mission, vision and strategic plan - version 2

18

Upload: st-johns

Post on 23-Mar-2016

220 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

The next five years at St John's

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2
Page 2: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

����Contents���Introduction�� � � � � � � � page�1��Section�1�–�Where�we�have�come�from� � � � page�2��Section�2�–�Mission�Statement� � � � � � page�3��Section�3�–�Divine�Perspective� � � � � � page�3��Section�4�–�Culture�� � � � � � � page�4��Section�5�–�Vision�Statement�� � � � � � page�7��Section�6�–�Revelation� � � � � � � page�7��Section�7�–�Change�and�Increase� � � � � page�8��Section�8�–�Leadership� � � � � � � page�9��Section�9�–�Moving�Forward� � � � � � page�9��Section�10�–�Next�Steps� � � � � � � page�12���Appendix�1�Prophetic�picture�shared�during�Interregnum� � � page�13�

�Response� � � � � � � � � page�15

� �

Page 3: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

Introduction�There� is�a�general�sense�that�we�have�something�very�precious�at�St�John’s�–�a�rich�tradition�and�much�loved�community�of�faith,�full�of�potential.��There�is�also�a�sense�that�much�of�this�potential�has�yet�to�be�released�–�and�that� ‘there�must�be�more�than�this’.�How�can�we�pursue�the� ‘more’�without� risking� losing�what�we� already� have?� �We� recognise� that�God�wants� us� to� be� effective�rather�than�comfortable.��But�what�if�our�hearts,�or�our�understanding,�hesitate�at�the�edge�of�the�unknown?��Two�saving�graces�are�love�and�trust.��As�we�hold�each�other�in�love,�we�can�approach�the�unmarked�road�without� fear.� �And�as�we�trust� in�God�our�Father�who�meets�us�there,�and� in�Jesus�who�walks�with�us,�we�will�be�safe.��For�the�sake�of�the�hurting�world�around�us,�we�must�pursue�the�‘more’.��For�the�sake�of�the�Lord�whom�we�serve,�we�must�be�willing�to�risk�and�to�step�out�in�faith.��This�is�our�calling.��It�will�include�being�very�intentional�about�getting�us�to�where�we�need�to�get,�and�very�vulnerable�in�coming�to�where�we�need�to�be.��Let�us,�with�renewed�confidence,�put�our�trust�in�God�–�and�in�each�other�–�step�forward�together�into�the�adventure�he�has�for�us.��With� this�backcloth�we�began� a� review� and� strategic�planning�process� in�December�2011�which�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�sessions�provided�a�model�for�further�prayerful�review�and�development.� �The�team�then�changed�and�Debby�Bridge,�Brennan�Horne,�Di�Copplestone,� Jonny�Pearson�and�Geoff�Heyes�joined�Nigel�di�Castiglione,�Antony�Spencer,�Ruth�Hassall�and�Steve�Foster.��The� review�and�planning�process�was�based�around�proven�professional�planning� tools;�bringing�them�into�the�Christian�arena,�where�they�could�be�woven�together�with�the�dynamics�of�spiritual�discernment�and�God’s�prophetic�voice.� Input� initially�was� through�using� ‘postͲit�note’�exercises.��Each�team�member�completed�3�or�4�of�these�for�each�question�or�activity.��These�were�placed�on�a�large�board�where� they�were�discussed� and� grouped,� and� then� common� themes,� statements�or�threads�identified.��These�have�been�carried�forward�into�this�document.����During� this� process� a� considerable� amount� of� time�was� spent� reviewing� the� past� history� of� St�John’s,�with�a�sense�that�nothing�is�wasted�in�the�Kingdom�of�God.��Understanding�where�we�have�come�from�has�shaped�and�directed�where�we�believe�God�is�leading�us�now.��Much�prayer,�many�hours� of� prayerful� discussion� and� listening� to� one� another;� and� most� importantly� time� spent�listening�to�God�were�part�of�each�session.��This�document�–�the�result�of�our�review�and�planning�Ͳ� is�more�of�a� launchpad�to�move�forward,�rather�than�the�finished�article.��Work�has�begun�in�developing�the�detailed�objectives�of�an�Annual�Plan.� �As�you�read� it�and�consider�all� that� is� in� these�next�pages,�we�pray� that�you�will�catch�the�vision�that�we�believe�God�is�revealing�to�us�as�a�church.��As�you�read,�ask�yourself:�Am�I�on�board?��What�could�be�my�part?��We�believe�and�trust�that�this�process�has�been�inspired�by�God�at�a�key�point�in�the�life�of�St�John’s�Church.�

