Holy Ground, Not Hasty Steps: The Wisdom of a Slow, Intentional Cooperative Parish Process

In a world that often values speed, the journey toward forming a healthy cooperative parish calls for a markedly different pace: slow and deeply intentional. This isn't about delaying decisions out of fear, but about embracing a sacred process of discernment that honors all involved and lays a robust foundation for future ministry.

Too often, cooperative parishes are formed hastily as a solution to immediate crises, with crucial details left "to be figured out later." This almost invariably leads to assumptions, mistrust, and frustration, dooming the cooperative before it truly begins.

Instead, in our book, An Effective Approach to Cooperative Parishes, we champion a process akin to "pre-marital counseling" for churches. The book provides a “Congregational Guide to Discernment and Implementation” which walks leaders through this step-by-step journey. This involves dedicated time for:

• Holy Conversations: Creating space for honest dialogue and prayer for church leaders and their congregations

• Facing Current Reality: Utilizing surveys, analysis, and transparent discussions to understand each church's ministry landscape

• Making Critical Decisions Upfront: Addressing alignment, resource allocation, and shared ministry plans before committing

• Developing a Shared Vision: Collaboratively discerning God’s preferred future for the cooperative parish.

This discernment journey intentionality takes time, commitment, and patience. Some topics may need to be revisited as trust is built and leaders wrestle with challenging questions. Rushing this delicate work of relationship building, vision casting, and detailed planning is a disservice to the congregations and the potential Kingdom impact. A slow, prayerful, and thorough discernment process is not a roadblock; it's the faithful path to a vital and effective cooperative parish.