I had a great discussion with some of our Connect Pastors this morning. They are a bunch of pioneers, poised to embark on developing a missional community in their area of Melbourne. They have gathered a social-sized group of 20-80, who are ready to live for a purpose beyond themselves.
So … then what?
During my time working with mission teams who were reaching summer holiday spots, we came across a straightforward tool that helped develop a crystal-clear sense of purpose. This tool got the whole team involved, and is simple for anyone to use even in a larger group setting. It involves a brainstorm around the following three elements:
Find the intersecting pattern that appears across all three circles and there you will have your mission!
The author Thom Rainer calls it “Discovering your Compelling Call” in his book observing Breakout Churches. If you’d like to take this deeper, check out what blogger Ed Bahler has say about discerning personal passions here. The firestarters course has been a great tool for people to discover their passion also. As for the rest of it? Giftedness sometimes only becomes evident once you get started, and there’s nothing wrong with a “Ready, Fire, Aim” approach either! I’ll expand on the community needs section in a couple of days’ time as well, when we ask the question:
andeesellman
February 18, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Great conversation Craig.
A really important component for me is vision. Maybe that’s because I’m a naturally creative person. Somehow if I can’t SEE it, there simply isn’t enough of a compelling reason for me to get off my chuff and push through the inevitable pain of getting something moving forward. I do believe that your suggestion of ‘who is your people group’ will flesh out a focused direction for people to grab a hold of and ground the type of person they’re looking to involve in a social type activity.
Craig Petty
February 18, 2013 at 4:45 pm
thanks Andee … for me, it’s not so hard to ‘see it’, the harder piece is making sure I continue to ‘look at it’. I hope to experience the vision rather than see it hang on the wall. I’m sure you’re the same!
Bert Myburgh
February 19, 2013 at 5:33 am
Hi Craig, a very thought provoking article. The Ready, Aim, Fire approach mix with prayer equals an adventure for daily living.
Love the blog!
Cheers
Bert Mc Burg
Craig Petty
February 19, 2013 at 6:24 am
Thanks Bert!
Gary Berry
February 19, 2013 at 9:53 am
This is a great tool to assist with many mission contexts/endeavors. I could see it even assisting to bring clarity for short term mission trips both local and overseas.
One of the aspects to consider in the local needs sphere would be is to sense what God is already doing and join in partnership with Him. Sometimes God opens a door of opprtunity for us.
Craig Petty
February 19, 2013 at 10:18 am
That’s a good idea – I hope if you try it you’ll find it leave room for God to speak but also space to have a conversation about it … while keeping the vision outward focussed.
Julie
February 23, 2013 at 9:10 am
Passion is the motivator .” Nothing great has been accomplised without passion.”…Just so happens the topic this week in FIRE STARTERS is Pursuing Personal Passiion.heehee
If an individual is passionate then purpose and power will follow and cross over your circles theory!
Craig Petty
February 23, 2013 at 10:48 am
Julie, you’re so passionate about passion!!