We-are-the-Plan workshops
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20 Junie 2011
We-are-the-Plan workshop: The church with a difference makes a difference
BACKGROUND
In 1982, Tom Peters recorded his research under the title In Search of Excellence. His attempt to identify the characteristics of excellent companies, had made international waves - and helped the international corporate world entering a new era.
Covey, with the same approach, managed to identify those factors that successful individuals contribute. His research also made global impact.
Several years of exposure to churches, especially in South Africa but also in other countries, a teasing question raises in my mind: Why are some churches making a clear difference in their communities and the world, while others seem only to exists for themselves or are trapped in a crisis of merely existing? What makes the difference in those congregations that are making a difference?
RESEARCH
Academic research always risks to end somewhere on a dusty library shelf, without having a practical impact. I am constantly exposed to congregations using various methods and programs to increase their missionary commitment - with varying and often disappointing and unsustainable results.
Studying the Bible, as well as a comprehensive literature and empirical research has suggested that missional churches share ten common characteristics. Because these properties represent the fundamental nature of church, I was convinced that we are dealing with those factors that influence a church's impact in society dramatically and sustainably. In short, here was a model that could dramatically expand and accelerate the Church's influence in the world!
To avoid the dusty library shelf, I repacked the results in such a way that it can be offered in congregations as an interactive workshop.
WORKSHOP
During the workshop the results of this study are introduced to participants through interesting and exciting techniques. In the fact, group discussions result in a self-discovery experience.
The following topics are addressed during the workshop:
Sola Scriptura
Who is God? Who are we? What is the Church? Does God have a plan? If so, what is it? Do we have something to do? Scripture as a starting point to our questions.
Spirituality
The balanced spirituality of the church is firmly based on a living relationship with Jesus, the Head of his Church. Cardinal issues, such as God's will for his Church, his "voice being heard" and the role of prayer, is relevant here.
Vision
Enthusiasm, focus and meaning are grounded in an effectively communicated, God-given vision.
Missional Character
The missional character permeates the essence of the church. The importance of the nature and purpose of the Church is particularly relevant here and is the primary existence of the Church.
Kingdom Perspective
The Kingdom Perspective of the Church focuses the congregation outwards so that the whole gospel is carried to the whole world.
Growth
The congregation has a yearning and longing for numerical growth in the Kingdom of God, that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.
Leadership
Visionary and serving inspired leadership guide and empower Christians to a make a real impact and difference through their gifts and talents.
Relationships
The church invests its total capacity to develop and maintain love and cooperative relationships within the Body of Christ.
Strategic and Operational Management
Effective, dynamic, strategic and operational management support and accelerate the impact of the missional church. Here especially the logical consistency of God's will, vision, leadership, strategic and operational management is explained.
Practical Outcomes
Mandate and vision is effectively transformed into practical outcomes to ensure that the congregation makes a difference.
What now?
A brief introduction of an instrument that can be used to monitor for the church's missional qualities. The instrument can also be used wider within the congregation and offers almost endless possibilities to motivate the congregation. Furthermore the optimal implimentation of the materials, discussed in the workshop, can be considered.
TEXTBOOK
A textbook, that comprehensively explain concepts to participants, is available. This high quality publication includes over 200 pages and includes illustrations, diagrams and other aids to guide participants. The handbook also serves as an essential reference source after completion of the workshop.
WORKBOOK
Each participant is also provided with a workbook to be used during discussions and practical sessions during the workshop. It can later be used to make valuable conclusions for further guidance of the congregation.
RESOURCES
The use of modern and innovative tools, ensures that this is not an indigestible experience. Balance between seriousness and humor, as well as the use of group techniques, roll plays and group discussions make this a memorable experience. (See comments below.)
TARGET AUDIENCE
The first workshop is aimed at opinion makers and leaders in the congregation. Invariably the workshop leads to new perspectives and beliefs. If the wider leadership was not part of this workshop, it could have a restrictive impact. Because group techniques and interaction is important, a group size of 24 participants is ideal, but groups of as few as eight people and as many as 80 have been effectively facilitated.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
The outcome is of course in the hand of God and therefore not predictable. Because the workshop is not a simple recipe, but the unique context and mission of each congregation is recognized, the outcome always is surprising! The congregation, however, can expect that the difference they are making will be enhanced and accelerated.
