STRATEGICPLAN
TABLEOFCONTENTS
INTRODUCTION&RATIONALE
In November 2022, the Session of First Presbyterian Church in LaGrange, GA approved recommendations from the Vision Team, whose work spanned a three period from 2019-2022. One responsibility of theVisionTeamwastofleshoutthe church’smission,vision,andvaluestatements,listedbelow:
Mission: Tofostercommunitywhereallbelong,grow,andserveinthenameof JesusChrist.
Vision: ToembracethegraceofJesusChristthatallmayknowGod’slove.// Abridged:ThatallmayknowGod’slove.
Values: Loveall.Serveall.Connectall.ProclaimGoodNews.Showup.
After clarifying and adopting these statements, the Vision Team recommended three principle strategies – three emphasis points – for the church’s ministry movingforward.
Strategies
1. To emphasize and build upon worship and the arts as a core part of our missionandoutreach.
2. To expand our ministry to children and youth within the church and community.
3. To serve as a hub for community spiritual formation (e.g. Lewis & Broad Media,RacialTrustbuildingInc.training,FirstGroups).
Upon the Session’s endorsement of these recommendations, the next step was to enact them. Vision recommended steps A & B below (which were unanimously approved);stepCisthecontentofthestrategicplaninthepagesthatfollow.
The goal of this plan is toensurethattheworkoftheVisionTeamisacteduponas we approach the 200-year anniversary of First Presbyterian Church. What does a new generation of ministry look like? What does God have in store? Wheremight Godleadus?Thisplanoffersaglanceatwhatwillunfold.
NextSteps
A)To complete a discovery phase regarding next steps with our two campus-based schools and our children’s ministry via the Education Task Force to ensure alignment between FPC school(s) and the children’s ministryofthechurch.
○ The Education Task Force will recommend potential ways forward regarding educational opportunities within the existing school programs.
○ The task force will consult with existing school boards and staff to craftatransitionalplan.
○ Endgoal:alignmentbetweenschool(s)andchildren’sministryatFPC
B) To complete an infrastructure discovery viatheCampusTaskForcethatwill ensure alignment between the strategic plan and the facility at 120 Broad Street(andpotentiallybeyond)
○ The Campus Task Force will complete a discovery process regarding existingspace.
○ The task force will present recommendations forbuildingrenovations and/orpropertyacquisitions.
○ The task force will work closely with the House & Grounds Council andtheEducationTaskForceonanypotentialplans.
C) To solicitafive-yearstrategicplan–inlightoftheobjectivesoutlinedabove – from councils and committees of the church, thereby completing the church-widestrategicplan.
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN
SESSION
SessionStatementofPurpose
The session is the council for the congregation. It shall be composed of those persons elected by thecongregationtoactiveserviceasrulingelders,togetherwith all installed pastors and associate pastors. The session shall haveresponsibilityfor governing thecongregationandguidingitswitnesstothesovereignactivityofGod in the world, so that the congregation is and becomes a community of faith, hope, love,andwitness.
SessionRecommendations
● With a spirit of supporting the vision set by each council in the strategic plan, session willcheckinwiththecouncilstwotimesperyeartohearabout theirprogress.Councilchairswillbringthosereportstosession.
● To encourage imagination and dreaming, the session will also ask that councils share their dreams and visions for the future of their council and councilwork(once/yearduringasessiondevotional).
● Following each sessionmeeting(6timesayear),anelderwillbeassignedto give an Invitation to Offering with content about the meeting and whatthey are most excited about They will also use this time as an invitation for individualstospeakwiththemaboutchurchhappenings.
● The session will work to make itself more accessible and known to the congregationviacommunicationsandotheravenues.
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN FINANCECOUNCIL
FinanceCouncilStatementofPurpose
To provide timely, accurate financial status reports – including annual operating budgets – to the Session to enable them to make informed decisions in managing thefinancialassetsofthechurch.
