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Building on our strengths for tomorrow… Long Range Plan for First Presbyterian Church of Waunakee, 2007-2014 FPC of Waunakee can count many blessings over its 130-year history. Most recently, our steady increases in membership, an outstanding (and expanding) staff, and our new building addition have together contributed to growing ministries and ministry opportunities. Such growth is particularly remarkable given the sharp declines observed among PC(USA) churches both in Dane county and across the nation over the past 40 years. As we look to the next seven years, we foresee both challenges and wonderful opportunities in relation to the growth FPCW has experienced. There is a strong consensus among members of the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) that three ministry areas have emerged as principal strengths of our church, specifically (1) worship and music, (2) our ministries with children and youth, and (3) our participation in and support of mission work. We believe it important that FPCW strive both to maintain these areas of strength while also building upon and expanding these and other ministry areas. In addition, we see a need for greater interconnectedness within the congregation, a particular challenge as the congregation grows. In this spirit, and after prayerful consideration, extensive discussion, and listening sessions for church members, ministry leaders and staff, the LRPC has identified the items on the following two pages as specific goals for FPCW over the next seven years. Recognizing that much attention in the last seven years has been on our physical buildings, we anticipate in the coming years several other forms of Spirit-led “building,” specifically building our church’s ministries, its staff, and our faith community. Although no overall prioritization of goals is intended, we have listed goals related to our church foundations first, recognizing their significance in achieving many of the ministry goals in later sections. For each goal, we have also identified relevant individuals/ministry teams to be charged with primary responsibility of implementation. While we are confident that each of these goals can be achieved, we also know that their full completion will demand a substantial commitment from the FPCW congregation in terms of time, talent AND treasure over the next seven years. It is our sincere hope and prayer that the congregation shares our enthusiasm over these future directions for FPCW, and that through the working of the Holy Spirit this commitment can be achieved. We submit this long range plan in gratitude for and amazement over what God has done at FPCW, and with tremendous anticipation for where God will lead FPCW in the near future. At the same time, and in the spirit of Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps,” we acknowledge our own fallibility in trying to chart any exact course, and pray that FPCW remain open to God’s direction, wherever that may lead.
Building On Our Foundation… By the Grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 3: 10-11) 1. Develop definitive plans for retaining valued members of the FPCW staff. Attempt to create personalized benefit packages that meet specific staff needs in the interest of retention (Personnel team). 2. Formulate detailed contingency plans for each staff position in the event of future vacancies. (Personnel team). 3. Establish a strong Equipping Ministry (Eph. 4:11-13) to help individuals identify and use their spiritual gifts so that they may grow in faith through meaningful service, and so that church ministries can benefit from called, committed volunteers. (Stewardship Elder; Associate Pastor for Visitation and Pastoral Care) 4. Seek a Small Group Coordinator (possibly using present staff) to build infrastructure for and help grow a small group ministry, which will be a key to fostering a sense of community at FPCW (Personnel team; Adult Nurture Elder). 5. Contingent upon congregational financial support and budget guidelines, strive to create and fill the following new staff positions to sustain and strengthen our ministries (listed in order of LRPC-rated priority):
6. Commission the Worship and Music ministry team to submit a proposal to Session on any sanctuary enhancements related to space/configuration, equipment and acoustics that may be needed to fulfill our mission and energize our ministries (Worship & Music Elder). 7. The Youth Ministry has become a hallmark ministry at FPCW, and its sustenance and continued growth should remain a major emphasis. This ministry currently relies heavily on a dedicated volunteer offering staff-level administrative and programming support. Should these services no longer be available, there will be a clear need for a new individual (likely a hired staff person) to maintain this ministry. Additional personnel (possibly one focus of an equipping ministry) are strongly encouraged to help the ministry maintain and increase a relational focus as its size increases. 8. As ministries grow, be prepared to increase hours associated with the following current staff positions:
Building On Our Ministries… For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. (I Corinthians 3:9) 9. Pursue the addition of a third worship service (possibly contemporary-style and/or other than Sunday), by exploring resources needed for successful implementation (Senior Pastor, Worship & Music Elder, Director of Music Ministries) 10. Extend music offerings by creating new music opportunities that emphasize varying types of music, to expand participation (Director of Music Ministries). 11. Expand outreach efforts by
12. Sustain and further grow mission by
13. Examine alternative forms of Christian education, such as an additional mid-week program for K-5 students, and/or a one-day-a-week morning Christian preschool/parent respite ministry (CCE Elder). 14. Foster and support the current growth and expansion of Adult Education (Adult Nurture Elder). 15. Upgrade kitchen equipment in Fellowship Hall to accommodate larger meal service, for ex., VBS meals, Easter brunch, weddings/funerals, New Horizons, Feeding the Homeless (Building/Grounds Elder; Fellowship Elder).
Building Our Faith Community… Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25) 16. Seek to grow a small group ministry following recommendations in Small Group Task Force report (Adult Nurture Elder; Small Group Coordinator). 17. Increase fellowship opportunities by
18. Seek new uses of computer technology (e.g., e-mail groups; webpage) to improve communication among the congregation (Communications Coordinator; Outreach Elder). 19. Explore the use of laypersons to address increasing visitation demands, especially with an increasing elderly population (Deacons). 20. Recognize the challenges in integrating new members into a large congregation; seek ways of following up with individuals, both recent and long-time members, who have not attended church for an extended period of time (Pastoral staff).
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