mission, vision and strategic plan
TRANSCRIPT
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Contents
Introduction page1
Section1Wherewehavecomefrom page2
Section2MissionStatement page3
Section3DivinePerspective page3
Section4Culture page4
Section5VisionStatement page7
Section6Revelation page7
Section7
Change
and
Increase
page
8
Section8Leadership page9
Section9MovingForward page9
Section10NextSteps page12
Appendix1
PropheticpicturesharedduringInterregnum page13
Response page15
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IntroductionOverthe lastyear,andthroughvariouspeople, ithasbecomeclearthatGodwantstomove ina
newandpowerfulwaythroughStJohns.Inresponsetothisaperiodofreviewandplanningbegan
inordertoallowtimeandspaceforGodtospeak,andforHimtoprovideuswithaframework.
The process started in December 2011 and continued for 4 months. Many hours were spent in
prayer, discussion, review and planning. Initially the team comprised of Nigel and Annie di
Castiglione, Antony Spencer, Tim Meathrel, Ruth Hassall, Steve Foster, Marcus Pagnam and Jon
Tattersall, with some input from Graham Hopkinson and Bob Dunnett for Section 1. The first
sessionsprovidedamodelforfurtherprayerfulreviewanddevelopment.Theteamthenchanged
andDebbyBridge,BrennanHorne,DiCopplestone,JonnyPearsonandGeoffHeyesjoinedNigeldi
Castiglione,AntonySpencer,RuthHassallandSteveFoster.
The review and planning process was based around proven professional planning tools; bringing
themintotheChristianarena,wheretheycouldbewoventogetherwiththedynamicsofspiritual
discernmentandGodspropheticvoice.
Input initiallywasthroughusing postitnoteexercises. Eachteammembercompleted3or4of
theseforeachquestionoractivity.Thesewereplacedonalargeboardwheretheywerediscussed
and grouped, and then common themes, statements or threads identified. These have been
carriedforwardintothisdocument.
During this process a considerable amount of time was spent reviewing the past history of St
Johns,withasensethatnothingiswastedintheKingdomofGod.Understandingwherewehave
comefromhasshapedanddirectedwherewebelieveGodisleadingusnow.
Much prayer, many hours of prayerful discussion and listening to one another; and most
importantlytimespentlisteningtoGodwerepartofeachsession.
Thisdocumenttheresultofourreviewandplanningismoreofalaunchpadtomoveforward,
ratherthanthefinishedarticle.WorkhasbegunindevelopingthedetailedobjectivesofanAnnual
Plan. Asyouread itandconsiderall that is in thesenextpages,wepray thatyouwillcatch the
visionthatwebelieveGodisrevealingtousasachurch.Asyouread,askyourself:AmIonboard?
Whatcouldbemypart?
WebelieveandtrustthatthisprocesshasbeeninspiredbyGodatakeypointinthelifeofStJohns
Church.
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Section1WherewehavecomefromTestimony
LookingatthepastandpresentactivityofStJohns. Thequestionsposedwere:Whatwouldwe
most want toseerepeated and/orstrengthened? Whatare the testimonies ofSt Johnsministry
currently?
Whatare
the
most
significant
memories
of
St
Johns
ministry?
What
have
we
seen
God
dointhepast?WhatisGoddoingcurrently?Inresponsewenoted:
AplacewherelivesarechangedasGodismet Hungerfor,andenjoymentofGodspresence ChildrenandYoungPeoplemeetingwithGod InfluenceandconnectionsbeyondStJohns Signs,miracles,wonders,salvation,healinganddeliverance
HistoryLooking at the social and geographical context in which St Johns is set i.e. Birmingham. The
followingkeyareasorcharacteristicswereidentified:
Placeofspiritualbattle Racialandspiritualdiversity SecondcityandHeartofEngland Enlightenedentrepreneurship
(sociallymotivatedratherthanpurelywealthcreating)
Placeofindustry,manufactureandlearning
StJohnsDNA
LookingatwhathasbeenpassedonandestablishedwithintheministryofStJohns.Whatarethe
uniqueandimportantcharacteristicsofStJohns?