FinanceCouncilRecommendations
● Toprepareforanypotentialsoftwaretransitionsintheareaoffinancial management
● ToprepareforatransitioninpersonnelwiththeExecutiveSecretaryposition
● Tostoprelianceuponcontingencyfundstomakethebudgetwork
● Toensurefaithfulstewardshipofanyfuturecapitalcampaignandtowork withHouse/Groundsoncapitalexpenditures
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN
GENEROSITYCOMMITTEE
GenerosityCommitteeStatementofPurpose
The Generosity Committee oversees the general stewardship efforts of the congregation. These responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following responsibilities:
● working closely with Finance Council to coordinate the annual stewardship campaign
● preparingandpresentingtheannualreporttothecongregation
● hostingtheannualConineSocietydinnerforplannedgiving
● informing the congregation of importance of generous giving via narrative budgets, financial planning classes, and ‘Get Involved’ campaigns (i.e. time andtalentsurveys)
● coordinatingminutesformissioninworshipservices
● stayinginformedonnewwaystoapproachstewardshipandgenerosity
GenerosityCommitteeRecommendations
● Toincreasegivingfrom130pledgingunitsto145.
● Toeliminatetheneedtousecontingenciestomakethebudgetwork.
● To host four generosity/finance gatherings a year catered to different demographics.
● To host the Conine Society dinner annually to include speaker, award, and celebrationoflifepackets.
● To establish a “Special Gift Initiative” and communicate it to the congregation.
● To organize the annual generosity campaign (featuring storytellers, booklet, etc…)andtogivetheannualreport(February).
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN
FORMATIONCOUNCIL
FormationCouncilStatementofPurpose
Knowing that faith development is a lifelongprocess,andthatChristfollowersare continually being formedandmoldedbytheHolySpiritinfaith,thepurposeofthe Formation Council is to provide space and opportunities where faith can be cultivatedandnurtured.
FormationCouncilRecommendations
● Create an outline of learning goals for infancy to adulthood. Children’s and Youth ministry teams will review for their age groups. Formation will reviewgoalsforadults.
● Establishatleast3newFirstGroups.
● Organize adult social outings with different age demographics in mind. Create2groups.
● Planandcarryoutatleast1intergenerationaleventayear(5total)
● Organize 3 intergenerational opportunities that have an outward community focus.
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN CHILDREN’SMINISTRYCOMMITTEE
Children’sMinistryCommitteeStatementofPurpose
Knowing that faith development is a lifelongprocess,andthatChristfollowersare continually being formedandmoldedbytheHolySpiritinfaith,thepurposeofthe Children’s Ministry Team is to provide space and opportunities where faithcanbe cultivated and nurtured in children. These responsibilities include (but are not limitedto)thefollowingresponsibilities:
● Planningandcoordinatinganychurchrelatedactivitiesfornursery-5thgrade
● PlanningandcoordinatingprogrammingforKairosKids
● Planandfacilitateformationeventsthatrelateparticularlytochildren(Trunk orTreat,Easteregghunt)
● Stayinginformedonnewwaystoapproachchildren’sministry
● Help organize/coordinate intergenerational worship events/services that includechildren
● PlanandfacilitateVacationBibleSchool
● CoordinateandfacilitateChildren’sWorshiponSundaymornings
Children’sMinistryCommitteeRecommendations
● CreatingaconsistentstructureandplaceforChildren’sWorship
● Createanoutlineoflearninggoalsforpre-kthrough5thgrade
● Inquire about the idea of children’s retreats during school year and/or summer
● Exploretheideaofachildren’slendinglibrary
● Addanurseryworker
● Addatleast3morevolunteerstothenurseryrotation
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN STUDENTMINISTRYCOMMITTEE
StudentMinistryCommitteeStatementofPurpose
“Anencouraging,nurturing,andinclusivecommunityforyouthtoengageand experienceandGod’sLove.”
Knowing that faith development is a lifelongprocess,andthatChristfollowersare continually being formedandmoldedbytheHolySpiritinfaith,thepurposeofthe Student Ministry Committee is to provide space and opportunities where faith can be cultivated and nurtured for middle and high school students.The FPC Student Ministry Team exists to provide support and guidance to the Student Ministry program at First Presbyterian. This team works alongside the Director of Student Ministries.
