WEEKLY COMMENTARY: The Mystery of CPC Session Teams

While our governing body ---- the CPC Session ---- usually meets monthly
(except in July and August), much of the work for our church programs and
strategic planning is developed by 19 specialized Session teams.  These
teams function separately, under the guidance of our Senior Pastor, Rev.
Don Steele.  The teams are intended to ensure that basic church functions
operate dependably, and within Session-approved budget limits.
 Importantly, the Session teams also are a source of many new ideas and new
methods for accomplishing CPC's important missions.

If some CPC members are unaware of the important work done by the 19 teams,
here are the teams by name:

---- Alternative Worship & Music                   ---- Membership Engagement
---- Traditional Worship & Music                   ---- Emerging Mission
---- Adult Spiritual Development                   ---- Members In Mission
---- Children & Young Family Ministry              ---- Finance & Investments
---- High School Ministry                          ---- Stewardship & Planned Giving
---- Middle School Ministry                        ---- Planning & Implementation
---- Care Giving                                   ---- Building & Grounds
---- Christian Fellowship                          ---- Communication & Technology
---- Welcoming & Outreach                          ---- Personnel & Admin. Support
---- Community Alliances

Church members not involved in Session team activities need to be aware of
these behind-the-scenes activities on your behalf.  If the following
information arouses a reader's interest in joining a Session team, team
membership is not limited to Session Elders.  Tell any of our 21 CPC Elders
of your interest.  Joining a team that really interests you, is a great way
to give back to CPC, and will probably help you make some new church
friends.  Your participation is always welcome, both as you join a team,
and later as you help that team accomplish its mission.

As we approach the start of a new CPC program year, perhaps it would be
helpful to review some of the factors which make our Session teams
effective.

Defining specific goals and objectives is the first step for Session teams.
 Sometimes the team's goals and objectives are defined by Session, but
often the team is given a broad functional area of responsibility, and the
team defines it's own specific objectives for the program year.  Goals and
objectives for a team are always subject to change, as Session or team
members discern new or more important priorities.  The goals and objectives
become a compass for the team's work.

The teams which make the greatest contribution have been those which
actively communicate among their members and with the congregation.  Some
teams have weekly notes in the Sunday BULLETIN or in the Friday E-mail,
and/or the monthly KEY.  Other teams have reasons for less outreach.  Some
teams have regular sit-down meetings; others seldom meet, but communicate
regularly by e-mail.  The team's functional responsibility should determine
how and when to communicate with the congregation and others, but
communication is very important.

Experienced team members emphasize the importance of experimenting with new
ways of doing things to improve team effectiveness ---- even if some of the
new ways turn out not to work. Achieving team goals comes down to how the
team was put together, and how well the past experiences of the team
members are drawn upon.  In other words, it depends on the team's
leadership and on team member participation.

When *individuals* learn, the process is trial and error (something is
proposed; one tries it, then we accept or reject it).  The learning process
occurs *privately*.  But on a *team*, people may not want to risk appearing
ignorant or incompetent when they suggest or try something new.  They hold
back initially. Neutralizing that fear of embarrassment, therefore, is
necessary in order to achieve the robust back-and -forth communication
among team members required for real achievement. This is the job of the
team leader, working with each team member.

Teams whose members feel comfortable making suggestions, trying things that
might not work, pointing out potential problems, and admitting mistakes,
are the most successful at implementing their goals and objectives.  By
contrast, it is when people feel uneasy in acting this way, that the
creative process is stifled.  Of course, it is the congregation that is the
loser if Session teams are not creative and effective.

The learning that should take place on a Session team is not just
technical.  Issues of status, and deeply ingrained old habits of
communication and behavior may be a roadblock to progress. How often have
you heard someone say,"We have always done it this way!"

It takes time for teams to learn how decisions should be made and who
should speak for them and when.  It takes even longer if people don't feel
comfortable speaking up.  It is the team leader's job to ensure that no one
feels blocked.  However, when open interaction is achieved,
the team's work is fun and gratifying!

High-achieving Session teams share three essential characteristics:
     ---- Their goals and objectives are given continuous review,
refinement and discussion.
     ---- Their leaders frame the challenge in such a way that team members
are highly motivated
           to learn and to promote the team's goals and objectives.
     ---- The leader's behavior creates an environment of psychological
safety that fosters
           communication, innovation and a sense of accomplishment.

Importantly, the monthly CPC Session meeting is a regular opportunity for
each team to explain briefly major new developments, and their progress
toward achieving the team's goals.  Each team is invited to submit a brief
written report which includes a statement of any impediments in reaching
goals and objectives, with specific requests for direction from Session, if
necessary.
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*These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development
Team, hoping to encourage your spiritual growth at CPC this fall.*
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