Strengths and Weaknesses

The first step in the completion of the case statement is to spend time exploring the strengths and weaknesses of the church. The task is begun at the first meeting of the Planning Group. It is no accident that this is the starting point. Giving in Grace is not a budget exercise but a challenge to church congregations to abundantly resource the mission of the church. The primary focus is not money but ministry. Taking the time at the start of the planning process to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the church underlines this fundamental point.

One visitor to a church in Liverpool heard the church treasurer speaking to the congregation about their recent Giving in Grace initiative:

“During the service the treasurer gave a report on GIG which they launched in November 2005. It appears to have been a wonderful success and their giving has increased by 70% …. As a visitor it was clear that the effect is much more than monetary, there was a real buzz about the place and a sense that God was at work with His people there”

Exploring strengths and weaknesses in the context of Giving in Grace is not the kind of disciplined, structured analysis that might accompany strategic planning. It is more about informal refection and open ended conversation amongst people who have the life of their local church close to their heart. Feedback from churches indicates that reflecting on the highs and lows of ministry has been a welcome and creative task that has generated energy within the planning group.

An illustration of how a strengths and weaknesses analysis might look can be found in the sample case statement might look.