How to do Mission Action Planning: Prayer, process and practice

Gives the reader the benefit of many years’ experience of putting MAP into practice. ‘This is a must-read for anyone using MAP.’ JOHN DUNNETT, DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS AT THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND EVANGELICAL COUNCIL How to Do Mission Action Planning (SPCK, 2009) was the first book to appear on the MAP process, at a time when it was beginning to have a significant impact. In this fully revised and expanded edition, the authors offer further critical evaluation and theological reflection, by drawing on the experiences of people who have been using the MAP process in different contexts from their own: Fr Damian Feeney, parish priest and Catholic Missioner of Lichfield diocese Canon David Banbury, leader of Parish Mission Support, Blackburn diocese The Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans Dr Stephen Hance, Canon Missioner of Southwark diocese Linda Rayner, the United Reformed Church co-ordinator for Fresh Expressions

About the Author :
Mark Ireland is vicar of two churches in Shropshire, one urban and one rural. Previously diocesan missioner for Lichfield diocese, he has thirty years’ experience in parish-based evangelism, alongside work at diocesan and national level, and currently serves on General Synod and the Archbishops’ Council. He is co-author with Mike Chew of How to do Mission Action Planning (SPCK, 2009). Mike Chew has been the Business Excellence Director for Philips Lighting, and was responsible for the development and implementation of the Philips global improvement strategy process, whilst also being churchwarden of an Anglican parish in Lancashire. He is currently serving as MAP and growth strategy facilitator for the Blackburn diocese.

Review :
This is a rare book – a refreshing meditation on planning for mission – and one that is rooted in spirituality. As the authors show, the church and its mission arise from our vision of God. And once that vision has been realised, churches are able to become more intentional about their mission. Our vocation to share God’s love is not an option or an afterthought. It is the heart and soul of our faith. Mission – and our planning of it – should not fill us with fear or foreboding. Rather, as the authors argue, the call to share God’s love can be evermore meaningful, even as mission becomes more methodical. This is a must-read for anyone using MAP. The rich theological reflection, the detailed unpacking of the 4 MAP phases and the learning offered by the 5 guest practitioners add up to an impressive offering. This book enables good questions to be asked, overflows with wise reflection and contains oodles of practical examples, ideas and resources. I commend it to all local church leaders who are seeking to discern how best to translate the prayer ‘your kingdom come’ into appropriate church and congregational action. This timely revision is honest, well researched and carefully put together; an important contribution to the necessary change of culture required in today's Church, and supported by articles from church leaders experienced in the MAP approach. (On the first edition): The book is very hands on, providing clear guidance about how MAP can help parishes and dioceses envisage their future . . . Along the way the authors provide a number of insights that give much pause for thought . . . Both of the authors are extremely well qualified in using MAP . . . Anyone already involved in MAP would benefit from reading it. It will become, I hope, the starting point for the many parishes that have not yet begun to explore this kind of tool. It is excellent at what it does and really can bring wisdom to church leaders.