StudentMinistryCommitteeRecommendations
● Startcollectingdataforyouthattendance
● Planoneoutingpermonth(daytrip,lock-in,retreat,etc.)
● IncreaseHighSchoolprogramby10%inparticipationofactiveyouth
● IncreaseMiddleSchoolparticipationofactiveyouthby20%
● GrowHighSchoolprogramby10%
● GrowMiddleSchoolprogramby10%
● Participateinonelocalmissionamonth
● Worship?
● FocusonWednesdaynightsopposedtoSundaynights
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN
FPCCHILDCAREBOARD
FPCChildcareBoardStatementofPurpose
The purposes of the Corporation shall include, but not be limited to, providing, at an affordable cost, an early childhood care program for preschool children in an atmosphere that promotes their spiritual, emotional, physical and mental development.
FPCChildcareBoardRecommendations
● Lookintoappsforpaymentandcommunicationtoparents.
● UpdatetheFPCCCwebsite.
● Explorethepossibilityofin-servicedaysand/orhoursforemployees
● Findmorestoragespace.
● Explore easier ways to access the playground and look into updates/improvementsfortheplayground.
● Createatherapyroomforchildrenwhoreceiveserviceswhileatthecenter
● Makeaplantoaddbathroomstoallclassrooms.
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN FPCMONTESSORIBOARD
FPCMontessoriBoardStatementofPurpose
The purposes of this Kindergarten are to help children develop within themselves the foundation for a lifetime of creative learning through the principles and concepts established by Dr. Maria Montessori; to provide an environment for growth in Christian Living; and to provide opportunities to learn about and celebrateeventsoftheChristianyear.
FPCMontessoriBoardRecommendations
● Create and utilize one new toddlerspacebytheendofthe2024/2025school year.
● Growinourenrollmenttoreachatleast40primaryand36toddlerby2027.
● Implementa2daytoddlerclassoptionbytheendofthe23/24schoolyear.
● Merge or edit the church website to reflect what can be found on the FPC Montessoriwebsitebytheconclusionofthe2023schoolcalendaryear.
● MaintainaccreditationandexemptionsthroughthestateofGeorgia.
● Gift at least 2 financial hardship scholarships to children who are in need everyschoolyearbeginninginJanuary2024.
● Add to and complete/fine tune our own version of Godly Play bytheendof the2023schoolyear.
● Ask for and obtain more green space for our program – could be the green space next to Brown building to create acommunitygardenorsensorywalk area(fundsforthiswouldbegatheredfromvariousgrants).
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN
HOUSE&GROUNDSCOUNCIL
HouseandGroundsCouncilStatementofPurpose
The House and Grounds Council of First Presbyterian Church LaGrange provides properoversightofthegroundsandfacilitiestoinsure:
● that adequate facilities exist to effectively carry out the ministry objectives andgoals;
● thatusersexercisepropercareandsafety;
● thatsuchfacilitiesareproperlyprotectedagainstlossormisuse;
● that wise stewardship is being executed through energy conservation, cost reductionsandsafetymeasures;
● that the life of the facilities is extended through a proper maintenance program.
HouseandGroundsCouncilRecommendations
● To organize and initiate aGreenTeamprogram,usingvolunteerstocreatea recyclingprogramtoreplacetheserviceprovidedbytheCitybyfall2023
● To work with Formation and Children’s Programming to create a Maker’s Space and a Children’s Worship space on the third floor of the Gallant BuildingbyFebruary2024.
● To plan and supervise the installation of a new roof on the Gallant Building by2024
● To cooperate and work with the Campus TaskForceandtheEducationTask Force through the discovery process to help plan and implement changes to ourexistingspace.
● To work with the Campus Task Force as we move forward with building changes by encouraging the Task Force to research and consider energy saving building materials, such as lighting and cooling and heatingsystems, toreducefuturecostsandtoreduceourcarbonfootprint.
