mission, vision and strategic plan

8/2/2019 Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan

1/18


2/18

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&regular

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.


16/18

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17/18

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18/18

mission, vision and strategic plan

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