Churches Implementing ISO-Related Management Systems

[BradM]

For those that have access to the ASQ discussion board, there was a discussion on this topic.

http://www.asq.org/discussionBoards/thread.jspa?forumID=5&threadID=2579&messageID=56000#56000

As I stated in the ASQ discussion, I wished our church had a quality program.

I will not address the "higher order" benefits of a good quality program, but stay on the administrative side.

Let me give an example.

(True Story) Sunday evening we had a fire alarm. A small child had pulled the lever. Fire responded, etc. No one hurt; no harm, no foul. Read the below as questions from me, and answers from “someone in the know”.

1. Why was the child able to pull the alarm?
2. Was everyone evacuated? Most everybody. Why not all?
3. Who do you call when something like this happens? The Emergency Response Team. OK, who’s on that group? Well, the committee knows. Who’s the committee?
4. What about kids in classes? Do I go get them? NO! The teachers evacuate them. That’s funny; I’m a teacher, and am completely clueless on the process.

I could continue this one discussion for a long time. My point, churches are organizations. As the sizes of denominations are increasing (the large church issue) they are dealing with large organization matters.

1. Churches need documentation on how they deal with matters.
2. Churches need a Mission Statement. This gives vision and direction to individuals working very hard, usually for no income.
3. Like the example above, some simple procedures with training records could at least increase the assurance that people know how to deal with fire drills.

While it is up to the church leadership whether it is in their best interest to pay for certification, improving the process is worth the effort. Churches are about people who are very passionate about the cause, and a good quality system will only enhance their efforts.

 

[Baldrick]

I think Brad gives some good examples of what I think the OP was looking for (?).

But someone has to ask...if the certified organisation is a church, would God be classed as the provider of a critical service? If so, would he/she have to be on an approved supplier list? What if God isn't ISO9000 certified? Who gets to do the supplier development?

 

[ScottK]

I think Brad gives some good examples of what I think the OP was looking for (?).

But someone has to ask...if the certified organisation is a church, would God be classed as the provider of a critical service? If so, would he/she have to be on an approved supplier list? What if God isn't ISO9000 certified? Who gets to do the supplier development?

Wouldn't the deity (or deities) in question be the customer, not the supplier?
I mean - they're the ones issuing commandments and such.

 

[Icy Mountain]

I'll try to keep this non-religious.
Our church is rather large (~4,000 people). There are large teachings (up to 500 people) at 3 different locations at 4 different times (Sat 5:30p, Sun 9:30A, Sun 11:30A, & Sun 5:30P). Members can serve in 9 distinct ministries. The church is a collection of about 200 "home groups" with about 20 people in each. We operate 3 schools that are subject to the laws of, and accredited by, our State. Can you imagine trying to coordinate all this without some sort of "Management System"?

The overall church and each ministry has a written mission statement as well as written policies and procedures. For example, to serve in the Children's Ministry (e.g. "Sunday School") you must go through training, an FBI background check and be approved by your home group leader. Children's Ministry Mission Statement (Alas, edited for faith neutrality): "[Sunday School] is [our church's] program for children ranging in age from infants through fifth grade. The dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work in [Sunday School] seek to provide an environment where children can experience, learn about, respond to, and grow in the truth and love of [The One Who Cannot Be Named]."

Several years ago we started a church-wide campaign with the very specific purpose of adult outreach. The program looked like a classic Shigeru Mizuno and Yoji Akao Quality Function Deployment. We even have an annual report! The most interesting technique is that almost every single position of responsibility (think "CEO" or "Department Supervisor" in a corporation) is shared by at least two people. How's that for accountability at the source?

To avoid even the suggestion of impropriety, I am not posting the website. PM me to "opt-in" and I'll respond.

 

[Icy Mountain]

Wouldn't the deity (or deities) in question be the customer, not the supplier?
I mean - they're the ones issuing commandments and such.

That gives a whole new meaning to "Customer Supplied Product".

 

[Randy]

Seems to me that the diety is the customer (& Top Management as well), the church member the product (with defined benefits) and the requirements the scriptures with the ministry personnel as part of the operational process and communication mechanism.

This is a good one to apply quality to.

 

[potdar]

Just something for info. The interested may delve deeper. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Harvest_Church

 

[Icy Mountain]

Seems to me that the diety is the customer (& Top Management as well), the church member the product (with defined benefits) and the requirements the scriptures with the ministry personnel as part of the operational process and communication mechanism.

Randy, you got it on the first try! The part that makes the whole process so interesting is the extreme variability of:

• The church member and/or non-church member (customer supplied product) due to free will
• The interpretation of the requirements as laid out in scripture, and
• The operational processes of ministry.

The four means of growth in my faith are: determination of requirements related to the product (i.e. reading scripture), review of requirements related to the product and management review(prayer), internal communication and product realization(fellowship and ministry), and finally, continual improvement, corrective and preventive action (struggling with my faith, suffering with a purpose).

This is fun!

 

[Randy]

Randy, you got it on the first try!

This is fun!

Based on over 30 years of "personal" experience after having walked the aisle to the front myself.

When I was the "organization" treasurer I actually talked about this with some of the deacons experiencing mixed results in the end.

 

[fuzzy]

Currrently an atheist, I can enjoy this thread from the QMS side only...