A consultation can be arranged to help your diocese establish a diocesan consulting team or to improve the effectiveness of an existing team. There are several approaches that can be taken in creating a network of consultants. The consultation will help you explore these standard options and develop a way to move forward that fits your situation.

• An initial consultation of 1 1/2 or 2 days can be used to explore issues such as: recruiting potential consultants">

                                                                                                                    CDI Trainers  

  Back to Diocesan CDI's                  Back to Programs Starting a Diocesan Consulting Team For Congregational Development A consultation can be arranged to help your diocese establish a diocesan consulting team or to improve the effectiveness of an existing team. There are several approaches that can be taken in creating a network of consultants. The consultation will help you explore these standard options and develop a way to move forward that fits your situation. An initial consultation of 1 1/2 or 2 days can be used to explore issues such as: recruiting potential consultants, the training process, options for a process of certification for  functioning in the diocese, ways of financing the training and operating costs of a network, charging fees for services, the relationship between the bishop (and bishop's staff) and the consulting group. A long-term consultation can be arranged if the diocese would like assistance in the process of establishing a consultant team.  Some basic assumptions: 1. All potential consultants can use the CDI program as their core training. It may be cost effective to establish a diocesan CDI that can both be used by parish leaders to increase their competence for congregational development and as part of the consultant training program. 2. A complete training program needs to include (in addition to CDI): a. Consultations Skills Training (5 days) b. Group Development Lab or Team Facilitation Skills training or Design Skills Lab (5 days) c. Human interaction Lab (5 days) d. Interning with a more experienced consultant or at least under supervision. e. A process of certification by the bishop. [For information on lab training see - Leadership Training Institute and NTL] 3. It is a good idea to have all diocesan consultants go through the same training and intern program. Specialization can come after building a solid base (e.g., specialization such as search process, stewardship, evangelism, conflict, overall parish development, etc.) 4. A diocese will have better results in the long-term by developing and maintaining high standards for consultant training and functioning.  Set the bar high at the beginning and seek people who want to be part of a highly competent consultant network. It is very difficult to raise standards after having recruited a consulting team based on "the quick fix" and limited training. 5. We believe that it is through the diocese that most congregations can best be resourced for their congregational development efforts; not through national programs providing expert advice. The task is to build the capacity of dioceses for this ministry; to establish a significant number of skilled leaders, consultants and strategists in the diocese who are supported by a broader network of prayer, coaching, training, research and learning. To discuss a possible consultation contact Robert A. Gallagher   Back to Diocesan CDI's                     Back to Programs