Dear Friends of The Center for Congregational Health,

Bill Wilson

In last week's Doorpost you learned of the major changes occurring in the life of our organization. Many of you have asked about our plans for continuing congregational and clergy consulting and coaching on a national basis.

I am pleased to tell you that I will launch The Center for Healthy Churches (CHC) as a free-standing congregation and clergy consulting and coaching group in January. Growing out of the seedbed of Center for Congregational Health, the distinctive ministry culture of CHC will be marked by:

• A pastoral care DNA that emphasizes diagnosis before prescription
• A commitment to process consulting rather than expert consulting
• A non-na�ve knowledge of congregations, characterized by a deep love for, success with, and actual involvement in, ministry in local churches
• A financial model that makes these services affordable and available to all congregations and clergy
• An ecumenical, innovative, and entrepreneurial spirit
• A focus upon establishing an appropriate balance between the five dimensions of health in churches: Spiritual, Mental/Emotional, Physical, Financial, Structural

Launching the new Center out from under the sponsorship of the hospital is a significant and exciting undertaking. The Center for Healthy Churches will make use of a network of consultants and coaches who have a proven track record of excellence and a shared commitment to our distinctive approach to organizational and spiritual health. It will keep our former web site address (www.healthychurch.org), and FaithHealth will refer future calls for consulting and coaching services to me. We are committed to regard one another as sister ministries working as separate entities.

I have been amazed at the providential way things have fallen together for me across these last few weeks. I have experienced more "God moments" during this process than at any season in my life. The level of interest in what I hope to do with CHC is beyond my expectations. You will see in the comments below a sample of that encouragement.

I covet your thoughts and prayers as I launch this new ministry and seek to continue the legacy of healthy churches and clergy that has been a priority from the beginning of our work. Thank you for your support and interest in this unfolding future.

For you to be part of The Center for Healthy Church's network, you need to click the area indicated below and share your email with us. I hope to launch the new website in early January, and will keep you informed of further details as they become clear.

Blessings to you in this Advent season,

Bill

"The help that Bill Wilson and his team have given here at First Baptist Church of Decatur (GA) in our recent, challenging season of transition has been an absolute game-changer. The new Center for Healthy Churches is a fresh expression of a proven approach to congregational wellness. This is great news for churches of all kinds, and for the kingdom of God."

Julie Pennington-Russell, Pastor of First Baptist, Decatur GA

"Bill Wilson is one of the most polished, down-to-earth, and wise leaders I know.  He reads congregations like a book.  His tactical and strategic advice for churches and leaders is sound and practical.  Beyond quick and simplistic answers, Bill leads churches toward systemic and sustainable solutions.  I have encouraged many churches to connect with him and look forward to new opportunities with the Center for Healthy Churches to expand this work.  I want Bill in as many of our churches as possible!"

Dr. John P. Chandler, Leader, Spence Network, Richmond VA

"The Center for Congregational Health has been a trusted partner for years.  Bill Wilson has shared in that trust and been an extension of our ministry.  We are pleased that he has embarked on this new chapter of his calling.  He knows congregational ministry and brings a tool kit to help you move towards being a healthier congregation."    

Bo Prosser, Ed. D.

Ministries Coordinator, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

• Basic coaching techniques
• Assessments and communication styles
• Using coaching with teams and groups
• Coaching using the tools of "Adaptive Leadership" from Heifetz, Grashow, and Linsky and "Appreciative Inquiry"