IntheChurchofEnglandpursuingtheKingdom Worshipandmusicakeypriority HolySpiritministry EffectiveBiblicalteaching Strong&visionaryleadership Externalawarenessandinvestmentincludingmission,evangelismandgenerosity
KeyActivities
Looking at current activities, what we are doing day by day, Sunday by Sunday. Below are the
summarystatementsdrawntogetherfromallouractivities.
WorshipandencounteringGod Teaching Healingandwholeness Communityandbelongingforpeopleatallstagesoflife/over
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Specialistover70sministry Specialist021sministry Localoutreachandglobalmission
Section2
Mission
Statement
Whywedowhatwedo
Themissionstatementunderpinsallourministryandactivity.Thetesttoapplyforeverythingis
doesthisministryoractivityservethemission?
Simplythemissionstatementiswhywedowhatwedo:
STJOHNSCHURCHWe live topursue and encounter God, to be changed into the likeness ofJesus andtransformsocietyaswecarryHispresenceintotheworld.
Atthesametimethefollowingstraplinewaswrittenforappropriateuse
PursuingJesusandHisKingdom
Section3DivinePerspectiveProphecies
LookingatprophecyspokenovertheministryofStJohnsandspoken intothechurchthatisheld
beforeGodforfulfilment.Thefollowingsummarystatementshavebeendrawntogether.
Placeofgloryandpeace PressingintoallthatGodhasforus Healingandwholenessforthousands ReleaseofnewthingsofGod Significanceandimpactbeyondwhatwecansee BeachheadformoveoftheSpirit
Significant
Influences
LookingatwhatstrengthsandgiftstheministryofparticularleadershadbroughttoStJohns.
19501969 Visionforrenewedfutureparish,premises&peoplejoy,exuberance&simplicity
inworship,pastoralministry
19701990 Charismatic renewal St Johns, city and beyond. Significant church growth,
prominentinwaveofcharismaticrenewal
19912009 Pastoral and healing, consolidation, engagement with diocese and wider renewal
movements
Interregnum ApicturewassharedduringatimeofprayerduringtheInterregnumwhichwasbeen
significantin
the
appointment
of
the
current
Vicar
and
future
direction
of
St
Johns
(thispictureisincludedasappendix1)
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2010present Nigel&AnniediCastiglionejoinedStJohns inDecember2010bringingwiththem
thisvision:
REVIVAL thatgoesbeyondtheweekendactivitiesoforganisedchurchandtriggers
thetransformationofsocietyandculturearoundus.
RESOURCINGThe
vast
majority
of
the
St
Johns
family
are
called
to
carry
this
revival
intothemarketplaceandcommunitythroughtheactivitiesoftherestoftheweek.
Backattheranchweneedtobearesourcingbodysothatthosesentoutdayby
dayareequippedforGodswork24/7.
RELEASINGRecognisingtherelativestrengthwehaveasalocalchurchandalliedto
themanifestneedsofa farwidergeographicalspread,wemustmovequickly into
releasingpeopletocarrywhattheygethere,intomanyandvariousplaces.Recent OtherspeakersandvisitorshavesensedthesignificanceofStJohns:
BobDunnett
St
Johns
will
have
great
and
significant
spiritual
influence.
GrahamHopkinson strongsenseof there ismore,weareOKaswearebutwe
needtochange.
Section4Culture
CurrentCulturalStrengths
The team reviewed what we were already known for, what are our strengths and what are the
culturesthathavebecomeestablishedinourministry.
Expectationofthesupernatural Teaching PursuingGodinworship Caringandhonouring Generosity
CurrentValuesandBeliefs
We identified our core values and beliefs in the following 7 statements; we believe that Jesus,
workingthroughthelocalchurchisthehopeoftheworld.
ConfidenceinBiblicalauthority Knowing&servingGodinthepoweroftheHolySpirit WorshippingGodisatourheart Healingandwholenessforall Givingandgenerosity RecognitionthateveryonecanhearGod ProclaimingtheGoodNewsofJesus
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DesiredCultures
WhatarethehallmarksofbehaviourthatStJohnsshouldaspireto?Whataretheculturesthatwe
mostwanttohave?
Salvation GoodnessofGod Prophetic PresenceofGod Honouringoneanother Risktakingobedience
These 6 hallmarks are an expression of our inward attitude and outward focus in reaching and
serving the communities we are called to. They are explained in more detail further on in this
section.