● To research funding sources, i.e. grants, and consider the possibility of turning the roof of the Gallant Building into a rooftop garden area, that wouldbeusedbyChildcareandMontessoribytheendof2028.
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN MISSIONCOUNCIL
MissionCouncilStatementofPurpose
The purpose of the Mission Council is to direct and support the overall mission effortsofFirstPresbyterianChurch,bothlocallyandglobally.
MissionCouncilRecommendations
● To distribute $80,000 in Tolbert Community Grants between January 1, 2025-December31,2028
● To engage 250 different Presbyterian-affiliated persons in FPC community missionsbyDecember31,2028
● To work with Personnel Council in establishing and onboarding a Director ofCommunityMissionsstaffperson
● To expand the Listen LaGrange music festival to an attendance of 500 peopleandrevenuesof$20,000(perevent)byspring2028
● To establish aFPCMissionsCenterasaresultoftheAspenconsultationand capitalcampaign
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN PERSONNELCOUNCIL
PersonnelCouncilStatementofPurpose
The Personnel Council governs staff relations, including policy, communication, and compensation. The primary role of the Council is in support of staff relations andongoingresponsibilities.
Background
● The annual budget has grown, as have the revenues generated by recent generosity campaigns. Still, Personnel’s staffing model will have to balance projectedfinancialgrowthwithcurrentfinancialrealities.
● While congregational voluntarism plays a significant role in the ministry of the church specifically mission and children’s ministries the brunt of programmingandorganizationfallsonthestaff.
FPCGrowthOpportunities
● Student Ministry: With the work of Leighton Parker and the Student Ministry Committee, FPC is poised for expansion in the area of student ministry. A quickly-growing children’s ministrywilleventuallyfeedintothe student ministry, necessitating further staff investment sooner rather than later.
● Children’s Ministry: A vibrant children’s ministry program under the leadership of Margaret Goodlet and the Children’s Ministry Committee promotes community and membership growth. Inthelast5years,atleast40 children have been added to our church’s roll. Children’s ministry promotes engagement and growth within our congregation and offers missional opportunitiesoutsideofit.
● Worship and Arts Ministries: Worship andartsministriesconnectFPCwith the community, increase visitation, and enhance children’s ministry programming. Under the direction of Andrew Harry participation is growing, events are consistently added to the calendar, and community involvementisexpanding.
● Digital Ministries: With the pandemic disruption, we have been able to establish a digital ministry that reaches outside of our building and zipcode
defying historical limits of the church. People use this ministry to worship and to plug into the life of the church. It is one of the principal meansbywhichnewpeoplediscoverwhatlifeatFPCislike.
● Mission & Outreach: First Presbyterian Church invests considerable resources in mission and outreach. Currently, the Pastor for Community Formation and Mission – alongside the Mission Council –haveoversightin thisarea Asthechurchgrows,so,too,willthisministry
PersonnelCouncilRecommendations
● Student Ministry: The current personnel model unifies what should be two separate positions: Student Ministry and Digital Ministry. Personnel recommends a full-time steward of FPC’s student ministries be hired by 2024.
● Children’s Ministry: As the children’s ministry continues to grow, it will necessitate further investment and time. Currently the position is part-time; Personnel recommends the position be considered for full-time hours by 2025.
● Worship and Arts Ministries: Personnel recommends further investment in our worship/arts personnel over the next five years. One such investment would be to consider the Director of Music position as a full-time requirement by 2026. Additional staffing may also be necessary intheareas of children’s and student music ministries with a potential First Arts Academy on the horizon (see Worship Council strategic plan for more information).
● Digital Ministry: Personnel recommends the creation of a Director of Digital Ministries by 2024 for the purpose of overseeing the website, social media,photography,videography,andLewis&BroadMedia.Personnelalso recommends further resourcesbeinvestedinpositionsrelatedtotheworship broadcast, including an additional camera operator within the sanctuary by 2024
● Mission & Outreach: With the church’s continued growth, the Personnel Council recommends a part-time position for Mission & Outreach Coordinatorbecreatedby2027.
