Christina, what a treat to discover your Substack! Your discussion here is so important. I only encountered SWOT because of my business and marketing training, and many in parish ministry don't have this exposure.
One assessment that isn't done enough in Catholic circles is a competitor analysis -- which needs to be adopted by Catholic ministries for discernment purposes. Ex. What is our mission that is unique? What need(s) are we fulfilling which are not fulfilled by other organizations? This is important as new project ideas pop up. There are so many apostolates out there, which is fine, but as Paul VI taught, we need to be united and not spreading ourselves thin by doing work already covered under another group's mission.
I've found it not uncommon in parishes to encounter resistance when assessment is attempted even if limited to a ministry leadership team. This is where a respected leader like a pastor can step in and provide a spiritual framework for docility to the Holy Spirit and that recognizing our flaws doesn't have to be equated with sin.
I'm so happy to be subscribing, and I plan to reach out to you soon!
Christina, what a treat to discover your Substack! Your discussion here is so important. I only encountered SWOT because of my business and marketing training, and many in parish ministry don't have this exposure.
One assessment that isn't done enough in Catholic circles is a competitor analysis -- which needs to be adopted by Catholic ministries for discernment purposes. Ex. What is our mission that is unique? What need(s) are we fulfilling which are not fulfilled by other organizations? This is important as new project ideas pop up. There are so many apostolates out there, which is fine, but as Paul VI taught, we need to be united and not spreading ourselves thin by doing work already covered under another group's mission.
I've found it not uncommon in parishes to encounter resistance when assessment is attempted even if limited to a ministry leadership team. This is where a respected leader like a pastor can step in and provide a spiritual framework for docility to the Holy Spirit and that recognizing our flaws doesn't have to be equated with sin.
I'm so happy to be subscribing, and I plan to reach out to you soon!