The mixed economy Starting something new while maintaining

The mixed economy Starting something new while maintaining an existing ministry Melbourne July 2015 http: //davemale. typepad. com/churchunplugged

Two structures of God’s redemptive mission Ralph D Winter ‘our efforts will be most effective only if both these structures are fully & properly involved and supportive of each other. ’

New Testament Church created along synagogue lines embracing the community of the faithful in any given place Missionary band semi autonomous group of committed workers who affiliate themselves as a second decision beyond membership in the first structure

Modality is a structured, complex and diverse fellowship in which there is no distinction of sex, age, wealth, culture Mode= common way Sustain what is Emphasis on nurture and fellowship, stable with relatively low demands

Sodality is a structured fellowship in which membership involves a second decision beyond modality membership and is limited in some way. Often dedicated to one task, it is deeply relational and task orientated. (more than the extended outreach of the Antioch Church) Grow what isn’t yet. Sodalis = comrade, close and active partnership.

Sodal- modal-sodal Sodality pioneers what modality sustains Modality provides resources that enable sodality to flourish and grow. Leads to inevitable disturbance and change. ‘Sodalities are subjected to the authority of the more general structure. They are regulated but not administered by the modalities. ’

• both structures are church • missional energy tends to be in sodality • assume modalities need to be established rather than mission sodalities • which structure is best suited for church planting • if the modality is doing its job should be more sodalities

Two

Question for discussion? How does the reality of starting something new while maintaining an existing ministry impact you 1. positively 2. and negatively?

Some possible issues • basis in mission. Mission shaped church ! Why we need both. • Unity and diversity of Trinity, Creation, gospel (Jer & Antioch) • experimentation • leadership and resources- team • pace • what may need to die? • Tough decisions

“ Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do. ”

You can’t predict the outcome anymore Control to chaos Answers to questions Certainty to risk

‘Enterprises of Vision’ Discernment to recognise the light

Structures follow the light

NURTURING COMMUNITY TEAM BUILDING Community qualities • Unite around core values (revisit and revise) • Learn and appreciate differences (personalities, gifts, roles) • Openness, vulnerability & service (seed qualities for the plant) • Welcoming – ‘ripple out’ to others MH p. 18

Values of the team • creativity • curiosity • risk • contextual • prototypes • serve

Members of trusting teams……. . • Admit weakness and mistakes • Ask for help • Accept questions and input about their areas • Give one another the benefit of the doubt if possible • Take risks in offering feedback and assistance • Appreciate and tap into one another's skills and experiences • Focus time and energy on important issues not politics • Offer and accept apologies without hesitation • Look forward to meeting and other opportunities to work as a group

What is the basis for our unity?

Importance of parlay

Be an open system