Awareness & Focus: Managing Priorities and Managing Time
Just as in the parish, during the program working groups simply don’t have time to “do it all.” The process of deciding what to focus on, and how to use time, is itself an important skill and it is always present during Shape of the Parish. The work of trying to become aware of a number of dynamics that are all going on in any congregational development intervention may help participants have a closer to “real life” experience during the program.
Developing this skill will also provide immediate assistance to participants as they practice the same sorts of focus back home. Getting better at noticing group and personal dynamics, sensing where the energy is in a group and around a particular issue, and understanding the interplay of multiple priorities is critical to staying focused and implementing effective change.