Page 4: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

Section�1�–�Where�we�have�come�from�Testimony�Looking�at�the�past�and�present�activity�of�St�John’s.� �The�questions�posed�were:�What�would�we�most�want� to�see� repeated�and/or�strengthened?�What�are� the� testimonies�of�St� John’s�ministry�currently?��What�are�the�most�significant�memories�of�St�John’s�ministry?��What�have�we�seen�God�do�in�the�past?��What�is�God�doing�currently?��In�response�we�noted�that�St�John’s�is�a�place�where:�

x Lives�are�changed�as�God�is�met�x People�hunger�for,�and�enjoy�God’s�presence�x Children�and�Young�People�meet�with�God�x People�have�influence�and�connections�beyond�St�John’s�x Signs,�miracles,�wonders,�salvation,�healing�and�deliverance�are�experienced�

�History�Looking� at� the� social� and� geographical� context� in�which� St� John’s� is� set� i.e.� Birmingham.� � The�following�key�areas�or�characteristics�were�identified.��It�is:�

x A�place�of�spiritual�battle�x A�place�of�racial�and�spiritual�diversity��x The�second�city�and�‘Heart�of�England’�x A�centre�of�enlightened�entrepreneurship��

(socially�motivated�rather�than�purely�wealth�creating)�x A�place�of�industry,�manufacture�and�learning�

�St�John’s�DNA�Looking�at�what�has�been�passed�on�and�established�within�the�ministry�of�St�John’s.��What�are�the�unique�and�important�characteristics�of�St�John’s?�

x In�the�Church�of�England�pursuing�the�Kingdom�x Worship�and�music�a�key�priority��x Holy�Spirit�ministry�x Effective�Biblical�teaching�x Strong�&�visionary�leadership�x External�awareness�and�investment�including�mission,�evangelism�and�generosity�

�Key�Activities�Looking� at� current� activities,�what�we� are�doing�day�by�day,� Sunday�by� Sunday.� �Below� are� the�summary�statements�drawn�together�from�all�our�activities.�

x Worshipping�and�encountering�God�x Receiving�biblical�teaching�x Experiencing�healing�and�wholeness�x Seeing�people�in�community�and�belonging�for�people�at�all�stages�of�life�

Page 5: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

x Exercising�a�specialist�over�70’s�ministry�x Providing�extensive�0�–�21’s�ministry�x Participating�in�local�outreach�and�global�mission�

�Section�2�–�Mission�Statement�Why�we�do�what�we�do�The�mission�statement�underpins�all�our�ministry�and�activity.��The�test�to�apply�for�everything�is�–�does�this�ministry�or�activity�serve�the�mission?�Simply�the�mission�statement�is�‘why�we�do�what�we�do’:�� ST�JOHN’S�CHURCH�

‘We� live� to� pursue� and� encounter� God,� to� be� changed� into� the� likeness� of� Jesus� and�transform�society�as�we�carry�His�presence�into�the�world’.�

