How have other dioceses recruited participants and what result did they have?

1. Several dioceses did an outstanding job of recruiting. When CDI stared in the Diocese of Western New York there were over 40 participants, in Western Massachusetts they stared with 34 people, in Washington 23 people. Even more in Rochester.  In each case attrition rates where low. Over 75% of those who started the program completed it. 

2. The diocese (or sponsoring committee) needs to communicate in a variety of ways -- a major page on the diocesan web site; ads in the diocesan news; stories of what has been done in other dioceses (especially what has happen in particular congregations); an attractive brochure that goes to all congregations and clergy; the public support of the bishop and bishop's staff; etc.

3. Active recruitment by the bishop and staff is important.

- Focus on teams from parishes that are healthy, or at worst just beginning to move into decline (CDI's are primarily for congregations that can mobilize the energy for their own improvement). 

- Also recruit clergy who are working in declining situations. The skills can help in that work; as can the encouragement of others who have a more hopeful spirit.

- Some dioceses have required all vicars to go through CDI within the first few years of their work. Others have recruited potential diocesan consultants into the program; using CDI as part of the diocesan training for congregational development consultants. (They have also, spotted additional potential consultants by observing the participants in CDI).

How do you recruit people into what is a very demanding program?

1. Trust that lay and clergy leaders have a deep desire to help their congregations improve, become healthier and more faithful.

2. Recognize that most participants in diocesan CDI's are lay leaders who make the time available for something they consider important

3. Present the fact that the program has high expectations as something that is positive; it is a strength of CDI. This isn't one more watered down program.

4. Encourage parish teams. While there are many participants who do not come as part of a congregational team, most do attend as part of a team

Say more about parish teams?

1. The learning process is enhanced when there is a parish team. They have the opportunity to create congregational development projects together. The practice of meeting regularly around the congregation's development may continue after they have graduated from CDI.  They have an experience of common ministry grounded in trust and competence.

2. Most people in diocesan CDI's are part of a parish team. They range from large teams of five to eight, to teams of two.  Teams may have overlapping experiences with four people in the first year, who are joined by two others in the following year, and see several others join in a third year after the first round of participants have graduated. In one situation a priest who completed CDI herself when she was an assistant, signed up for another two years with a team of four lay leaders after she became the rector of a parish.

3. For the story of a parish team --  See story in "Results" on St. John’s, Williamstown

Should we require that people come as part of a team?

No, we frequently have a rector or warden come alone for a year before they recruit others from the congregation for following years.  There are also clergy and lay leaders who will not be able to recruit others to come with them. The program can assist them in a ministry of congregational development in what may be a declining or complacent situation.

Does it help for diocesan staff to participate?

1. Yes, especially if they have responsibilities related to congregational development, deployment, or mission strategy.

2. It shows support for the participants from congregations. It also allows the staff person to work with participants in integrating their work with diocesan resources.

3. It also allows the diocesan staff to identify potential leaders for related diocesan efforts, e.g., consultants, committees, etc.