Summary of an Appreciative Inquiry Process for Lay Servant Ministries

(This the first of three blogs describing a process that can bring positive change to a Lay Servant Ministry Program using Appreciative Inquiry.)

Appreciative Inquiry is a means of change, of continuous improvement intending “to give life to human systems when they function at their best.” (Cooperrider)  It involves the widest number of stakeholders possible.  It recognizes the best, bridges the best of the past to the future.  By focusing dialoguing about the best, the words set in motion that seeds of change that are dreamed, designed and delivered to create a positive future.

The process envisioned here involves the widest number of stakeholders from the district committee, to students, to pastors, congregational leaders and parishioners who are customers of our service.  A Core Team (augmented district committee) Defines the discussion topics and prepares an Appreciative Interview Guide used by students to Discover the best among themselves and within their congregations.  Based on the very best stories and core values that emerge, Dreams are made, then filtered and refined in Design Process that leads to implementation in a Delivery step.  It is possible over the course of four years to involve every lay servant and every congregation in the process leading to positive change.  Wouldn’t you like a whole district speaking positively about the impact of lay servant ministries on the mission of the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?