�At�the�same�time�the�following�strapline�was�written�for�appropriate�use��

‘Pursuing�Jesus�and�His�Kingdom’��

�Section�3�–�Divine�Perspective�Prophecies�Looking�at�prophecy�spoken�over�the�ministry�of�St�John’s�and�spoken�into�the�church�that�is�held�before�God�for�fulfilment.��The�following�summary�statements�have�been�drawn�together.�

x Place�of�glory�and�peace�x Pressing�into�all�that�God�has�for�us�x Healing�and�wholeness�for�thousands�x Release�of�new�things�of�God�x Significance�and�impact�beyond�what�we�can�see�x Beach�head�for�move�of�the�Spirit��

Significant�Influences�Looking�at�what�strengths�and�gifts�the�ministry�of�particular�leaders�had�brought�to�St�John’s.��1950�–1969� Vision�for�renewed�future�–�parish,�premises�&�people�–�joy,�exuberance�&�simplicity�

in�worship,�pastoral�ministry�1970�–�1990� Charismatic� renewal� –� St� John’s,� city� and� beyond.� � Significant� church� growth,�

prominent�in�wave�of�charismatic�renewal�1991�–�2009� Pastoral� and� healing,� consolidation,� engagement�with� diocese� and�wider� renewal�

movements�Interregnum� A�picture�was�shared�during�a�time�of�prayer�during�the�Interregnum�which�was�been�

significant�in�the�appointment�of�the�current�Vicar�and�future�direction�of�St�John’s�� (this�picture�is�included�as�appendix�1)���

Page 6: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

2010�–�present� Nigel�&�Annie�di�Castiglione� joined�St�John’s� in�December�2010�bringing�with�them�this�vision:��REVIVAL�that�goes�beyond�the�weekend�activities�of�organised�church�and�triggers�the�transformation�of�society�and�culture�around�us.��RESOURCING�The�vast�majority�of�the�St�John’s�family�are�called�to�carry�this�revival�into�the�marketplace�and�community�through�the�activities�of�the�rest�of�the�week.��‘Back�at�the�ranch’�we�need�to�be�a�resourcing�body�–�so�that�those�sent�out�dayͲbyͲday�are�equipped�for�God’s�work�24/7.�RELEASING�Recognising�the�relative�strength�we�have�as�a�local�church�and�allied�to�the�manifest�needs�of�a� far�wider�geographical�spread,�we�must�move�quickly� into�releasing�people�to�carry�what�they�get�here,�into�many�and�various�places.�

Recent�� Other�speakers�and�visitors�have�sensed�the�significance�of�St�John’s:��Bob�Dunnett�–�‘St�John’s�will�have�great�and�significant�spiritual�influence’.�Graham�Hopkinson�–� ‘strong�sense�of� ‘there� is�more’,�we�are�OK�as�we�are�but�we�need�to�change’.�

Section�4�–�Culture��Current�Cultural�Strengths�The� team� reviewed�what�we�were�already� known� for,�what�are�our� strengths�and�what�are� the�cultures�that�have�become�established�in�our�ministry.���

x An�expectation�of�the�signs�and�wonders�x Recognition�of�the�importance�of�biblical�teaching�x Pursuing�God�in�worship�x Caring�and�honouring�x Giving�and�generosity�

�Current�Values�and�Beliefs�We�identified�our�core�values�and�beliefs�in�the�following�7�statements�

x We�believe�that�Jesus,�working�through�the�local�church�is�the�hope�of�the�world�x We�have�confidence�in�Biblical�authority�x Knowing�and�serving�God� in�the�power�of�the�Holy�Spirit� is�central� in�the� life�of�the�

church�x Worshipping�God�is�at�our�heart�x Healing�and�wholeness�is�available�for�all�x The�recognition�that�everyone�can�hear�God�x That�proclamation�of�the�Good�News�of�Jesus�is�the�responsibility�of�everyone�

��

Page 7: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

Desired�Cultures�What� are� the� cultures� (hallmarks� of� behaviour)� that� St� John’s� should� aspire� to?� �What� are� the�cultures�that�we�most�want�to�have?��These�cultures�do�not�supersede�or�nullify�our�current�cultural�strengths�or�current�values�and�beliefs.�

x Salvation�x Goodness�of�God�x Prophetic��x Presence�of�God�x Honouring�one�another�x Risk�taking�obedience�

