What the consultant saw …

By Isabel Merrifield, Consultant with ISME Management Consulting Ltd.

It has been an exciting project to help the trustees of the Major Churches’ Network move to their next phase.  There had been a lot of conversation, but it was clear that an organisation structure was needed in order to support a thriving network in future. 

It was a pleasure to work with the trustees to pull together a strategic plan and financial model for the next 4 – 5 years and to formally apply to the Charity Commission to set them up as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (basically a company which is a charity in simpler terms). 

So, why did we do all this?  Well, if the MCN is to become useful,  supportive and deliver on its goals (support, advocacy and training) it needs someone to actually work on this.  To employ someone takes money.  Setting up as a company with a formal plan was the only way. 

Ultimately subscriptions will cover the costs of the part time coordinator, making the CIO self-funding, but the trustees recognise that in the first few years some seed funding is required to get things moving.  They are working on this now. 

Over the coming years, the MCN will become the “go to” place for all things related to major parish churches in England.  It will provide valuable services and support for ordained and lay teams in those churches and help them learn from each other.  The benefits of the model are clear and I wish the network well as it grows.  I would encourage every major parish church to engage, pay the subscription and start to shape the new organisation to fulfil its huge potential.

If you think I could help your church with strategic planning, then please contact me at isabel@ismemanagement.org.uk;