The Ministry Assessment Process

The Ministry Assessment Process (“the MAP”) is a process by which parishes and regions across the diocese can make informed, spirit-led decisions about future mission and ministry, and—from there— determine how best to use their land and buildings to support those ministries. It was approved by Diocesan Synod in May 2007.
 
A Basic Description of the Ministry Assessment Process
 
 

Stage 1: The Beginning The MAP is initiated in one of three ways: by the parish, automatically, or by the Bishop, each of whom can recognize a need in ministry, set up initial discussions, and lay the groundwork for further stages.

Stage 2: The Design A mandate identifies participants, questions, a decision-making process, and a timeline.

Stage 3: The Story Parishes gather, assess and interpret information. In this stage participants value the best of what is… and imagine and discern what could be.

Stage 4: The Decision Choices are made for future ministry.

Stage 5: Making it Happen Parishes craft a ministry plan and implementation begins. People give life to the vision, mission and ministry… making Christ’s work in the world happen.

MAP and the Strategic Plan

As MAP is implemented, the Diocese is also engaged in a conversation about Strategic Priorities (called Plan 2018). Both MAP and Plan 2018 are evolving in light of each other. As a clear set of strategic priorities emerges, though, future directions for ministry will be guided not only by parish and regional conversations, but also by a basic set of diocesan priorities and guidelines.

For more information about the Strategic Plan ("Plan 2018") go here.
 
 

Guiding Principles

  • MAP is about change, about how the church will respond to God’s call, about naming and embracing our mission and ministry.
  • MAP calls for every member of the parish to be involved in dreaming the future mission.
  • MAP recognizes the value of partnerships—that we can achieve more together than apart.
  • MAP is flexible, responding to the particular needs of each community that engages it.
  • MAP is carried out in a setting of prayer, worship and discernment.

 

 
Illustrations on this page show members of the Parish of St. Mary's Kerrisdale engaged in the MAP process in May of 2008.

More information

Your contacts:


Tasha Carrothers
MAP Resource Associate
604-684-6306 ext 227
 
 
 
MAP Resource
Associate
604-684-6306 ext 221

Get involved!

 

MAP Resources

NEW
The March 2010 version of the Ministry Assessment Process Handbook - The Joy of MAPing for Regions is now available by clicking the link.

Background
“Making Ministry Happen” 

Resources for use during the Process
Brochure
What is MAP?
- One page three-fold brochure. Includes visual overview and a summary of principles.
Guide
The Joy of MAPing: The Guide to the Ministry Assessment Process (parish version) 
- 20 pages. A stage-by-stage resource to support local MAP leaders in implementing MAP in a parish.
The Joy of MAPing guide (regional version)
- A stage-by-stage resource to support local MAP leaders in implementing MAP in a region.
Events and workshops
The Appreciative Way
- 4 pages. Instructions and handouts on one possible storytelling event that uses Appreciative Inquiry to gather the community's core values and hopes.
- 4 pages. Instructions and liturgy on one possible event that uses storytelling as a vehicle for identifying the community's history, gifts, and themes as well as past conflicts, hurts, and burdens.
Planning Conference (under development)
- Instructions for a two-and-a-half day planning exercise that builds ownership, identifies leaders, and can result in new options.
Context and Identify Workshop (under development)
- A highly structured one-and-a-half day workshop that examines the parish's connection to the wider community and leads to a list of priorities for mission.
The Parish Study
- 12 pages. Detailed instructions on how to carry out the Parish Study, including planning, who needs to be involved, and how you know when you're done.
Our people and neighbourhood: a workbook and discussion guide based on Christianity for the Rest of Us
- 20 pages. Participants examine the life of their parish through the lens of three Christian practices, including connections with the wider community and hopes for the future. Preparation includes reading Diana Butler Bass' Christianity for the Rest of Us, interviews, and examining census and parish data. Requires a parish-specific Community Profile.
Community Profile (Not available through the website. Contact the MAP Resource Associate for a copy.)
- 8 pages. Each parish in the Ministry Assessment Process will receive a community profile that includes census data and parish data.
- 16 pages. Workbook that leads participants through a detailed analysis of parish income and expenditures, including projections to 2012.
- 8 pages. Workbook on building use, suitability for ministry and outreach, and environmental impact. Requires a completed building assessment.
A Building Assessment checklist
This checklist is completed by a diocesan-engaged third party, with parish participation.

Several resources for all stages are also available through the Synod Office:
- Training materials for parishes as they start in MAP.
- Special MAP liturgies so that each stage of MAP can be carried out in prayerful reflection.