�These� 6� cultures� or� hallmarks� are� an� expression� of� our� inward� attitude� and� outward� focus� in�reaching�and�serving�the�community.��They�are�explained�in�more�detail�in�chart�form�further�in�this�section.�The� team� felt�strongly� that�when� 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�flourish�as�shown�in�diagram�below.��Diagram�Ͳ�Jesus�and�His�Kingdom�1���

������

Jesus�&�His�

Kingdom

Culture�of�the�

Goodness�of�God

Culture�of�Risk�Taking�Obedience

Culture�of�honouring�

one�another

Culture�of�Salvation

Culture�of�the�

Presence�of�God

Culture�of�the�

Prophetic

Page 8: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

Table�–�Jesus�and�His�Kingdom�2�In�the�table�below�are�examples�of�some�of�the�characteristics�that�might�arise�from�each�of�the�cultures�listed�‘Goodness�of�God’�in�which:� ‘Honouring�one�another’�in�which�we:Morality,�purity�&�positivity�is�exhibited� Honour, care,� nurture,� recognise� differences� and� bless�

others�All�people�benefit� Proactively� value� each� other� and� actively� look� at� our�

prejudices�at�the�same�time�Loving�–�seeking�the�best�for�others�–�is�demonstrated ‘Call out� the� gold� in� people’� –� includes� refinement� and�

removal�of�the�dross�Generosity�is�a�key�feature� Identify gifts�and�see them�used�God� is� always� positive,� in� contrast� to� evil� where� Satan� is�always�negative�

Recognise�that�our�greatest�strengths�can�be�our�point�of�weakness.� We� deal� with� weakness� and� fault� in� an�environment�of�trust�and�love�

Our�experience�is�life�giving,�fun,�holistic.��We�are called�not�driven�

Do not�write�people�off�because�of�sin�

There�is�a�recognition�&�understanding�of�sufferingThere�is�an�invitation�for�all�to�take�part�

‘Risk�taking�obedience’�we�are�all:� ‘Salvation’�exhibited�by:�Called� to�action�–�picture�of�St� John’s�as�aircraft�carrier�not�cruise� ship.� This� recognises� that� we� will� always� need�provision�for�healing,�refreshment�&�restoration.�

People coming�to�faith,�growing�in�faith,�receiving�healing,�deliverance�and�freedom�(restoring�all�that�the�enemy�has�taken)�

Tenacious� People�hearing�God’s�voice�personally�Given�permission�to�fail�and�try�again� People�being held�in�God’s�perfect�peace�Honoured�and�valued�for�trying People�having�an�understanding�of�God’s�bigger�purposesChallenge�to�take�us�out�of�our�comfort�zones��

‘Presence�of�God’�shown�by:� ‘Prophetic’�which:�Transformation�–�don’t�go�out�the�same�as�you�came�in Strenghtens�&�encourages�all�who�hear�People�having�their��thinking�clarified� Is�God’s�word for�todayPeople�being�captivated�–�always�drawn�back� Confronts the�social,�ethical�&�political�values of�the�world�

around�us�His� presence� bringing� excitement,� stillness,� silence� &�celebration�

Gives�identity,�destiny,�direction�&�leading�

A�hunger�&�passion�for�prayer Enables�people�to�hear God�speak�A�dissatisfaction�with�what�we�have�Ͳ�‘There�must�be�more’ – Leads�to�action�– declaration�&�activation�in�the�bodySigns�that�make�you�wonder�

