Potomac Presbyterian Church
Strategic Vision - 2021-2022
Background
PPC's previous strategic plan covered a five-year period from 2015 to 2020. With the conclusion of that timeframe and the changing conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, a small group convened to put together a new two-year plan for the Session to review. This document explains the intent of the plan.
Given the disruptions brought about by COVID-19 across society, there are opportunities to rethink how we engage others and serve our community in Christ while also maintaining the core strengths of PPC. With a focus on, Caring for ALL with faith, hope and love, the 2021-2022 PPC strategic vision aims to continue efforts to strengthen worship, education and mission while maintaining the financial stability and building upgrades that were achieved in the previous five years-while incorporating new types of engagement. Church leaders read excerpts from The Adept Church which underscores the need for churches to adapt. "Being adept requires making decisions that will expand our reach and allow us to touch more lives," explains the author. He outlines four key practices: discernment, connecting to mission and community, evaluation, forming good habits. As a congregation, we intend to be more invitational to share our worship, education and mission programs with those around us. The strategic vision group has incorporated these practices into the new vision.
Foundational elements
- A firm financial foundation allows PPC to invest in programs that will attract a diverse and active group of congregants.
- Regular reviews of mission and education programs will help the congregation focus efforts to serve existing members and attract new members
Enhanced ministry to be accomplished in three broad areas of church life:
- Enhance worship and music experience
With restrictions to in-person worship and music services, worship that meets people where they are is a statement that reflects the changing nature of worship brought about by COVID - and underscores the need to innovate and adapt services. These changing times also present an opportunity to attract new worshippers through online services. By incorporating new technology and adding musical elements that demonstrate the diversity of worship experienced by Presbyterians around the world and tapping into the talents of members and local community members, PPC can build on the strength of its existing programs.
The Worship Committee will develop and implement two goals to accomplish the following objectives:
- Formalize the processes to live stream / and conduct hybrid worship
- Engage the membership and broader community's talents to expand the musical offerings
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- Revitalize & Expand Education Opportunities
PPC's adult and children's education programs are designed to help us grow in faith. A key facet of the church's programming is to provide Education that challenges our minds and grows our hearts by encouraging participants to understand and adapt to changes in society through intellectually stimulating programs that engage members and the local community. Purposeful invitations to congregants, friends, members of other congregations, neighbors and local community are encouraged especially as virtual and hybrid events make it easier to participate.
The Education Committee will develop and implement two goals to accomplish the following objective:
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- Expand participation in our educational programs at every level and opportunity
- Focus Local Mission in Montgomery County
PPC's mission work includes a variety of projects locally as well as nationally while also supporting international efforts. Recommendations include focusing on Service that builds relationships with neighbors and those in need.
The Mission Committee will develop and implement two goals to accomplish the following objectives:
- Emphasize a focused local mission approach which enables the congregation to expand relationships with the community and involvement of the congregation
- Identify a local mission project or category of projects that will energize and unite the church
Considerations / Keys to Success
- Track all mission and education programs in a dashboard
- Define who mission and education programs are serving (congregation, local community, global community)
- Determine who is volunteering to lead and who is participating in programs (number of people, member/nonmember, age range)
- Consider sunsetting programs that no longer have congregant support
- Remember that resources are limited so plan purposely for staff and volunteer time
- The Fellowship Committee will evolve its programs to be more outwardly focused, intentionally creating opportunities to attract and welcome new members and guests while integrating our church more holistically into the community. The goal is to continue to nurture and care for members, while at the same time create opportunities for members to connect with one another and develop new connections through service in the community (in partnership with the Mission Committee).
- Recognizing that new members and families with young children are vital in the area of faith formation, emphasis will be placed on fellowship opportunities that build connections among these communities (while not neglecting our current members). This may be accomplished in partnership with the Christian Education committee and a focus group it conducts.
Committee Members: Marianne Beardall, Rev. Emily Berman D'Andrea, Gayle Goff, Stephanie Hampton, Brad McAuliffe, Chris McAuliffe, Cheri Rogers, Tracy Talbot