LOWER MAINLAND
ETHNIC MINISTRIES
Networking Meeting
The Centre for Multi-Cultural Ministries and the Lower Mainland Ethnic Ministries Network would like to invite Lower Mainland Ethnic Ministries Leaders/Educators and Pastors/Missions Leaders, etc. to meet together for an informal time of getting connected with other local leaders that believe that in order to move forward to encourage local multi-cultural believers and reach out to the multi-cultural community in the Lower Mainland, we need to partner together as the Lord leads.
To that end, we wish to invite you to an initial networking meeting so that we can meet each other, share vision, seek the Lord together about what He is wanting to do in this region, network, share resources, etc. and take some specific next steps together. (More about what a Networking meeting could include)
Some desired outcomes / Some Potential Proposals to Consider
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2004
Time: 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. - lunch meeting (please bring your own lunch)
Location: Surrey, BC - for exact location, contact: info@DiscipleTheNations.org
Please RSVP by: March 31, 2004 - contact: info@DiscipleTheNations.org to express your interest
We look forward to hearing from you and hope you can make it!
/ Rough Draft of Vision Statement for the LMEMN / Vision Statement of the Centre for Multi-Cultural Ministries / Why a Network? / What is a Network? / Some vital components of an effective resource network / Dictionary Definitions of a Network / Some differences between an organization and a resource network / Some current resources /
Some desired outcomes:
+ shared vision
+ seeking the Lord's heart
+ some practical next steps to be taken together in the directions we sense
God leading
+ opportunities to contribute ideas/vision/insights, etc.
+ prayer/intercession re the greater vision, re specifics discussed, re specific
ministries, etc.
+ opportunities to support and encourage each other
+ seeing a facilitation team developed out of this that can enable the
network to further move towards the vision in unity
+ opportunities to strengthen or develop relationships with others that share
vision - feeling a part of the bigger picture
+ seeing on-going networking and partnership developing
+ developing further resources together
Etc.
Some potential proposals to consider, as an example:
+ Prayer Network - http://disciplethenations.org/LMEMNPrayerNtwrk.html
+ Ethnic Ministries Resource & Ministry Center
+ Seeing a Network Facilitation Team raised up which can facilitate those
that share similar vision in the Lower Mainland
+ Resource Networking Retreat - hold a longer retreat in the future and
do more of the similar things done in the initial networking meeting - the
more time together, the better the relationships, the more issues can be discussed,
the more networking that takes place, the more ministry to each other, the
more everyone feels supported and encouraged, the more unified prayer, etc.
The more time, the more the vision is moved towards, it seems!
+ Encouraging networking, based on deepening relationships, in various
regions of the Lower Mainland to encourage local ministries and individual
believers that share similar vision
+ Develop some specific training materials to help make the church aware
of related aspects
+ Work together to develop pertinent resources to help make the Church aware - such as a joint intro video re the Lower Mainland Ethnic Ministries Network - which could provide awareness of the various ministries that would be a part of the network
+ Develop some specific resources which can help to effectively minister
to local and international multi-cultural peoples.
Etc.
Rough draft of vision statement of the Lower Mainland
Ethnic Ministries Network as it currently stands - this can be edited by the
facilitation team as God brings that about;
"By the power and leading of the Holy Spirit, the Lower Mainland Ethnic Ministries Network seeks to effectively partner with Christ-centered ministries, missions, churches, schools, businesses and individuals in order to see ethnic groups in the Lower Mainland, Canada (and beyond) discipled into becoming whole-hearted, total-life worshippers of God. "(as in the vision of worshippers before the throne of God in the book of Revelation)
We are a resourcing, researching, consulting, networking, mobilizing, partnership developing, development and coordination hub which serves Christ-centered ministries, schools, churches, missions, businesses and individuals which share similar vision.
Vision Statement for the Centre of Multi-Cultural Ministries
Our centre exists fora multi-cultural outreach and resource to motivate, equip and mobilize clergy and lay people for local and global evangelism.
Why a Network?
---------------------------
Nehemiah Strategy - a Biblical Model of Cooperation
http://disciplethenations.org/index41.html#NETWORKING
Networking not only is a very relational way of operating, it also helps to cut down on the tendency to 're-invent the wheel'. Networking also supports and encourages other members and ministries of the Body; it is able to encourage complementary gifts and pool resources. We are able to do FAR MORE in partnership with others than we are able to do on our own - as individuals or ministries. Networking helps to promote unity in the Body; it is a witness to the world of God's grace in bringing people of various backgrounds and gifts together in a complementary way; it is an example of serving each other rather than competing with each other; all involved benefit and less resources are taxed; ministry flows out of relationship and since effective networks are based on strong relationships, networking encourages godly character development and love for our brothers; it provides great joy in having the sense of working together towards a common goal that is much bigger than we are; it is grace -oriented and allows for much freedom - it encourages creativity and is not slowed down by bureaucracy; etc.
What is a network?
----------------------------
The book of Nehemiah gives a good example of a resource network and how it
can function...each family was to build the wall in their own section, yet
they were working TOGETHER to build the wall. They shared one vision and were
accountable to Nehemiah - as we are to Christ.