COST
First Offer
• Individuals: R150 (includes attendance at workshops, textbook and workbook)
• Couples: R225 (includes attendance ofworkshop, a manual and two workbooks)
• Congregation takes responsibility for travel and accommodation costs of presenters(s). Km rate calculated according to synodical scale.
Subsequent presentations
• Individuals and couples: R50 per person (includes attendance of workshops and a workbook)
• Congregation takes responsibility for travel and accommodation costs of presenter(s). Km rate calculated according to synodical scale
Follow-up consultations
• Congregation takes responsibility for travel and subsistence expenses of consultant(s). Km rate calculated according to synodical scale
DURATION
We deem time important for roll plays and self-discovery of the principles involved. A full weekend (or Sunday and during weekday evenings for a total of 16-21 hours) will contribute to the material more fully be internalized.
PRESENTATIONS SO FAR PRESENTED
The workshop is available in South Africa since the latter half of 2004. Several churches have been exposed to the material where pastors, mission leaders and other members attended the workshop. The workshops have also been presented in several countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Angola, Ukraine, India and the United Kingdom.
OTHER EVENTS
The Lord is creating more and more opportunities by congregations being interested in exposure to the material. It includes many English-speaking congregations. The material is also at regular basis offered to theology students at the University of the Free State as well as Bible school students in African countries, while it is also available as a course for continuing education of ministers.
COMMENTS (unedited)
It was very good and constructive. I enjoyed it. It will be good if more days are offered to give time for more questions.
Tebang David Nthane
It was professional. It was the wonderful way of presenting that gave it so much impact. I am informed and nurtured in what I did not know.
Edna Swartz
I enjoyed the workshop very much. It was well prepared and very informative. It reminded me once again how big and powerful God is, using us, being small and void, to complete his plan / goal in the world. That I am part of letting His Kingdom come into the world.
Rev. Corrie Greeff
It was truly a wonderful experience. In this seminar, I once again realized that I should to listen to God's voice. He who is commanding, also equips. Thank you for the outstanding manner in which it was presented.
Nellie Lamprecht
It was an incredible experience. One (especially a mother being busy with children, food, dogs, cats and her husband) decay in a mere existance mode. This weekend God so clearly gave me a reason for my existence. It's wonderful to know and also hear again that I am part of God's plan - that I had been made not just for "existence", but to LIVE!
Wilna Theron
Firstly - I did not want to come and were searching for reasons to stay away and therefore joined the workshop with a very negative mindset. But thank God that He led me to attend - and what an experience - personally it meant a lot to me - to make a difference - to life in Him!
Jannie Scholtz
It was such a privilege to be part of this weekend, the Lord reversing my initial plans and working so wonderful and letting me experience a total reversal in my life. Thank you so much for "lights turned on.
Johanna Delport
Excellent, insightful, greater than in words to express what God can do through His Spirit to His church members. It was so necessary at this stage of our congregational existence - maybe in some way the time was just ripe for this message to yet again be reminded what God's purpose with his church, throughout the ages, was and is. God alone can send this congregation (church council) in this new direction and I have no doubt in His power and faithfulness.
Linda Du Toit (pastor's wife)
With God all things are possible. My vision of mission has changed completely.
Anonymous.
The workshop brought a fantastic new understanding of church. It is “Missio Dei”.
Pieter Hugo
It was excellent - would like be more discussions about the "how" as well. My prayer: May the workshop have hands and feet in our congregation.
Johan Kruger
That made me think, and I’m seeing my congregatioin in another light. Every congregation should experience this workshop.
Kallie van Niekerk
The workshop encouraged me to rethink my church's missional involvement. It helped me also to think about myself - my own soulsearching - the process has started.
Rev. Peet Louw
COMMENTS (edited)
I now have a bigger problem than before. There is so much energy loose in the congregation - to manage it is a challenge.
Clergyman
Our church will never be the same again!
Participant
I' got perspectives that I never had. I learned things I did not know. I understand things I never understood. It was an incredible experience.
Businessman and President of the Church Council
I know the workshop is aimed at the church, but I would never be able to describe what it meant to me personally.
Housewife and participant
As a member of several prominent churches over the years, I was already involved in strategic planning sessions. Never could anyone succeed in applying modern management and planning principles, in my opinion, effectively within a biblical perspective. This workshop will get it right! It's an incredible experience - I'm excited!
Engineering and President of the Church Council
Certainly one of the most logically structured workshops I've attended.
Engineering and participant
This workshop succeeds to theological truths to digest and understand them.
Anonymous
Frontier mission in black SA churches.pdf