The team felt strongly thatwhen these cultures were established and working together it would
reflect Jesus and His Kingdom at the centre and thereby establish a setting where revival may
flourishasshownindiagrambelow.
DiagramJesusandHisKingdom1
Jesus&His
Kingdom
Cultureof
theGoodness
ofGod
CultureofRiskTakingObedience
Cultureofhonouring
one
another
CultureofSalvation
Cultureofthe
Presence
ofGod
Cultureofthe
Prophetic
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TableJesusandHisKingdom2
GoodnessofGod HonouringoneanotherExhibitsmorality,purity&positivity Honouring, valuing, caring, nurturing, recognising
differences&blessingthem
Bringsbenefitstoallpeople Proactivityofvaluingapersonandactivelylookingatour
prejudicesat
the
same
time
Lovingseekingthebestforothers Callingoutthegold inpeopleincludesrefinementand
removalofthedross
Generous Identifyinggiftsandseeingthemused
GoodnessofGodcontrastswithevil.Godisalwayspositive,
Satanisalwaysnegative
Our greatest strengths can be our point of weakness.
Dealing with weakness and fault in an environment of
trustandlove
Lifegiving,fun,holistic,callednotdriven Does notwritepeopleoffbecauseofsin
Recognition&understandingofsuffering(Romans8)
Aninvitationforalltotakepart
Risktakingobedience SalvationCalled toaction pictureofSt Johnsas aircraft carrier not
cruise ship. This recognises that we will always need
provision forhealing,refreshment&restoration. Ephesians
6weareequipped&protectedaswemoveforward.
Coming to faith, growing in faith, healing, deliverance,
freedom(restoringallthattheenemyhastaken)
Tenacious HearingGodsvoicepersonally
Permissiontofailandtryagain AllheldinGodsperfectpeace
Honouredandvaluedfortrying Beinginvolvedinthebigproject
Challengetotakeusoutofourcomfortzones
PresenceofGod PropheticTransformationdontgooutthesameasyoucamein Strengthening&encouraging
Bringsclarityofthinking Godswordfortoday
Captivatingalwaysdrawnback Confronting the social, ethical & political values of the
worldaroundus
His presence brings excitement, stillness, silence &
celebration
Identity,destiny,direction&leading
Hunger&passionforprayer HearingGodspeak
Theremustbemoreadissatisfactionwithwhatwehave Callingthatwhichisnotasifitwere
Signsthatmakeyouwonder Propheticaction declaration&activationinthebody
Revivalwhatmightitlooklike?(cfActs2)Peoplebeingsavedaddedtotheirnumberdaily Everybodyinvolvedwithministry
Radicalrepentance,sincerity,devotion EnjoyingthefavourofallGodspeople
Signsthatmakeyouwonder Presence of God outside the church church without
walls
UnprecedentedoutpouringofGodsspirit Sendingoutworkers
Alwaysanenvironmentofprayerandintercession Cantmissit
Contagiousgospel
IntimacywithGod
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Section5VisionStatementFrom the discussions so far shared in this document the team arrived at the following vision
statement.Thevisionstatementservesthemissionstatement.
VisionStatement
Imagine Imagine a place where God is worshipped, his presence encountered and his goodness
experienced
Imagine a family thatsupports,encouragesandstrengthenseachother toachieve theirpotentialandmaturityinChrist
ImaginethecommunityofHarborne,ofBirminghamandoftheworldbeyondtransformedby
the
presence
and
power
of
Jesus
weareworkingwithGodtomakeithappen
Section6RevelationTheteamspenttimewithGodtogetherandindividually;theysharedCommunion;theyaskedHim
tospeakandbringrevelationintothisprocess.Thefollowingkeythemeswereindentified:
FreedomandrestorationforallIsaiah61 FatherHeartministryiskey
Expectation
Gods
plans
are
much
bigger
than
we
are
anticipating
Being prepared to meet with Gods presence: the importance of place, people andenvironment
Newlifeisontheway
TheJanuary2012CalltoPrayrevealedthefollowingcommonthemes:
Ourheritage: This is importantforthepurposesofmovingforward, lookingatwhatGodhassaidtouscorporatelyand individually. However,therewasanunderlyingwarningof
notreturningtosomethingsofthepast.