�Revival�–�what�might�it�look�like?��(cf�Acts�2)People�being�saved�’added�to�their�number�daily’ Everybody�involved�with�ministry�Radical�repentance,�sincerity,�devotion� All�enjoying�the�favour�of�all�God’s�people�Signs�that�make�you�wonder� Presence� of� God� outside� the� church� –� church� without�

walls�Unprecedented�outpouring�of�God’s�spirit� The�sending�out�of�workers�Always�an�environment�of�prayer�and�intercession People�will�not�be�able�to�miss�the�reality�of�revivalThe�Gospel�becoming�contagious� Hunger�for�the�Word�of�God�Intimacy�with�God�

Page 9: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

Section�5�–�Vision�Statement�From� the� discussions� so� far� shared� in� this� document� the� team� arrived� at� the� following� vision�statement.��The�vision�statement�serves�the�mission�statement.��Vision�Statement�Imagine…�

x Imagine…�a�place�where�God� is�worshipped,�his�presence�encountered�and�his�goodness�experienced�

x Imagine…�a� family� that�supports,�encourages�and�strengthens�each�other� to�achieve� their�potential�and�maturity�in�Christ�

x Imagine…the�community�of�Harborne,�of�Birmingham�and�of�the�world�beyond�transformed�by�the�presence�and�power�of��Jesus�

we�are�working�with�God�to�make�it�happen��

Section�6�–�Revelation�The�team�spent�time�with�God�together�and�individually;�they�shared�Communion;�they�asked�Him�to�speak�and�bring�revelation�into�this�process.���The�following�key�themes�were�indentified:�

x Freedom�and�restoration�for�all�–�Isaiah�61�x ‘Father�Heart’�ministry�is�key�x Expectation�–�God’s�plans�are�much�bigger�than�we�are�anticipating�x Being� prepared� to� meet� with� God’s� presence:� the� importance� of� place,� people� and�

environment�x New�life�is�on�the�way�

�The�January�2012�‘Call�to�Pray’�revealed�the�following�common�themes:�

Our�heritage:� �This� is� important� for�the�purposes�of�moving� forward,� looking�at�what�God�has�said� to�us�corporately�and� individually.� �However,� it� is� important� to� remember�not� to�returning��to�some�things�of�the�past.�Our�relationship�with�God:��Most�of�all�God�is�asking�us�to�seek�Him,�for�each�us�to�have�a�serious� 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� haven’t�experienced�so�far.�Our�encounter�with� the�Holy� Spirit:� � There�were� two�occurrences�of� a�picture�of� a� rock�splitting�and�our�task�being�to�see�it�opened�up�–�one�picture�revealed�honey�flowing�from�the�centre.��The�Holy�Spirit�wants�to�open�us�up,�to�take�us�beyond�our�comfort�zones�in�so�many�areas�of�our�life;�but�to�do�this�together,�working�in�unity.�Our�encounter�with�one�another:��God�wants�us�to�open�up�and�be�vulnerable�before�one�another.� �We�need�to�be�prepared�to� let�go�of�things,�personally�and�corporately,�allowing�

Page 10: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

God�to�purify�and�refine�us� in�all�our�relationships,�submitting�them�to�Him,�digging�out�all�that�is�not�godly�in�our�lives�and�relationships,�determinedly,�right�down�to�the�roots.�Our�outreach�and�evangelism:��God�is�going�to�do�some�amazing�things�in�us�and�out�from�us,�influencing�the�community,�reaching�out�into�the�community.��God�wants�to�light�a�holy�fire�in�St�John’s.��He�wants�us�to�be�a�beacon�of�light�in�our�spiritually�poor�community.��We�will�have�the�effect�of�a�great�river�flowing�out,�soaking�parched�ground�all�around,�affecting�and�watering�areas�near�and�far�for�good�and�God’s�glory.�Our�church�building:��God�is�saying�much�about�reaching�out�into�the�community;�it�would�seem�that�our�building�is�not�necessarily�the�most�suitable.��Physical�appearance�and�a�sense�of�openess� is� important�when�creating�welcome� to� those�who�do�not�attend�St� John’s�or�church.��

