PARTNERSHIP CONSULTANTS BRIEF
Background
Like any other organisations, local churches can greatly benefit from objective, impartial and sympathetic outside advice, which is informed by knowledge and experience of local church life and needs. This help can be valuable
- When churches and leaderships have specific difficulties which they feel that they cannot resolve on their own; and
- In more positive circumstances, when churches want an objective view of their strengths, weaknesses and strategic opportunities.
Even the best and biggest churches can find outside help profitable. Seeking it is not a sign of weakness or inability to cope.
Contact
Keith Barnard (National Director) Tel. 01223 415757
Overall purpose and objective of the consultant
On request, to assist churches, leadership teams and/or individual leaders, by providing objective, impartial and sympathetic advice on overall strategy, particular issues and developments, or specific difficulties which they may face.
Guidelines on the advisory process
- Consider the initial request from the church or leadership team and assess whether the proposed remit is within the personal experience and competence of the consultant. If not, consider who else may be better placed to help. In any case, consider whether any other consultant should be involved in addition and whether Partnership or other resources would be of help in the particular case.
- Clarify the basis on which the advice is to be given, whether privately to the commissioning group or individual, or whether there is a person or persons or a wider group who ought properly or desirably to know that advice has been sought and on what basis it has been sought (eg, open or confidential).
- Obtain preliminary information on the questions and problems in issue, and on the relevant background to them, including on the church as a whole.
- Visit the church, leadership team or individuals concerned to compile the relevant information, both factual and opinion. A considerable degree of probing questioning may be needed and more than one visit may necessary. (In simpler cases, it may of course be possible to give the necessary information by phone or email.)
- Seek to identify the real issues at stake in the particular case and the wider background. Ensure that these are fully understood both by the consultant and if possible by those being advised.
- Provide advice in the forms most appropriate in the particular case, whether by a written report, an oral statement or presentation, participation in one or more discussions with the church, leadership team or individuals, or by acting as a facilitator at such discussions.
- At all times, seek prayerfully the guidance of the Holy Spirit and apply the relevant Biblical principles.
- Always seek to be positive and to give positive advice; try to encourage and enthuse, even when it is necessary to highlight problems and make criticisms.
- Ensure that advice and assistance only is provided. Consultants should not involve themselves in the subsequent decision-making, which is for the church, leadership team or individuals who have sought the advice.
- Ensure that advice is provided in confidence to those who have requested it ñ provision of that advice to others is a matter for those who have requested it, though in particular cases it may be appropriate to advise those who have sought advice that they ought to share it with others.
- Continue to be available to provide follow-up advice and, if necessary, to assist with implementation of the action that may subsequently be agreed by those who have been advised. Advice should be objective, clear and courageous, and as tactful as is consistent with ensuring that it has been understood by the recipients.
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