OurrelationshipwithGod:MostofallGodisaskingustoseekHim,foreachustohaveaserious look at our relationship with Him both personally, and corporately. He wants to
break in and bless us, and have a truly deep relationship with us; he wants us to be
wholehearted and sacrificial in seeking Him. God wants us to experience freedom in
worship of Him and in our relationships with each other, in ways that we havent
experiencedsofar.
Ourencounterwith theHoly Spirit: There were two occurrences of a picture of a rocksplittingandourtaskbeingtoseeitopeneduponepicturerevealedhoneyflowingfrom
thecentre.TheHolySpiritwantstoopenusup,totakeusbeyondourcomfortzonesinso
manyareas
of
our
life;
but
to
do
this
together,
working
in
unity.
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Ourencounterwithoneanother: Godwantsustoopenupandbevulnerablebeforeoneanother. Weneedtobepreparedto letgoofthings,personallyandcorporately,allowing
Godtopurifyandrefineus inallourrelationships,submittingthemtoHim,diggingoutall
thatisnotgodlyinourlivesandrelationships,determinedly,rightdowntotheroots.
Ouroutreachandevangelism:Godisgoingtodosomeamazingthingsinusandoutfromus,influencingthecommunity,reachingoutintothecommunity.Godwantstolightaholy
fireinStJohns.Hewantsustobeabeaconoflightinourspirituallypoorcommunity.We
willhavetheeffectofagreatriverflowingout,soakingparchedgroundallaround,affecting
andwateringareasnearandfarforgoodandGodsglory.
Ourchurchbuilding: Godissayingmuchaboutreachingoutintothecommunity;itwouldseemthatourbuildingisnotnecessarilythemostsuitable.Physicalappearanceandasense
of openess is important when creating welcome to those who do not attend St Johns or
church.
Section7ChangeandIncreaseKingdomministrywillalwaysbeaboutchangeandgrowth
ThePlanforPracticalDevelopment
In this section the team looked at the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to St
JohnsChurch.
Strengthssomethingyoubuildon,putenergiesinto,maximiseyouradvantage. Weaknessesareareasofministrythatyoucandosomethingabout,needtostrengthen.
Notlifethreatening,somethingcanbedoneaboutitrelativelyeasily,butdoesneedaction.
Opportunities what are the opportunies on our doorstep, what have we talkedabout/identified but done nothing about? Its about looking to see where there is
opportunityforadvancementandincrease.
Threatstheywilltakeyououtofthegameifyoudontdosomethingaboutthem.
Theteamidentifiedthefollowingareasaspriority:
Communications Inspiringandequippingfortransformation Buildingsandphysicalenvironment 021sreaching&disciplingthenextgeneration Evangelism&missioninthelocalcommunity Evangelism&missioninthecity(includingLivingStones) Evangelism&missionnationally&internationally(includingLivingStones)
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Section8LeadershipLeadership is key in any strategy for change and moving forward. The scope of leadership will
includeclergy,staffand laity. Theprocessof identifying leaderswill lookatthefollowinggiftings
and qualities in people. This is particularly important when identifying leaders involved in
developing
the
cultures
(see
section
9).
It
is
crucial
that
they
have
caught
the
vision
anddemonstratethefollowingqualities:
InfluencePeoplewhohaveanaturalabilitytoinfluencepeopleandgroupsofpeople.Theymaynotbeinpositionsofleadership,theymaybeunawarethattheycarrythisability.They
arepeopleofwisdomwhocreateanenvironmentoftrustandrespectaroundthem.
Character Influence without the right Christian character traits is a dangerous andpotentially destructive combination. Qualities of honesty, integrity, humility, teachability
and a mature Christian walk are essential for those identified for leadership at whatever
levelinthechurch.
PeopleskillsTheabilityandsensitivitytotakeonboardthethoughtsandfeelingsofothers.Theabilitytolistenanddiscerntheideasofothersaheartwantingtolistenfirstandspeaksecond. An ability to relate to a wide range of people and personalities rather thanjust
theirownsort.
Initiators People who will get things moving. People who have energy that will energiseothers.
CompetenceThenaturalabilityorpotentialabilityfortherole. Goodcommonsenseandtheabilitytothinkclearly.
