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"Who would begin to build a tower without first counting the cost?" As we work towards greater pastoral effectiveness, it is so important for us to have a Pastoral Plan.
In that Pastoral Plan we should identify objectives that we think are important to the advancement of Christ's work within the Parish.
Those objectives should then be translated into action, decisions, and timetables.
We can develop that overall plan in consultation with parish leadership. With a long-term plan we can also develop the financial resources, training and people needed to put that plan into action.
As we are working on our first Pastoral Plan over the period of six months or a year, we can be shaping the main guidelines for our Plan for subsequent years. Planning allows for ongoing evaluation.
As I develop my Pastoral Plan, I like to think of the three categories of commission that our Lord gave us: to preach, to teach, and to heal. How are those ideals then translated into objectives and action plans? What does that commission look like in your setting?
Often in our work we feel we are controlled by the day-to-day demands or by so many expectations that we cannot possibly measure up. Planning helps us to get a sense of order and direction about how we spend our day. It helps us to live with all we cannot do, by doing what we can in a thoughtful, orderly and responsible manner.
ITEM XX
©1999 Ronald C. Ferris
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