In addition to her work as the Vicar of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church (Kent, Washington), the Rev. Alissa Newton is Program Director for Congregational Development for the Diocese of Olympia, and oversees the Consulting Network from this role. She is a founding trainer for the College for Congregational Development and holds a certificate in Congregational Development from the Congregation Development Institute. She has been working with congregations and other organizations within the Diocese of Olympia since 2008. In addition to her CD work, Alissa holds a BA in Christian Theology from Seattle Pacific University and a Masters of Divinity from Seattle University. As a lay person Alissa served as a vestry member and Junior Warden in her parish, as well as Lay Pastor for Children and Families for three years at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Seattle.
What do you love most about being a congregational consultant?
I love the creative aspects of this work – every congregation and organization is different and has unique strengths and challenges. As a consultant it is always both fun and inspiring for me to listen to people talk about their love of their place and the hopes they hold for the future of their congregation or organization.
Where do you feel your strengths are as a consultant?
I am both an optimist and a strategic thinker. I am a strong facilitator and teacher as well as someone who can help a place think outside the box about their strengths, challenges and potential for future action.
What gets you excited to work with a particular congregation, or what are you looking for in a consulting job?
I love congregations that are actively seeking development and vitality, regardless of where they are starting in terms of size, financial health or location. Whether it’s a short consultation or a longer identity or development process I get excited when I sense that an organization is looking to build their own capacity to listen to God, each other, and the world in order to act on what is discovered.