Godlyleadershipisakeyqualityinbringingaboutchangeandimplementingthisstrategy. People
can
be
leaders
and
exercise
leadership
whether
in
a
formal
position
or
not.
We
will
seek
to
identify,
empowerandresourceallthosewhohavealeadershiprole.
Section9MovingForwardStrategicPlansandTimelinesInthe lightofwhathasbeen identified intheprocesssofarthestrategicdirectionforthenext5
yearswillhavetwopathsrunninginparallelwitheachother.OnepathwillfocusonDevelopingourDesiredCulturesandtheotherwillbe intheformofaPlanforPracticalDevelopment(seeSection 7). An annual timetable of planning and review will be followed as detailed later in this
section.
DevelopingourDesiredCulturesOurculturesare(seeSection4):
Salvation GoodnessofGod Prophetic PresenceofGod Honouringoneanother Risktakingobedience
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Wewillplantoencourage,developandreflectthesevaluesthroughoutthelifeofStJohns.
InorderthattheseculturesbecomeidentifiedwithStJohnstheywillneedtobecomepersonaland
realtoindividualmembersofthecongregationofallages.
Over the next few months ministry leaders will be asked to prayerfully consider and identify
objectivesthat
will
establish
and
develop
the
six
cultures.
These
objectives
will
be
divided
between
shorttermandlongterm.TheshorttermobjectiveswillthenbetransferredintoanAnnualPlan
whichwillbemonitoredandevaluatedtoensurethatacohesivestrategy isdeliveredtodevelop
thesecultures.Someexamplesofwhatthedevelopmentofdesiredculturesmightlooklikearesetoutinthenext
table.
APlanforDevelopingOurDesiredCultures
DesiredCulture
Ministryarea example*
Objective
Salvation Outreach Regularguest&seekerfriendlyservices/events
021s Peertopeerevangelismencouraged&modelled
Goodnessof
God
Prayer
ministry
Every ministry encounter should leave each person feeling listened to, their needs
recognised,lovedandcaredfor,andhavingmettheexcellenceofGodsgoodness
Welcome AllattendingorvisitingStJohnsshouldfeelwelcome,secureandrespectedforwho
theyare.Everyendeavourshouldbemadetowelcomepeople,whilstrespectingthose
whowishtoremainanonymous
Prophetic Outreach Trainingforthoseinvolvedinevangelismin givingandreceivingpropheticpicturesand
wordsfrom
God
021s Develop regular opportunities to listen to God, and then act upon His perceived
word. To pursue practical and nonverbal prophetic actions (e.g. litter pick), so that
theirunderstandingofwhatis,andcanbepropheticisbroadened
Presenceof
God
Worship WorshipteamcommitmenttothepassionatepursuitofthepresenceofGod
Outreach Developeventsandteaching/training onpowerevangelism
Honouring
oneanother
021s Leaders trained and equipped to ensure that every child/youth is seen, heard and
knownwithinourChildrensandYouthministry
Admin
services
Developcultureofsupportandhelpamongthestaffteam. Extendthishonourtoall
thosewhoareaccessingadminservicesandsupport
Risktaking
obedience
Discipleship Developandsignpostteachingmaterialsthatchallengesteppingoutinfaith
Preaching
Challengeto
listen
to
Gods
voice
and
step
out
in
obedience
*thisisnotacompletelistofministryareas
PracticalDevelopmentRunning in parallel with the Developing Our Desired Cultures will be the plan for Practical
Development. This will ensure a forward momentum in ministry whilst the development and
establishingofcultureswillchangeandstrengthenthecharacterofourministry.
Theplanforpracticaldevelopmentissetoutinthefollowingtable:
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APlanforPracticalDevelopment
PriorityArea Shorttermobjective LongtermobjectiveCommunications Wehavealready:
startedmidweekupdates®ular
C
Group
bulletins
Wewill:
carryoutacommunicationssurveyinMay
introducegroupemailsoftware setprotocolstocontrolnumbers
ofemailssentout
releaseStJohnsappbyendof2012
continuedevelopmentofwebcontent
ensurecommunication&informationisaccessibleforall
Wewill:
embodytheculturalvalues aimtocommunicateeffectively&
appropriatelythroughavarietyofmeans
(includingpaper).
