We Want to Use a Consultant But How Do We Decide Who is Right for Us?
by Dan Holloway, Consulting Team Leader
You have decided that your church would benefit from the services of a consultant but there is still an important question waiting to be answered. How do you choose the right consultant for your particular congregation and situation? It’s an important question because a good match between the consultant and congregation will likely provide the best chance of ultimate success in the working relationship.
Experience suggests that the best match comes from asking good questions in the interview process. The following questions may help you to determine the next person for your particular context.
Does the consultant start by listening carefully to your questions and concerns? There are many firms that provide excellent service but the best match for you will be a consultant who has listened carefully to your concerns and understands the particular nuances of your questions and needs. Beware the consultant who jumps too quickly to provides answers that may not be appropriate for your particular context.
Does the consultant understand and relate well to your particular context and theological tradition? It is certainly possible to work effectively across denominational lines and at times there may even be advantages in doing so. Yet, an effective consultant will both understand and have respect for your theological tradition and approach to ministry.
Does the consultant have experience working with a community of faith like yours? This includes not just theological alignment but an appreciation of your church size, physical location, and cultural and political context. An effective consultant will be sensitive to the particular challenges of working with a community of faith like the one you serve.
Does the consultant lay out a logical and reasonably detailed process once he/she has come to understand your questions and concerns? Are you clear on the anticipated basic steps in the process even while understanding that some changes may be necessary as circumstances change?
Does the consultant have the capacity to work in the ways most appropriate for your community of faith? Some congregations have a strong preference for in-person work while others are equally comfortable with online support. It is important to know what your proposed consultant is willing to do as well as associated costs for doing so.
Can the consultant provide references for his/her work? While there is often confidentiality in the work of the consultant, most are happy to provide references who are willing to speak about their work.
Is the consultant someone with whom you can personally relate? Are there obvious barriers that might make it difficult for you to receive this person’s recommendations regardless of their value? This doesn’t mean hiring someone who only tells you what you want to hear for that will likely prove to be useless. Yet, effective communication and trust even when challenging news must be delivered will increase the chances of hearing what must be heard.
Does the consultant have the necessary training, background, and experience to speak helpfully to your situation? While every situation is different, the most effective consultants are those who are both trained in their approach and flexible enough to adjust quickly when necessary. In a time of rapid change, the willingness to make adjustments in the midst of a fluid situation may be essential to final success.
Are there other questions that might be asked? Of course, and it will be important for you to add your own questions to this list. But this may be a good place to start as you consider the possibility of using a consultant for your community of faith.