Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a consultant?

An experienced and skilled person who provides needed expertise, information and direction to an individual and/or an organization.

2. What is the process for consultation?

Consultation from HI-DEF consists of the following steps:

• The request for consultation
• Defining the problem
• Written proposal
• Data gathering: statistical and information
• Data gathering: interviews and assessment
• Problem solving
• Report and recommendations
• Implementation and feedback

* This could vary depending on the scope and kind of services needed.

3. What are consulting fees?

Compensation paid by the client to the consultant for consultation services provided to the client. Most consultants charge a per-hour fee, a per-day fee, or a per-project fee. HI-DEF Consulting and Solutions prefers a per-project fee so that the church is fully aware of their final costs. Consulting fees are to be discussed in the proposal submitted by HI-DEF Consulting and Solutions.

4. What skills are to be expected from our consultants?

• A commitment to Jesus Christ and the Great Commission
• Local church experience
• Biblical/theological training
• Good written communication skills
• Good verbal communication skills
• Time management skills
• The ability to produce quality reports
• The ability to implement and follow through
• A hunger for excellence

5. Are there different levels of consultation?

We offer several methods of consultation:

Telephone or online (Skype or Google Hangout) Consultation: for brief advice, which can usually be given without an in-depth analysis.

Short-term On-site Consultation: for churches seeking specific guidance in the overall direction of the church, or answers to specific issues such as strategic planning, specific ministry needs, staff needs, ministry assessments and leadership training. This type of consultation is the most popular.

Long-term On-site Consultation: the most comprehensive of the consultation we offer, this includes several on-site visits and in-depth analysis of the church. Not only are recommendations made, but the consultant is available to review the implementation of these recommendations.

Solutions Oriented Interim Ministry: the consultant actually steps in to design, manage or lead a ministry through a crisis or change. The consultant will act as an Interim leader and manager until a more permanent solution is in place.

Project Oriented Consultation: consultation based on the size and scope of a project and its completion.

6. How do I know which level of consultation that I need?

Typically, an email conversation and/or brief telephone interview will give us sufficient information to make first step recommendations.