OnBoarding
Our Episcopal OnBoarding initiative focuses around a simple yet powerful goal: to empower congregations and dioceses which are in a leadership transition. Recognizing the potential for growth and understanding that a transition period presents, we developed a process rooted in proven organization development theories and practices, tailored to our unique faith context. Our aim is to provide a supportive and informative experience that propels everyone forward on the healthiest possible journey. And, be assured, we will be praying for you.
How Does it Work?
You will be led by a trained and certified Church Re-Imagined facilitator into a brave space for sharing your truth in community. You, the new leader, are the primary client and you will receive coaching throughout the process. You choose the schedule that works best for your setting. Rectors may choose from a one- or two-day schedule. For bishops, there will be three or more events: staff, governance bodies, and regional lay and ordained representatives, over the course of two to four days.
Session 1
Data is gathered without the leader in the room.
Break
Facilitators meet with and coach the leader in responding.
Session 2
New leader responds to data and questions with the group. For the rector of a parish, normally the process takes one full day for staff and a half-day or evening for lay leaders.
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Congratulations!
God has guided you to your new role, so rest assured you are where you're meant to be! There's plenty to learn and many eager to provide 'helpful' information. Who do you trust? What's accurate? Unbiased? Navigating a new culture smoothly is key. Church ReImagined's OnBoarding and support can help! -
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Who Is Included?
Your new staff and elected governance representatives are always included. We will ask you all the right questions to make sure the people you need to hear from are in the room and have a voice. Together we foster a brave space for open information exchange. -
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Manage Risks
Your facilitator will draw from established organizational and church development theories. You will join the ranks of rectors and bishops nationwide, new leaders who say our process propelled them at least six months ahead in learning their new system and its culture.
Frequently asked questions
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OnBoarding is for new leaders: Rectors, Bishops, Senior Associates, Interim Ministers, Seminary Deans, School Heads, Executive Directors of nonprofits, etc. Basically, anyone who would benefit from an unvarnished introduction to the culture and system of a church, diocese, school or organization is a good candidate for our OnBoarding process.
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The sooner the better! We highly recommend that OnBoarding begin within the first three months in office. We have even conducted OnBoarding events just prior to the formal start of a new leader’s term in office. After the first 9-12 months, the jumpstart that OnBoarding provides will have diminished significantly. However, there are other services we offer (facilitating listening sessions, staff audits, identity and vision work, conflict transformation/healing work) that would be highly appropriate at that stage.
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In a parish setting OnBoarding usually includes staff (where there is a sizable staff team), vestry, and ministry leaders. In a diocesan setting the participants include staff, standing committee, diocesan council (or equivalent), and regional deans (and/or equivalent). For an executive leader, the participants generally include the executive board and senior staff/team. That said, in a small church setting we have conducted OnBoarding for a new rector with the entire congregation.
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Our customers are unanimous in stating that their return on investment is worth far more than the dollars spent. If funds are really tight, we will work with you to find a way forward within your means.
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OnBoarding a new rector generally happens over two sessions - one full day and one evening. For bishops the process is normally three to four days. For schools and nonprofits, it will depend on your governance and staff configuration, but each group would typically take a full day each. In addition to the time spent with you and your team, there are some admin steps to plan and prepare for the day, much of which we expect you to delegate to a trusted assistant.
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Call, email, or text us, or use the contact form on our website to get started!