Unlocking the power of effective PCC Meetings
John Truscott describes himself as a passionate behind-the-scenes administrator who loves sorting things out and tidying things up – and yes, he does know how annoying that makes him sound! But these are essential skills for an effective PCC.
John will be leading us in a Parish Administration half-day course on March 14th at Heartlands Visitor Centre. He is hoping to share some of his enthusiasm and excitement for enabling PCC meetings to be effective, to avoid trivia and focus on what it means to be in the service of Christ.
Having great vision and energy isn’t always enough
It’s wonderful to have great vision and energy, but if you haven’t got the organisational skills to administer and implement that vision, all that energy will waste and wither on the vine. John, who describes himself as a passionate advocate for creative organisation in churches, has worked in the field for almost 40 years, becoming a consultant and trainer to churches and missional organisations across the country. His heart is for harmony, for Christians to work effectively together, to understand and encourage administration skills, recognising them as gifts of the Holy Spirit. And most of all, to give that vision and energy the momentum it deserves.
The practicalities
The one day course will rapidly cover why we have a PCC, why we get together for meetings and how we can prepare a meeting really well. From making agendas effective to focusing on the seating layouts, to determining individual roles at the meeting to writing up the notes, John plans to cover all aspects of active life on a PCC. If notes are not written clearly, or in such a way to prompt people into action, what was the point of sitting through that two-hour meeting?
Unlocking the joy of PCC meetings – yes joy!
A great article called How to Run a Perfect PCC in the Church Times by the Rt Revd Mark Tanner, Bishop of Berwick, gives an honest account of that slight sinking feeling as another PCC meeting approaches. But, as he says, “When the PCC meets we come together and share that responsibility, with each other and with God in prayer. It’s not easy, but we are not alone — and that’s why it is encouraging.”
A wry look at PCC meetings by cartoonist Dave Walker
Never stop learning
As John Truscott says, “Whether you are new to this or an old hand, there is much to learn in how to be a skilful and effective.” And the Bible agrees, Proverbs 1:5, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” Proverbs 1:5
Follow the link below to book your free place for this great opportunity for help in understanding the purpose of PCC meetings, and how to avoid (some of!) what can go wrong. The course is suitable for anyone involved in parish administration.
