Potentials - Who We Are

Potentials' staff bring over 30 years of experience in congregational development work with congregations, task groups and judicatories at all levels of church structure. Potentials is governed by a Board of Directors and given expert advice by an Advisory Council. Other supporters give advice, help develop our annual conference, and write for our newsletter. Potentials is a registered charity: 89600 5907 RR0001. Paul MacLean is Potentials' Executive Director and Consultant in Congregational Development. Janet Marshall is an associate Potentials consultant in congregational development based in Halifax.
Paul MacLean, Executive Director Paul is the executive director of *Potentials, a unique Canadian ecumenical centre for the development of ministry and congregations. He led the founding of Potentials* in 1995 and has guided the organization through its development over the past twelve years to its present, highly respected position as a key resource for Canadian churches. Paul brings to this organization a deep belief in the power of congregations to transform both the lives of individuals and society. Through *Potentials* Paul works at every level of the church as a consultant, facilitator, teacher and researcher. Given the context of radical challenges faced by Canadian churches, this is work that involves guiding groups and organizations through profound change at personal and collective levels. It requires good process, skill, sensitivity and courage. The heart of Paul’s work is helping individual leaders, groups and organizations discover a strong vision that will result in creative, animating and lasting expressions of their faith and mission. 3 Recent articles by Paul MacLean (PDF) *Current experience and competencies* Through *Potentials* Paul has led or contributed to more than 130 medium to long term consulting projects involving hundreds of congregations, middle level judicatories and national bodies. Working collaboratively, developing group standards, defining goals and finding common cause have all been essential components contributing to the success of these projects. Consulting and facilitation competencies include Developing collective vision for congregations, judicatories and other organizations Strategic planning Leading complex change processes with many dimensions and variables Managing conflict Developing new models and partnerships for organizations Amalgamations: organizational and emotional processes Processes for assessment, evaluation and alignment Leadership and team development As an educator Paul has taught courses in four universities and has led numerous workshops and shorter events. Areas of interest include Spiritual resources for leaders Understanding and managing change and conflict Understanding organizational identity and the leader’s role within a system Paul is currently overseeing a unique research project that is investigating the factors and effects of long term change in a large church system (SpiritWork in Toronto Scarborough Presbytery). *History* Prior to *Potentials, Paul held various positions in the National Program of the Anglican Church of Canada. In this capacity he led initiatives and developed resources, networking and training in the areas of Congregational development: church growth, managing conflict, rural ministries, and vision planning Evangelism Multiculturalism Leadership development Ministries with children Adult faith development and learning Ecumenical learning Paul has served on committees of the World Council of Churches and the Canadian Council of Churches. In this capacity he participated in and led numerous ecumenical ventures on the international and Canadian scenes. After graduation in the 1970’s Paul served as a priest and teacher in Anglican parishes and schools in Vancouver, the United Kingdom and Toronto. He holds two degrees in theology and two in English literature, and has had a life long passion for discovering and developing faith through theology, the arts, travel and liturgy. Paul is frequently called on to preach, to lead workshops and conferences, and to teach in academic and less formal settings. He is the coauthor of two books, Sharing the Banquet* and Seeking the Seekers. He has produced numerous educational and congregational development resources and has written extensively on change in the church. Paul is married to Sally-Beth and they have three adult children and two grand children. He and Sally-Beth have enjoyed at least one challenging adventure for each of the past 38 years. Back to top of page
Janet Marshall, Senior Consultant Potentials East Since 1990, Janet Marshall has worked extensively with churches and church groups to help create focused and healthy communities of faith. Janet brings expertise and experience as a consultant in the field of congregational development in the fields of: context and identity based visioning and planning; self-assessment ministry reviews; amalgamations; conflict, church governance; and leadership development. She is often called upon to design and facilitate processes that help congregations and judicatories consider contentious issues and make difficult decisions. Janet's work includes supporting judicatories in developing their strategy and role in church revitalization. She frequently works with groups of churches together to discern a shared vision and plan for ministry. As a trainer and workshop leader, Janet works with groups facilitating practical learning and engagement with the critical issues facing church leaders today. A co-founder of Potentials and senior consultant since its inception, Janet opened Potentials East in Halifax NS in January 2006. For 14 years, she was also a consultant with the Anglican Diocese of Toronto. Janet holds a Bachelor of Music, a Masters degree in Organizational Development, and has special training as an adult educator, facilitator and musician. Janet's research and writing includes resource and process development for clergy and congregational performance reviews, Together in Ministry - A Mutual Assessment of Ministry, and Hearing Diverse Voices - Seeking Common Ground, a resource to help people discuss homosexuality and homosexual relationships for the National Anglican Church of Canada. Janet has written on congregational amalgamations and other issues of congregational transformation and leadership. She is co-author of God, Kids and Us. Back to top of page
Board of Directors 2010 The Rev. John Ambrose (United Church of Canada) The Rev. Andrew Asbil (Anglican Church of Canada) Ms. Norah Bolton (Anglican Church of Canada) The Rev. Ron Ewart (United Church of Canada) Ross Hillis (treasurer, United Church of Canada) Pam Lock (United Church of Canada) Ms. Alydia Smith (secretary, United Church of Canada) The Rev. Ella Taylor-Walsh (United Church of Canada) The Rev. Jeff Ward (Anglican Church of Canada) The Rev. Brian Wilker-Frey (chair, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada)

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