spirit and numbers.  Once a month, on the 2nd Monday we’ll meet in the Foote Library to discuss one chapter of this book; what we like, what we didn’t like and what we think might just work for us at St. Philip’s now and in the coming years.   This will be a year long endeavor, but you are not required to come to each month’s class.  The only requirement?  If you want to come to discuss and     listen, you must read the book, or the chapter that is being discussed.   New, used and discounted copies of this book are available online for very little from sellers like Amazon.com, Borders and Barnes and Noble.  New copies can be ordered through the gift shop at St. Michael’s in Barrington also.  Call 847-382-6435 and support their outreach ministry with your purchase!

Sign me up for Think Tank! Name * First Last Email * Comment * Questions and Answers:  What will the class be like? We’ll gather at 7:15 for a brief social time with refreshments and then get down to business at 7:30.  We’ll adjourn at 8:30.    What is the format? Each month we’ll go over one chapter in the book.  We’ll begin with a short overview of what was covered and then cheer the parts we loved and debunk the parts we think won’t work for us.  We’ll end with looking at St. Philip’s and scoring our church on how well it meets that month’s keys, offering brainstorms and suggestions for use in the coming years.   When  and where will it meet? We’ll meet in the Foote Library on the 2nd Monday of each month for one hour, beginning at 7:15, with a class starting time of 7:30.    Who can attend? Anyone who has read that month’s chapter.  Callahan has a very definite set of ideas about how to be successful at being church.  Coming into the class without being familiar with his approach would be disruptive.   What if I can’t attend each class?  Come when you can!  We know you have a life and commitments, but we want your thoughts and  voice whenever you’re available!   Will there be childcare? Right now we do not have childcare planned.  If this is a problem, contact Rev. Graves.   What will the end result be? After we’ve gone through all 12 chapters,  the rector will compile all the ideas, discussions, pros and cons into one document that will be used by the next year’s vestry and committees as a planning tool.  This will be made available to all parishioners.   Do I need to register?  No, but it’s helpful if you do, only because it allows us to have enough refreshments.  A sign up sheet is (you guessed it) on the narthex table.