Section�7�–�Change�and�Increase�Kingdom�ministry�will�always�be�about�change�and�growth��The�Plan�for�Practical�Development�In� this� section� the� team� looked� at� the� Strengths,�Weaknesses,�Opportunities� and� Threats� to� St�John’s�Church.�

x Strengths�–�something�you�build�on,�put�energies�into,�maximise�your�advantage.�x Weaknesses�–�are�areas�of�ministry�that�you�can�do�something�about,�need�to�strengthen.�

Not�life�threatening,�something�can�be�done�about�it�relatively�easily,�but�does�need�action.�x Opportunities� –� what� are� the� opportunies� on� our� doorstep,� what� have� we� talked�

about/identified� but� done� nothing� about?� � It’s� about� looking� to� see� where� there� is�opportunity�for�advancement�and�increase.�

x Threats�–�they�will�take�you�out�of�the�game�if�you�don’t�do�something�about�them.��From�that�analysis�the�following�areas�were�identified�as�priority:�

x Communications�(Weakness�&�Opportunity)�x Inspiring�and�equipping�for�transformation�(Opportunity)�x Buildings�and�physical�environment�(Threat�&�Opportunity)�x 0�Ͳ21’s�–�reaching�&�discipling�the�next�generation�(Strength�&�Opportunity)�x Evangelism�&��mission�in�the�local�community�(Weakness�&�Opportunity)�x Evangelism�&�mission�in�the�city�Ͳincluding�Living�Stones�(Weakness�&�Opportunity)�x Evangelism�&�mission�nationally�&�internationally�including�Living�Stones�(Strength�&�

Opportunity)���

��

Page 11: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

Section�8�–�Leadership�Leadership� is�key� in�any� strategy� for� change�and�moving� forward.� � �The� scope�of� leadership�will�include�clergy,�staff�and� laity.� �The�process�of� identifying� leaders�will� look�at�the�following�giftings�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� and�demonstrate�the�following�qualities:��

x Influence�People�who�have�a�natural�ability�to�influence�people�and�groups�of�people.��They�may�not�be�in�positions�of�leadership,�they�may�be�unaware�that�they�carry�this�ability.��They�are�people�of�wisdom�who�create�an�environment�of�trust�and�respect�around�them.�

x Character� Influence� without� the� right� Christian� character� traits� is� a� dangerous� and�potentially�destructive� combination.� �Qualities�of�honesty,� integrity,�humility,� teachability�and� a�mature�Christian�walk� are�essential� for� those� identified� for� leadership� at�whatever�level�in�the�church.�

x People�skills�The�ability�and�sensitivity�to�take�on�board�the�thoughts�and�feelings�of�others.��The�ability�to�listen�and�discern�the�ideas�of�others�–�a�heart�wanting�to�listen�first�and�speak�second.� �An�ability� to� relate� to�a�wide� range�of�people�and�personalities� rather� than� just�their�‘own�sort’.�

x Initiators�People�who�will�get� things�moving.� �People�who�have�energy� that�will�energise�others.�

x Competence�The�natural�ability�or�potential�ability�for�the�role.� �Good�common�sense�and�the�ability�to�think�clearly.��

Godly�leadership�is�a�key�quality�in�bringing�about�change�and�implementing�this�strategy.��People�can�be�leaders�and�exercise�leadership�whether�in�a�formal�position�or�not.��We�will�seek�to�identify,�empower�and�resource�all�those�who�have�a�leadership�role.���

Section�9�–�Moving�Forward�Strategic�Plans�and�Timelines�In�the� light�of�what�has�been� identified� in�the�process�so�far�the�strategic�direction�for�the�next�5�years�will�have�two�paths�running�in�parallel�with�each�other.��One�path�will��focus�on�‘Developing�our�Desired�Cultures’�and�the�other�will�be�in�the�form�of�a�‘Plan�for�Practical�Development’�(see�Section�7).� �An�annual� timetable�of�planning�and� review�will�be� followed�as�detailed� later� in� this�section.��Developing�our�Desired�Cultures�Our�cultures�are�(see�Section�4):�

x Salvation�x Goodness�of�God�x Prophetic��x Presence�of�God�x Honouring�one�another�x Risk�taking�obedience�

