Planning

The planning phase of the programme is focused in the work of the Planning Group authorised by the church leadership. It is the time for planning the essential foundations on which Giving in Grace will be built: prayer, preaching, communication, interaction (e.g. visiting and house groups) and making a financial analysis.

The drop down menu under the Timetable button at the top of each web page gives access to the agendas for six planning meetings. These agendas provide a structure to the work of the Planning Group and will enable the group to explore the extensive resources on the site. The six agendas provide step by step guidance to building the case statement; the single document that crystallises the heart of the programme. Completing the case statement focuses the work of the Planning Group and again provides a way into the extensive resources on the site.

Six months is a reasonable time to allocate to the planning phase. Some churches will be able to do it in less with commitment and focus. Other churches may wish to take longer, working more slowly to build consensus. The key is to be flexible, allocating more or possibly less meetings, as they are needed for a well planned programme.

The planning phase is supported by a planning checklist and finishes with a pre programme meeting, held just before the preaching series commences.