Rationale, background information and resources for this assessment originate primarily from four sources:

• Stewardship Calling

• Effective Parish Assessment Program

• Orthodox Ministry Service

• Church Roadmap

Below are two two-parts to a podcast hosted by Ancient Faith Media on Effective Parish Assessment and Strategic Planning. Click on the image to be taken to the audio description and player.

Bill Marianis presents the Effective Parish Assessment (EPA) as a data-driven "wake-up call" to address the systemic decline facing Orthodox Christian churches in America. By utilizing empirical research and validated tools, the program moves beyond subjective opinions to diagnose "pandemics" such as plummeting youth retention and low liturgical engagement. The source introduces a structural solution centered on six pillars of health, specifically detailing the first three: Vision and Planning, Leadership and Teams, and Stewardship and Generosity. Ultimately, the text serves as an invitation for parishes to undergo a rigorous preliminary improvement plan to ensure they can provide a "good account" of their ministry before the judgment seat of Christ.

Every church does some things well and struggles with others. Join Bill Marianes, Fr. Ted Barbas, Dr. Don Khouri, Panos Coufos and Alex Cooley to discuss the process and results from the first-ever parish strategic planning retreat. Every church does some things well and struggles with others. In Part 2, Join Bill Marianes for a recommended step-by-step parish strategic planning process.

Included here are summaries of the various parts of the Strategic Planning model.

• A Strategic Plan for Parish Revitalization: The Effective Parish Assessment Framework

• The six operational pillars and thirty building blocks

• The Six Pillars of a Thriving Parish Community: An Introductory Guide

• The 30 Building Blocks of Parish Vitality