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN
WORSHIPCOUNCIL
WorshipCouncilStatementofPurpose(abridged)
The mission of the Worship Council is to assist in creating meaningful worship services for the congregation. This includes Sunday morning and any additional services (e.g. Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Christmas Eve) occurring throughout theyear.
WorshipCouncilRecommendations
● Toincreasescholarshipchancelchoirsingersto10.
○ To fund 80% of new scholarship singers from non-budgeted streams ofrevenue.
● ToestablishaFirstArtsAcademytooffermusiclessonsandclasses.
● To increase the number of music events, including First Arts recitals, music studiorecitals,andcommunitymusicensembleconcertsto25peryear.
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN
DIACONATE
DiaconateStatementofPurpose
The ministry of the Diaconate is to express compassion and care for the congregation. At First Presbyterian Church this is accomplishedbyDeaconsbeing assigned to the care of membersduringtimesof:illness,bereavement,births,new members, and baptisms. Deacons shall also be involved in the care of members who reside in nursing homes or retirement communities and those who are no longerabletoparticipateinthelifeofthecongregation.
DiaconateRecommendations
● Institute communion system for the Insiders and retirement/nursing home residents. This would be at least 4 times per year/quarterly visits and could include other church members/Elders/Deacons The visits could be in the weeksleadinguptoChristmasEve,AshWednesday,MaundyThursday,etc.
● Come up with a system of tracking and sharing updates between deacons and pastors on members receiving care. Have in place and inusebytheend of2024.
● Reviewandupdateprocessofsupportingthosedealingwithgriefandlossof alovedone.Completebysometimein2025.
● Review and update Insiders Program for ways to support and improve. Include at least 6 points ofcommunicationayear(canbefromthechurchor personassignedtotheInsider).
● Host 4 workshops on topics related to diaconal ministry (ie. Grief support, endoflifedecisions,caregiversupport,etc).
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN HOSPITALITYCOMMITTEE
HospitalityCommitteeStatementofPurpose
● To maintain a welcoming & hospitable greeter team consisting of 12 team leaderswhoareassignedamonthtorecruitgreetersforworshipservices.
● To maintain a birthday card team of 12 congregants who are assigned a monthtoaddressbirthdaycardstomembersandfriendsofFPC
● Tomonitoravisitorpathwayinwhichthehospitalityteamwill connect withvisitorsthroughaprocessconsistingofthefollowingsteps:
Visit1.LetterfromPastor.
Visits 2-8. Notes, texts, emails, and calls of welcome. Unordered steps include: assign a key card, connect visitors with a pastor, enter a profile in Realm, take pictures, and give a welcome folder, invite to First Sunday Fellowship.
HospitalityRecommendations
● To host atleasttwoDiscoverFirstDinnersperyear.Thisdinnerwillbridge ourvisitorstomembershipandintoourFirstFriendspathway.
● To host two First Sunday Fellowships on the lawn immediately following the first Sunday worship service of each month. Visitors will be invited to theseFirstSundayFellowships.
● To schedule a time for members & family’s pictures to be taken for our Realmdirectorytwiceayear.
● Increase awareness of our Digital presence on Social Media, using Facebook,Instagramorotherappropriatemedia
● KeepWelcomepacketupdated.
● ToexpandtheHospitalityTeamfrom12to24teammembers.
FIVE-YEARSTRATEGICPLAN
SOCIALCOMMITTEE
SocialCommitteeStatementofPurpose
The ministry of the Social Committee is to provide opportunitiesforfellowshipin the life of the church. The Social Committee will be supported by the Diaconate, though active deacons need not chair this committee. The Social Committee is selected in December for the coming year. Members’ terms of service on this committee shall be for one year, but may be extended by invitation of the chairperson.
SocialCommitteeRecommendations
● Puttogetherasocialcalendarannually.
● ReviewthestructureoftheSocialCommitteeandmakeupdates.
● HoldatleastoneeventannuallyhostedbytheSocialCommittee.
● Organizeasystemformemberstocheckoutkitchensupplies.
● Hostatwiceayearkitchencleanup