Strategic advice
Who is your congregation really — and where does that lead?
For congregations and church councils ready for a well-founded profile sketch and congregational vision, based on the gifts and functions actually present.
Writing a congregational vision without first knowing who the congregation is leads to general visions that no one commits to. JANE offers a methodical way to first map the congregation — survey, interviews, function analysis — and on that basis develop a congregational vision that truly fits who you are.
Does this sound familiar?
- You want a congregational vision, but don't know where to begin.
- Earlier visions got stuck in generalities or were not supported.
- You notice that the congregation is changing but don't know exactly how.
- You want a foundation under policy decisions.
What Jane® does for you
Survey among congregation members
A standardized but congregation-specifically configured survey that maps functions, gifts, and involvement.
In-depth interviews with key people
Additional conversations with elders, the pastor, leaders of working groups — to interpret the numbers.
Profile-sketch document
A well-founded description of who this congregation is: composition of functions and gifts, strengths, blind spots, room for development.
Vision trajectory with the church council
On the basis of the profile sketch, JANE guides the church council in developing a congregational vision that actually fits.
What does the journey look like?
- 1
Orientation with the church council
2 hours
Scope determination, support, planning.
- 2
Preparing the survey
1 month
Tailored compilation, communication to the congregation, sending it out.
- 3
Survey + interviews
1.5 months
Fieldwork: having the survey completed, conducting interviews.
- 4
Analysis and profile sketch
3–4 weeks
Drawing up the report, first discussion with the church council.
- 5
Vision trajectory
2–3 half-day sessions
On the basis of the profile sketch, the church council builds the congregational vision.
- 6
Presentation to the congregation
1 Sunday or evening
The profile sketch and vision are given back to the congregation.
This fits you if…
- A congregation with at least 80 involved members (otherwise the survey is statistically too thin).
- A church council willing to invest 6 months in this trajectory.
- Willingness to take the outcomes seriously — even when they are uncomfortable.
Less suitable if…
- Congregations in an acute conflict situation — resolve that first.
- Congregations that only want a 'vision document' for external use.
- Church councils not willing to invest a good 6 months.
The method behind this journey
The profile-sketch trajectory has been carried out concretely at several congregations, including VEG Bennekom (three versions of the profile sketch) and PG Wassenaar (congregational vision). The method has been further developed via the VPE Region East survey and the programs 'Free to change'.
Frequently asked questions
How much response do we need at a minimum?
For congregations of 80–200 members we aim for at least 60% response. Below that threshold the picture is incomplete and we have to repeat or broaden the survey.
What if the profile sketch shows something uncomfortable?
That is not a failure but precisely the intended insight. JANE provides descriptive insights and helps the church council interpret them meaningfully — no judgment.
How is the privacy of individual respondents safeguarded?
The survey is anonymized. Interviews are conducted confidentially and reported only in anonymized form. No personally identifiable information leaves the analysis process.
What does this cost?
Depending on congregation size and scope. Request a quote — on average 8,000–18,000 euros for the complete trajectory.
A final step
A congregational vision that is supported begins with knowing who you are. Schedule an orientation with the church council — entirely without obligation and with a concrete proposal as a follow-up.