Mediation Proposal from Center for Congregational Health

This is a letter sent to Karla on the consulting/mediation proposal.  It was sent on June 29th and this was the proposal that was agreed at the church council meeting.

Note that it does not mention the Former Pastor Policy and that's deliverable is very generic.

Dear Rev. Miller and FCC Church Council:

Thank you for the opportunity to share this proposal with you. I have reflected on my
conversation with Rev. Miller and propose the following design as a process to help in
discerning the current situation at First Congregational Church and to determine the
best next steps for the congregation. In our conversation I heard a strong desire to
understand how the congregation can function more healthily and faithfully at this time.

Desired outcomes

The design of this proposal is to reach the following desired outcomes:
• Determine the challenges and concerns from the congregation, lay leaders, and
staff concerning the current state of the congregation
• Clarify healthy next steps for the congregation and leaders.

Consultation Process

This consultation will be conducted and delivered virtually. This process will focus on
gathering information and perceptions from lay leaders, staff, and congregation
members, with the aim to surface key issues and clarify any problems to be solved.
Therefore, the primary work is the responsibility of the facilitator(s), and is a relatively
short period of time. The consultants/facilitators will:

• Conduct up to 20 small group listening sessions with congregation members
(up to 160 participants). Listening group sessions will be open to all
congregation members who wish to participate. The aim of the listening
sessions will be to gather and share information and perceptions about
congregational life. The listening sessions are not group discussions. They are
designed to be a forum for each participant to share their views while others
simply listen without comment. Information shared in the group settings will
be in the final report in anonymous form. Sessions will be scheduled on the
hour and last no more than 55 minutes. Each group will have no more than
eight participants. (I have attached a description and sample sign-up for
listening groups; sign-ups for virtual listening groups will be via a web-based
platform. We will determine dates once the proposal is accepted.)

• Compile and analyze information gained from the interviews and listening
sessions.

• Prepare written report on findings and recommendations for action. The
Consultant will make a verbal report to the Council and staff, and a verbal
report to the congregation. Each report will be offered virtually.
Costs for this part of the process will be $5500.00 and will take approximately three -
four weeks. These costs include:

• 20 listening groups, conducted virtually, for up to 160 people. If additional
(or less) groups are needed the end cost may be adjusted.

• Delivery of an oral and written report for the staff and council and a report
for the congregation, delivered virtually. The report will contain
recommendations from the consultant for discerning a healthy path forward.

• Up to 4 hours of telephone and electronic communication as needed.

The Center for Congregational Health® is a non-profit, fee-based ministry. Costs are
calculated on the time spent with and on behalf of the congregation and/or its leaders.
The fees are an important part of engaging the congregation. If the church is willing to
pay a fee, the members are more likely to give their time and focus to the process.
Invoices for services will come from, and should be paid to, the Center for
Congregational Health®. Consultant fees may be invoiced and paid with one statement
or by agreement to a payment plan.

Please let me know if you have any questions and/or concerns. Thank you for the
opportunity to propose this work. If you agree to this proposal, please reply to this email
to notify us of your acceptance.