The Ekklesia Institute - Providing quality counsel to all segments of the Church

Consultants:

The Reverend Dr. Robert E. Friedrich, Jr. has pastored both Presbyterian and Episcopal churches for 34 years. His book Discerning Your Congregation’s Future was published in 1996, and he has worked with churches and non-profits in strategic planning, effective ministry, and human relations.

Dr. Friedrich received his BA from Houghton College, Certificate in Anglican Studies from General Theological Seminary, and his M.Div. and D. Min. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

In addition to consulting he as been ordained since 1973 and has served Presbyterian, Congregational, and Episcopal churches since then, including 9 years as a certified Interim Minister.

In 2006, Friedrich earned the coveted Professional Transition Specialist designation.

Mr. James Paroline is an Episcopal layperson who has worked with ministries and businesses in developing effective marketing, financial strategies, and organizational development. He consults with companies, churches, and non-profits on organizational development.

References:

St. James by the Sea Episcopal Church
La Jolla, CA

Dear Bob,

I want to personally thank you for the work you did in directing the Strategic Planning Task Force at St. James by the Sea, La Jolla, California. As a member of the Task Force and a psychologist by profession, I was impressed by both the skill you displayed in leading us through the process and by the process itself.

By following the guidelines you gave us we were able to discover what is important to the parishioners and develop a strategic plan which appears to be useful to the both the vestry and the congregation because it based on their values. Your methods of inquiry into the values and needs of the congregation stimulated honest discussion of what is important to us.

I also appreciated you being readily available to us by email and phone through out this process as well as coming to be with us from time to time. As a psychologist, I was impressed with your ability to work with diverse and strong personalities and lead us in the process to move toward goals for the future.

The final workshop with the Strategic Planning Task Force and the Vestry was especially useful in that we were able to discover together what is important to our congregation and make a plan that reflects that. I believe that we are ready to move forward because we know ourselves better, are better able to discern the values and goals of the congregation, and eventually move toward calling a new rector. Thank you, Bob!

Sincerely,

Marjorie Coburn, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

I was very pleased with the participation of those who came for strategic planning in the parish. Your easy manner made people comfortable with what might have become adversarial or even nasty. Thank you. -- The Rev. Robert Ervin, Rector
-The Rt. Rev. Douglas E. Theuner, Bishop of New Hampshire
St. Thomas' Church, Dover, NH

This work is highly valued… especially because of the flexibility and understanding, which you have displayed in dealing with groups… There is a great need for consultation based in reality...
-The Rt. Rev. Douglas E. Theuner, emeritus Bishop of New Hampshire

Bob, thank you for giving us all that time and energy yesterday. Your approach was just right…laid back, extremely informative, no pressure, personable…. I was very pleased. This is an answer to my prayers.
-Jan Gamache, Co-chair Planning Committee
United Church (Congregational), Winchester, NH

You have not only the understanding of the nuts and bolts issues of planning, but also an ability to communicate those ideas so they take life. I [am] very pleased to have you work with us. I feel God's Spirit moving in our midst and see our church growing in this community.
-Bob Marrone, Co-chair Planning Committee
United Church (Congregational), Winchester, NH

At the…meeting, the Vestry members reviewed our retreat experience with you at Camp Bement. The unanimous opinion was positive. We learned about ourselves and about the importance of thinking systemically in order to begin planning for the future at St. Francis. On top of that everyone agreed our time with you was most enjoyable. Your relaxed manner and good humor were greatly appreciated. I speak for the group in again expressing our thanks for your valuable guidance.
-Eleanor Bird, Clerk
St. Francis Episcopal Church, Holden, MA