Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Phase Two - Feasibility Study
What is a Feasibility Study?
A feasibility study is a systematic process of inviting the congregation to respond to the emerging ministry plan for Good Shepherd. The process determines our “readiness” to move forward with expanded mission, ministry, and facility plans.
When did the Feasibility Study Occur?
The study occurred during the week of February 23-29, 2004. It consisted of numerous focus groups, interviews, and a congregational survey. In four days of focus groups and personal interviews, 151 people came out and engaged in fruitful dialogue about our future ministry. The survey handed out on Sunday, February 29 was filled out by more than 250 people.
What were the Results of the Study?
On April 20, David Misenheimer presented
a
Report of Findings with Recommendations to the congregation. The report
indicated strong Positive Indicators by the congregation for the Master Ministry Plan. Highlights include:
I. High Level of Agreement with all elements of the proposed Ministry Plan, including:
Focusing Good Shepherd ministry on growing disciples (94% agreement).
Developing Community through Small Group ministry (85% agreement)
Worship variety with simultaneous Education ranks very high (83% agreement)
Strong Support for the emerging ministry Plan (80% agreement)
II. Very strong support for major improvements in the sanctuary (91% agreement)
III. Strong support to build a multi-purpose facility for program ministry (82% agreement)
IV. High level of support for having a capital campaign (77% agreement)
V. Strong indications of financial commitments to campaign (73% agreement)
What
were the Recommendations
of the Study?
-
That the Church Council prepare a specific prioritized list of projects and ministries to be accomplished with a timeline, in preparation for a capital campaign in Fall 2004. This document should include a proposed staffing plan to develop ministry in the three areas indicated above (note: these are Small Group ministry, Discipleship and Spiritual gifts, and Education), how ministry development projects can fund these new positions through the capital campaign, and when each new staff person might begin ministry at Good Shepherd.
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That Council appoint a Building Committee and hire an architect to proceed with conceptual drawings for (a) a multi-story ministry building to replace the current fellowship hall, and that space be created for fellowship/recreation, kitchen, offices, and classrooms; and (b) renovations to the current sanctuary to include seeking ways to include more seating area, providing space for musical leadership, general updating (carpet, lights, a/v, etc), and the narthex/gathering area.
-
That the Sunday schedule for worship and education be altered to begin in Fall 2004, based on the openness of the congregation for this change to allow for growth, members’ #1 hope for GS. That schedule, tested in the Feasibility Study, could be:
8:30 Traditional
9:45 or 10:00 Blended
9:45 or 10:00 Education for children, youth, adults
11:00 or 11:15 Contemporary
11:00 or 11:15 Education/Small groups for adults -
That the Council establish a special task group or commission the Evangelism Committee to develop a strategy for helping members grow in their desire and comfort in becoming invitational evangelists.
A Word of Encouragement
We need and value your input regarding the specifics of our proposed plans and the overall future of our congregation. Participate in this important process. Continue to keep the church’s ministry in your ongoing prayers.
Last Updated: 04/11/08 08:35 AM