ensureourcommunicationsare2way(receiveconstructivefeedback,listen&
hear)
Inspiring&
equippingfor
transformation
Wehavealready:
developedtheFreedomcourse&willintroduceFatherHeart
modulenextterm
Wewill:
preach&teachonthedesiredculturesfromplatform&through
smallgroups
Wewill:
investin&developaSchoolofMinistry plantchurchesinpartnershipwiththe
DioceseofBirmingham
developThePrayer&HealingCentrebasedatTheCrossway
developingvehicles&resourcestosupportthewiderchurch
investinsmallgroupleadersbecausetheyarecentraltotransformationasthey
embraceandliveouttheculturalvaluesofSt
Johns
Buildings&
physical
environment
Wehave/arealready:
establisedaprojectgroup visitingsimilarchurchesthathave
undertakensignificantprojects
Wewill:
completefunctionalreportofbuildingsrequirement
completeexploringdevelopmentoptionsintheparish
Wewillaimtohave:
abuildingthatisfitforpurpose,reflectsourvaluesinternallyandexternally
buildingsthatwilleffectivelyresourceministrywith021s
021s
reaching
&
disciplingthe
nextgeneration
Wehavealready:
actioned
setting
up
a
schools
outreachteam
beguntointegrateouryouth&childrensdepartment
Wewill:
investin&recruitnewleadersfor310yearolds
Wewill:
from
earliest
possible
age
encourage
childrenintolivingfaith,anunderstanding&
experienceoftheHolySpirit,&aknowledge
oftheiridentityinChrist
haveamentoringprogrammefor1121s, astrategytodevelopyoungpeopleinto
leaders
servicesaccessibleforunchurchedfamilies
Evangelism&
missioninthe
localcommunityNote:ourprimary
localcommunityisHarborne,however
Wehavealready:
startedplanninganewparishvisitingprogramme
begunexploringmissionalsmallgroups
Wewill:
encouragethemajorityofoursmallgroupstohaveaspecificmissionalobjective/aim
this
may
be
geographical,
special
interest,
intercessionaletc.
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werecognisethat
weserveother
communitiesasa
gatheredchurch
Wewill:
increasethenumberofchurchfamiliesthatserveatToddlers
runmoreSeekerFriendlyservices
userecognisedfestivalsasevangelistic
opportunities
growconfidenceforestablishedchurchfamilytoprayforhealing
outsideofthechurchcommunity
listentoourcommunityandinvestinministrystrandsappropriately
runlifestage/skillcourses(e.g.parenting,bereavement,retirement)&ensurethatwe
connect&developrelationshiptoenable
themtobedrawnclosertoGod
aimtobeknowninthecommunityasaplaceofhealingandhelp(PrayerandHealing
CentrebasedinTheCrossway)
Evangelism&
missioninthe
city(including
LivingStones)
Wewill:
continuetosupportourLSmissionpartners
activelyencouragepeopleintoChristianministry
support&developopportunitiesforcrossculturalmissione.g.
InternationalStudents
continuetosupportChristianstobemissionalintheworkplace
Wewill:
plantchurchesinpartnershipwiththeDioceseofBirmingham
workinpartnershiptosupporttheministryoftheCofEinthecity
identify2or3interdenominationalinitiatives(e.g.CityPastors)where,in
partnership,wecanmakeaneffective
contribution
Evangelism&
mission
nationally&
internationally
(includingLiving
Stones)
Wewill:
continuetosupportourLSmissionpartners
activelyencouragepeopleintoChristianministry
Wewill:
developanactiveinternationalmissionfocus(e.g.partneringwithachurchoverseas)that
willinvolvethewholechurch
Timeline&Communication
Monthorevent ActionAPCM2012 LaunchofMission,Vision&StrategicPlan
MayJuly DevelopmentofdetailedAnnualObjectivePlan
July Financialimplicationsdrawnintoannualbudgetingprocess
September PresentationofAnnualPlan
January Update
APCM2013 Report&review
Section10
Next
Steps
Aswehavesaidintheintroductorysection,webelieveandtrustthatthisprocesshasbeeninspired
byGod. Youmayhavequestions,pointsforclarificationorobservationsyouwould liketoshare.
YoumayjustwanttosayyesImonboard.
Wehaveincludedaresponseformattheendwhichwewouldlikeyoutocompleteandreturnto
SteveFosterbyMonday21stMay.
