Consultant's report

In 2006, Doug Anderson of The Bishop Rueben Job Center for Leadership Development, Dakota Wesleyan University (Mitchell, South Dakota) provided external consultation to First United Methodist Church. Following interviews, observations and many conversations with staff and laity, Dr. Anderson provided a writen report to provide structural guidance to the future of First United Methodist Church.

Introduction

As a consultant invited by the Administrative Council, I met with over 100 leaders, members, and constituents of the First United Methodist Church on June 5-7, 2006 for a time of consultation. I held individual interviews with members of the staff, including pastoral and program staff. I also met with key lay leaders individually for their insights and observations about the church. In addition to the individual interviews, I also met the following groups of people (or representative): Staff-Parish Relations Committee; Leadership Team; Trustees; Finance Committee and Foundation; Education Ministry Action Group (MAG) and Sunday School teachers; Welcoming MAG; Outreach, Missions, and Church and Society MAGs; Worship and Music; a group of 30+ year members; a group of members in their 30s and 40s; a group of members with 5 or less years of tenure; the staff; and the Administrative Council. The consultation was highlighted by the Monday and Tuesday sessions with the Administrative Council, leaders, and all others of the congregation who wished to attend where pertinent data was shared and examined and my recommended leverage points were presented and discussed . These three days were a lively and enlightening time together.

It is therefore out of this framework of contact with many groups and leaders within the First United Methodist Church (in addition to pre-consultation questionnaire, letters, and data) that I offer to you my reflections, my observations, my insights, my recommendations and my perception of the key leverage points for the future growth of your church. It was indeed a privilege and a joy to spend this pivotal period of time with you. Your energy, openness, honesty, humor, dedication, commitment, and insightfulness made my work easier and renewing. The opportunity to assist you in building on your already obvious strength as a church was exciting. I trust that most of what I offer to you in this report will be helpful to you and your ministry as a church in the coming months and years. May God continue to bless you in your efforts to fulfill your purpose, to glorify God by making disciples for Jesus Christ.

The remainder of Dr. Anderson's report