Visitor Training: Agenda

Below is a suggested agenda for a visitor training session. It is full and will need some careful preparation. The first part of the session sets the scene, looking at the importance of visiting and the theology and basic principles of Giving in Grace. The second part of the session is more practical, exploring exactly what happens on a visit. The notes that accompany the PowerPoint Visitor training presentation offer more detailed advice. If the presentation is not used it can structure the training session and the notes within the file can assist with the content. Again note that it not advisable to hand out copies of every reference document to potential visitors. The case statement may be the only one.

Agenda

Welcome

Opening prayer and Bible reading: 2 Cor 9:1-5

Part one (PowerPoint Slides 1-8)

• What is Giving in Grace? See the Discussion paper on theology
• The core idea of Giving in Grace: differentiation
• Why Giving in Grace is important in the parish. A copy of the completed Parish Case Statement will be needed
• Why visiting is important. See Why Visiting Matters
• Why they have been asked to consider being a visitor
• What must I do?

Discussion on principles and issues in twos over refreshments

Part two (PowerPoint Slides 9-18)

• Before the visit
• Opening the conversation
• The Visitor Pack: examples of the brochure, the letter and the response forms
• Dealing with issues raised: What is the money for? the planned giving envelope scheme; Gift Aid; the value of Standing Orders and also any pastoral issues that might be raised.
• Talking through the Visitor Handouts: some do's and don'ts of visiting
• Making a decision- will you respond to the call? Will you commit to review your own giving first?
• Visitor commissioning service: will this happen?
• Closing prayer