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Appendix1DuringtheInterregnumtheILTprayergroupconsideredthefollowingpicturethatGillMcIlwainehadreceivedsome
weeksago.Wewereveryencouragedbythisandwantedtoshareitwidelywithinthechurchcommunitybothasan
encouragementandtofurtherguideourprayers.
ThePictureThefollowingbegantoforminmymindaswewereprayingfortheInterregnumatEngageIhadapictureofacoach
travelingalong
an
open
road.
It
was
well
filled
with
passengers
but,
to
the
consternation
of
bystanders
looking
on,
appearedtohavenoone inthedrivingseat.Noonewas intheseatof thecodrivereither,just theroadmapanda
torch. Thepassengers, however, seemed content with the situation, simply keeping their eyesfocused on the road
aheadofthem,withoccasionalglancesbehindthem,toenjoytheviewofwheretheyhadbeenbeforeontheirjourney,
and to each side to notice their current surroundings. The vehicle approached a layby. Surely, the bystanders
remarked,oneofthepassengerswilltakethewheelandsteerthem intosafetytowait inpeaceuntiltheemergency
servicesarrivewiththedrivertotakethemon.
Butno,thecoachcarriedon,thepassengerstalkinghappily,singingfromtimetotimeandgazingfixedlyattheroad
aheadofthem.Theycametoaroughpatchofroad,thesurfacebrokenupwithdeeppotholesand lumpsoftarmac
strewnaround.Thebystandersexpecteddisaster:bursttyres,steeringdamage,suspensionproblems.Thecoachwould
neverbeabletocontinue.
Butno. It wound its way carefully and safely to theplace where the roadwasagain smooth. Next it came up to a
roundaboutwithmanyexitroads:onetotheseaside,oneupamountain,onetoaluxurioushotel,oneclearlytoadead
end,andoneunmarkedgoingstraightahead.
Thebystandersanticipatedchaos,withthepassengersbreakingupintoopposingfactionswithangrywordsandraised
fists.
Withouthesitation, thecoachwenton totheunmarkedroad,thepassengersstillchattingamicablyandoccasionally
burstingintosong.Intimetheynoticedalonewalkerbythesideofroad.Hehailedthem.
Surelytheyrenotgoingtopickupahitchhiker.Sodangerous.
Thecoachsloweddownandthewalkerclimbedintothecodriversseatandreceivedthemapandthetorch,handedto
himbytheinvisibledriverwhohadbeentherethroughoutthejourneyinfullcontrolofthevehicle.Totheastonishment
ofthebystandersandthedelightofthepassengersthenewpassengerclearlyknewthe invisibledriverwellandwas
obviouslyanticipatingmeetingthemalsowithjoy.CommentaryThe leadership prayer group reflected on this picture and was very encouraged at the image of safety, unity and
purposeinthehandsoftheinvisibledriverwhomwetooktobetheLord.Wewereparticularlystruckbytheimageof
theroundaboutwhichwetooktostandforthepossiblewaysthatthechurchcouldseektogo.Someofthesepossible
wayssuggestcomfort,prominenceandpleasurebutwewerestruckthatthecoachwentontheunmarkedroadwhich
was straight ahead (i.e. a continuation of the way already being travelled). It was on this road that there was an
encounter
with
someone
going
in
the
same
direction
and
who
knew
the
invisible
driver
well.
We
thought
that
person
representedanewvicar.
Ourprayerfuldiscussioncontinuedbyconsideringthenatureoftheunmarkedroad.Weconcludedthattheroadisas
much of Godas we can get and we felt that this needed to be expressed and sought now within the community.
Accordingly,weinviteeverymemberoftheStJohnscommunitytojoinwithusaswepray
...thatGodwouldsupernaturally break intothelifeofthechurch innewandpossiblyunexpectedwaysthatwould
thenflowoutofStJohnsintothewiderchurchandalsointothelifeofthecommunity.
thatwewouldeachdesireasmuchofGodaswecangetmorethansettlingforthestatusquo,
comfort,prominenceorpleasureinourchurch.
thatinourhungerforGodwerecogniseourownbarrennessandthedesperateneedsoftheworldaroundus.
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16/18
[14]
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give an e
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t
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18/18