The Smart Church, part 3

What are the most important things going on in and around your congregation?

What are the issues that most concern the people in the community that your
congregation serves? If you knew the answer to this, your congregation could offer
programs that would address those issues. Where are the people located in the larger
community who would most likely be attracted to your congregation? If you knew the
answer to this question you would be able to focus marketing on those areas. How do
these people like to be contacted? The answer to this question will save time, energy and
money and reach people in the way they are most likely to hear your message. What is
the growth in your area? Is your congregation growing at the same rate as the larger the
community? Does your congregation want to grow? Does your congregation serve the
larger community by being the Unitarian Universalist congregation that is needed? When
is the last time your congregation had a demographics survey done? A demographics
survey would answer these questions and many more.

How much time does the Board of Trustees focus on the unimportant?

Focusing on the unimportant is an easy trap to fall into. We all understand the small
issues that come up in our congregation so it is easy for us to spend time on them. The
Board of Trustees focusing on the minutia is common but not the best use of their time,
energy or expertise. Are the standing committees of your congregation trusted to make
decisions? Are leaders empowered to make decisions?

What is the most important reason for your Board of Trustees to exist?
Boards of Trustees are Deacons. They are the elected stewardship body of the
congregation. The Board should be focused on the big picture, upholding the values of
the congregation, making and carrying out policy. They should be keeping the
congregation on mission heading toward the vision. They should understand their
responsibilities. They should be empowered and supported. They should be allowed to
lead. Serving on the Board of Trustees is an honor. Nominating Committees should
understand all of this when they ask members to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Whom do we serve?

There are polarities that exist in congregations. Each of the ends of these polarities is of
equal importance. An example would be outreach and serving members (inreach). If we
neglect one or the other of these important aspects of ministry the congregation will
suffer. Our ministry needs to balance both sides of the polarities. Another polarity
example is funding property and funding programs – we need both. Another: new
member programs and long time member programs. I am sure that you could think of
more examples. ¶ 12/05/2006