The Church Consultation Process
Evaluation and Diagnostic Services for Congregations

1. Purpose
The Church Consultation is designed to assist the congregation in viewing its ministries and its community with "church growth eyes." It is a church "check-up" which looks specifically at key "vital signs" of congregational life and ministry.

2. Process
The church session and pastor take official action inviting the Director of the Division to conduct a consultation, and communicate that request in writing. At that time the consultant calendars the event, in conversation with the pastor.
A week-end event, beginning with a congregational fellowship time on Friday evening, includes individual interviews on Saturday with members of the church, visits with the pastor, the session and other leadership groups during the week-end. The consultant attends Sunday services as if he were a "visitor."
Within three weeks after the event, the consultant prepares a detailed report to the session, offering analysis and suggestions for program planning as appropriate. Sufficient copies of the report are provided for the leadership of the church who consider the findings of the evaluation process.

3. Preparation
Advance Preparation Materials, supplied by the consultant, are completed by a local task force, which also handles all arrangements and appointments for the event. This may be the session or a special committee established for this purpose. The planning group will need access to the church's membership records, Sunday School records, and financial reports since 1975. Those who serve on the planning group should be thoroughly familiar with the church's program
A Sunday worship attendance check, using a methodology prescribed by the consultant, is taken over four consecutive Sundays in advance of the consultation week-end.
All Advance Materials and attendance results are mailed directly to the consultant according to a timeline prescribed in the Materials.
A demographic "Ministry Area Profile" is ordered by the Board of Missions from Percept to provide the latest possible community data for the church.

4. Price
The consultant service is provided by the Board of Missions at no cost to Cumberland Presbyterian congregations, except:
(a) $305 for the "Ministry Area Profile," paid to the Board of Missions;
(b) Lodging and meals for the consultant during the event, and round-trip mileage or air fare.

Date Last Updated: March 29, 2006