Possible values for a FEAST
Values (or principles) adopted by
FEASTs so far include:
Openness and
flexibility - the importance of recognising the
uniqueness of the local situation in terms of approach, the nature of
open doors and barriers, the support available from senior staff,
etc.
- Valuing unity, diversity and the creativity of the Holy
Spirit.
- Planting from life - identifying resource
churches, pioneers and catalysts.
- Working with the willing and
focusing on the open doors, which means being guided by
opportunities. This may say something about the call, gifts and
position of the FEAST's leader(s).
- Lay and clergy involvement. Developing
lay leadership is vital, which will involve identifying, encouraging,
releasing and supporting lay leaders.
- Mixed economy thinking and approach -
clearly valuing and affirming both fresh expressions and inherited
modes of church, and encouraging all to be mission-shaped.
- Relationships are key, not necessarily
structures. They are a crucial resource - at many levels.
- An ecumenical approach not only to
mission, but perhaps also to discipleship. Pooling resources will be a
key to long-term discipleship. Discipleship
requires the support of other Christians
- Dependency on God - prayer is
essential.
- Making disciples who serve the
kingdom.
- Structural integration of new models
- thinking without compromise.
- Reproducing from small - there are
disproportionate gains from small resources in God. Seek synergy and
leverage.
- Seek reproducible models. Intentionally
seek multiplication, especially multiplication of key roles - eg,
coaches.
- Encourage journey of key people from permission-giving,
to blessing ... to paradigm shift.
FEASTs (Fresh
Expressions Area Strategy Teams)
Comments