1.) I think you should know of all "influential people" what they believe
about why it is better to have the church than not to have it.
2.) To get this knowledge, listen also with your eyes - what is important
for these people, how did the church support them in the past. Be
interested in the people - care about their biographies.
3.) In this process you are not a teacher, you are a learner. The system
will react according to the lessons you have learnt.
4.) Be faithful - "Thy will be done".
5.) Besides: What is your personal vision of your church?
My vision (regarding chuch) is: Bring in some light where darknes is.
Faith is medicine against fear.
Hope this is helpful.
Best regards, Winfried
--Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>