Tools, training and ideas for thriving parishes in our community
Every parish is unique, shaped by its people, gifts, opportunities, challenges and community. The ADO Learning Commons brings together tools, training and guidance for congregations across the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. It is a place to find useful information, develop skills, share knowledge and consider new possibilities for your parish.
Whether you are a clergy member, churchwarden, parish council member, ministry leader, volunteer, or simply care deeply about your church community, there is something here for you.
Thriving Parish Self-Assessment
Start with your parish
Where are things going well? What needs attention? Where might there be new possibilities?
The Parish Self-Assessment Tool is a good place to begin. It helps you recognize strengths, identify areas for growth and open conversations about priorities and next steps. It is not a test or an evaluation.
There are no right or wrong answers. It is an opportunity to reflect together and consider where your parish wants to go from here.
Download the parish self-assessmentPillars
Discover the eight pillars of a thriving parish
The Learning Commons is organized around eight interconnected areas. Choose the one that speaks most directly to what your parish is working on today.
Learn more about the pillars below or explore them all by visiting the Dashboard.
Worship
Worship is at the heart of Anglican identity. We have been described as people of 'common prayer,' able to visit Anglican churches around the world and recognizing the worship that is taking place.
At the same time, each worshiping community exists within its own unique context. Ideally, worship combines the familiarity of common prayer with the flexibility to speak to the faithful in a way that resonates with their daily reality. Worship shapes the life of a church, and feeds the spirits of those who attend. Ideally, worship is sensitive to the needs of those who attend regularly, as well as those who attend occasionally or may simply be visiting.
Go to this pillarSpiritual Growth
Following the way of Jesus (being Christian) is not a static experience. It begins on the day of our baptism and lasts until our physical life comes to an end – and beyond! Christians are able to grow and develop their spiritual selves, just as they can learn and grow in other areas of life. This involves the promises made at our baptism: the study of scripture and other elements of our faith; persisting in prayer for ourselves, our community, and even our enemies; learning about the unjust systems of our world (and pushing back against them); and learning to be good stewards of the earth.
Each of these elements requires a commitment to prayer and study, as well as challenging ourselves to move out of our comfort zone. Our churches are spiritual communities. If we want them to thrive and develop, we must be willing to do the same ourselves.
Go to this pillarCommunity
Thriving congregations and the principles of Christian hospitality go hand in hand. They strive to be intentional communities that live and function in healthy ways. They are aware of the demographics and needs of the community that surrounds them. They warmly welcome visitors and newcomers in ways that ‘meet them where they are,’ instead of insisting visitors quickly adapt to insular cultural norms.
Christian community works to foster meaningful relationships between individuals and, when conflicts arise, it is hoped that people speak to the person(s) involved or discuss the matter with parish leadership. Thriving churches are outward focused, serving the needs of the community around them.
Go to this pillarPastoral Care
Thriving churches have members who actively care for one another. This can be as simple as noticing when someone is “missing” on a Sunday morning or struggling with something difficult, and taking the time to reach out and care. There is a caring atmosphere.
In addition, thriving congregations often have a group of people who are trained on up-to-date ‘best practices’ in the ministry of pastoral care. Together with parish clergy, they seek to meet the pastoral needs of the community through prayer, companionship, and timely reception of the sacraments.
Go to this pillarContextual Mission
Thriving churches are rarely insular in their focus, because Jesus taught his followers to become the servants of others. In order to carry out this mission, a thriving congregation knows the community that surrounds it: what its current needs are and how the church might help. It adapts its ministry to changing needs while still looking through the eyes of the gospel. It has good relationships with the people, businesses, and organizations in the neighbourhood. The Holy Spirit often speaks to the Church through these voices, and then good things happen!
Go to this pillarLeadership & Governance
Thriving churches have a clear sense of direction and vision. They know who they are as a spiritual community, and what God is calling them to do. Leaders champion the vision and priorities of their parish, and support those who are working toward common goals. Lay and clergy leaders in a thriving church have a functioning understanding of how congregations and parishes ‘works’, as well as how they fit into the governance structure of its diocese.
Go to this pillarFinancial Stewardship & Management
Thriving parishes do not shy away from the important topic of finances. The gathering of funds as well as the managing of those funds must be intentional. Being good stewards means making deliberate choices. An annual stewardship program and intentional financial planning strategy are both important. They ensure the congregation is kept regularly informed as to the current reality, and what must be done in order to achieve shared goals and priorities.
Go to this pillarProperty Management & Maintenance
Thriving churches are good steward of all its assets, including its properties and buildings. It is important to have – and follow – a plan to keep property and buildings in good repair so they can be used well. Sometimes leaders must be willing to adapt these assets so the property and buildings can be ‘right-sized’ for the needs and budget of the parish of the present, while also keeping in mind the needs of the future.
Go to this pillar
Help shape what comes next
The Learning Commons will continue to evolve. New tools, training and opportunities will be added as needs emerge across the diocese. Is there a topic you would like to see addressed? Do you have an idea to share? Have you discovered an approach that could benefit another parish?
Send an email to connect@ottawa.anglican.ca to participate or contact us via our website at the link below.
Contact ADO