Appreciating Church focuses on sector-specific Appreciative Inquiry

‘All shall be well, and all shall be well… For there is a force of love moving through the universe that holds us fast and will never let you go.’

– Dame Julian of Norwich (c.1342-1416), the first woman to write a book in the English language

In February 2017, another milestone in the Appreciating Church programme will be delivered.

Created as part of the programme’s intention to ‘build a self sustaining community of AI practice across the church community’, the accompanying book, Appreciating Church – a practical Appreciative Inquiry resource for church communities, will provide practical resources and guidance.

The publication builds on an AI training programme delivered to over 200 people across the United Reformed Church, Methodist Church, Congregational Foundation, parts of the Church of England and Quakers.

Appreciating Church includes information on Appreciative Inquiry theory and practice, useful biblical insights to help understand Appreciative Inquiry in church settings, examples of AI practice in action, useful advice and practical AI approaches to use, and worship materials.

It also features a forword by Dr Lindsey Godwin Phd, Professor of Management at the Stiller School of Business and Director of the Cooperrider Center for AI at Champlain College in Vermont USA. She says:

‘Given the kindred spirit that echoes with both Appreciative Inquiry and the Church. I cannot think of a more philosophically aligned methodology for the work of the modern day church.’

The project is also supported by this website, appreciating.church, which will continue to grow as an online resource.

Book launches will be held in London and Liverpool:

• The London launch will be at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster on Thursday 9th February 2017. Refreshments will be served at 3pm with a launch at 3.30pm.
  Email philippa.linton@urc.org.uk if you would like an invitation.
• The Liverpool launch is at St Bride’s Church, Percy Street, Liverpool, on Monday 20th February. Refreshments will be served from 5.30pm, with a launch at 6pm.
  Email tim@appreciatingpeople.co.uk if you’d like to attend.