The Value of Appreciative Inquiry in Congregations

The goal of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) according to Inagrace T. Dieetterich,
Director of Theological Research, Center for Parish Development, Chicago in the forward to Memories, Hopes and Conversations, is

• To change the conversation;
• To stimulate the thinking and imagination of congregations
• And to do this through a process that focuses on the honorable, the pure, the pleasing and the commendable.

Using AI in our congregations is a way to discover the congregation’s vision by focusing on what won members’ hearts, keeps them engaged, and what they yearn for in the future. I used this PowerPoint presentation in the TJD’s first web seminar in November 2007.

• The Value of Appreciative Inquiry - PowerPoint Presentation
• The Value of Appreciative Inquiry - PDF version

The Art of Congregational Governance

As you consider the role of your congregation’s board and how committees operate, here are some resources that I hope are helpful. They include a PowerPoint presentation that I presented at the Art of Governance workshop in Chapel Hill in January 2008, a pdf version of the PowerPoint slides, and a compendium of articles and tools about effective boards.

• The Art of Governance - PowerPoint presentation
• The Art of Governance - PDF version
• Building Effective Congregation Boards