Godly networks are primarily based on relationship and shared vision, and ministry flows out of relationship first with Jesus Christ and then with/through the others.
My understanding of resource networks is that there is a common vision. Those that share the vision and desire to partner together in various ways as the Holy Spirit leads, do so based on relationship, valuing each other's gifts and desiring to see the various ministries and giftings complement each other as they work together. Networks have a sense of TEAMWORK as opposed to a sense of competition. Each ministry or individual that is part of the network is involved as they sense God leading them to do so...and as that is confirmed with the others they are connecting with...
My understanding of and experience with networks is that the facilitation team is basically a 'clearinghouse' or 'hub' of information and resources which are there to serve the ones that are 'doing the job' on the front lines... They also facilitate/coordinate local events to help support those that share similar vision.
Although there are probably different types of networks, the ones I'm part of are all informal relationships - there is not 'official membership' as in an organization, and there is no top-down control. It is a voluntary partnering together as the Holy Spirit leads.
Some vital components of an effective resource network:
+ vision casting and implementation
+ networking
+ consulting
+ research
+ coordination - of events, etc.
+ resources - ie. databases, mailing lists, web sites, newsletter, books,
training materials, etc. etc.
+ training materials
+ networking needs with opportunities
+ mobilization through making people aware of needs, etc.
+ partnership development
Following are some dictionary definitions of a network...
1. network, web -- (an interconnected system of things or people; "he
owned a network of shops"; "retirement meant dropping out of a whole
network of people who had been part of my life"; "tangled in a web
of cloth")
2. network -- ((broadcasting) a communication system consisting of a group
of broadcasting stations that all transmit the same programs; "the networks
compete to broadcast important sports events")
3. net, network, mesh, meshing, meshwork -- (an open fabric of string or rope
or wire woven together at regular intervals)
4. network -- (a system of intersecting lines or channels; "a railroad
network"; "a network of canals")
5. network, electronic network -- ((electronics) a system of interconnected
electronic components or circuits)
Some differences between an organization and
a resource network:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESOURCE NETWORK
* Shared vision and relationship brings together people of common interest
(ie. Nehemiah example)
* Voluntary cooperation - unofficial and based on relationship and shared
vision - no legal documentation - not a legal entity - strictly a voluntary
entity
* Autonomy yet voluntary cooperation between those networking together - those
working in particular regions make decisions with those they're working with.
Functional relationship with network facilitators is based on developing relationship,
shared vision, prayer and mutual decision-making.
* Structure - very flat and very loose - minimal. Can flex easily as needed
* Networks seek to serve those voluntarily connected with the network - through
casting vision, providing opportunities, potential network relationships,
prayer, support, resources, research, consultation, education, coordination
of events or resources which would benefit those networked together, encouragement,
etc.
* Organic - minimal structure serves the vision and is based on relationship
and lay leadership
* Decentralization - everyone can have input - facilitation team does not
have control - it is a service provider
* Accountability - mutual accountability between those connected through relationships
- especially local relationships
* Desire to partner together with others for the sake of the Kingdom
ORGANIZATION
* Employees may join an organization for various reasons - financial, shared
vision or whatever
* Cooperation based on official documents/legal documents/agreements/specific
application process, hierarchal leadership structure, etc.
* Employees do not usually have much say as to what happens in their regions...that
usually comes from the top down. There is not usually autonomy.
* Hierarchal and usually quite tight and often cumbersome structure. Very
difficult to flex due to the structure.
* Vision often begins to become a slave to the structure. Mechanical in nature.
* Control with top leaders
* Accountable to supervising leaders - generally accountability is one way
* Often becomes a kingdom unto its own
LMEMN Web Site: http://disciplethenations.org/LMEMN.html
LMEMN Directory: email available - for further information: info@DiscipleTheNations.org
LMEMN email updates, listing upcoming local events, resources, etc. - occasional
- for further information: info@DiscipleTheNations.org
Centre for Multi-Cultural Ministries Resources
More about what a Networking meeting could include
------------------------------------------------------
+ having the MC/main facilitator share an intro and related devotional/thoughts
+ sharing the rough vision
+ having various ministry leaders share what's on their heart with the whole
group - vision, etc. what they've been doing, etc.
+ giving opportunity for everyone to share a bit about their vision in small
groups
+ time of worshipping the Lord
+ seeking the Lord TOGETHER about what His heart and vision is for ethnic
ministries in this region and beyond, and how He wants us to potentially partner
together in these directions; give opportunity for the Lord to speak through
His people
+ presenting some specific potential partnership proposals for the small groups
to prayerfully consider and ask the small groups to consider additional options
as well...the whole group then prayerfully decides which are the top ones
that we can work on together as a group to begin with...and then we can talk
about how to take the next step in that direction. I have several specific
proposals I would like to propose, as one contributor.
+ prayerfully asking God to raise up and confirm who the future facilitation
team and point person will be
+ providing some free networking time - over meals, etc.
+ discussing and praying about pertinent issues
+ having a time for the small groups to pray together and minister to each
other
+ providing a place for various ministries/individuals to share ministry resources
they would like to make available
+ providing an updated directory as a follow-up to the meeting
+ sending out the minutes of the meeting to those that are a part of the network