Page 12: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

We�will�plan�to�encourage,�develop�and�reflect�these�values�throughout�the�life�of�St�John’s.���In�order�that�these�cultures�become�identified�with�St�John’s�they�will�need�to�become�personal�and�real�to�individual�members�of�the�congregation�–�of�all�ages.��Over� the� next� few�months�ministry� leaders� will� be� asked� to� prayerfully� consider� and� identify�objectives�that�will�establish�and�develop�the�six�cultures.��These�objectives�will�be�divided�between�short�term�and�long�term.��The�short�term�objectives�will�then�be�transferred�into�an�‘Annual�Plan’�which�will�be�monitored�and�evaluated�to�ensure�that�a�cohesive�strategy� is�delivered�to�develop�these�cultures.��Some�examples�of�what�the�development�of�desired�cultures�might�look�like�are�set�out�in�the�next�table.��A�Plan�for�Developing�Our�Desired�Cultures�Desired�Culture�

Ministry�area� –�example*�

Objective�

Salvation�� Outreach� Regular�guest�&�seeker�friendly�services/events0�–�21’s� Peer�to�peer�evangelism�encouraged�&�modelled

Goodness�of�God�

Prayer�ministry�

Every�ministry� encounter� should� leave� each� person� feeling� listened� to,� their� needs�recognised,� loved� and� cared� for,� and� that� they� have�met� the� excellence� of� God’s�goodness�

Welcome� All�attending�or�visiting�St�John’s�should�feel�welcome,�secure�and�respected�for�who�they�are.��Every�endeavour�should�be�made�to�welcome�people,�whilst�respecting�those�who�wish�to�remain�anonymous�

Prophetic� Outreach� Training�for�those�involved�in�evangelism�in giving�and�receiving�prophetic�pictures�and�words�from�God�

0�Ͳ21’s� Development� of regular� opportunities� to� listen� to�God,�with� action� arising� from His�perceived�word.��The�pursuit�of�practical�and�nonͲverbal�prophetic�actions,�so�that�their�understanding�of�what�is,�and�can�be�prophetic�is�broadened�

Presence�of�God�

Worship� Worship�team�commitment�to�the�‘passionate�pursuit�of�the�presence�of�God’Outreach� Develop�events�and�teaching/training�on�‘power�evangelism’�

Honouring�one�another�

0�–�21’s� Leaders� trained� and� equipped� to� ensure� that� every� child/youth� is� seen,� heard� and�known�within�our�Children’s�and�Youth�ministry�

Admin�services�

Develop�culture�of�support�and�help�among�the�staff�team.� �Extend�this�honour�to�all�those�who�are�accessing�admin�services�and�support�

Risk�taking�obedience�

Discipleship� Develop�and�sign�post�teaching�materials�that�challenge�stepping�out�in�faithPreaching� Challenge�people to�listen�to�God’s�voice�and�step�out�in�obedience�

*this�is�not�a�complete�list�of�ministry�areas��Practical�Development�Running� 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�establishing�of�cultures�will�change�and�strengthen�the�character�of�our�ministry.��The�plan�for�practical�development�is�set�out�in�the�following�table:����

Page 13: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

�A�Plan�for�Practical�Development�Priority�Area� Short�term�objective� Long�term�objective�Communications� We�have�already:�

x started�midͲweek�updates�&�regular�‘C�Group’�bulletins�

We�will:�x carry�out�a�communications�

survey�in�May�x introduce�group�email�software�x set�protocols�to�control�numbers�

of�emails�sent�out�x release�St�John’s�‘app’�by�end�of�

2012�x continue�development�of�web�

content�x ensure�communication�&�

information�is�accessible�for�all�

We�will:x embody�the�cultural�values�x aim�to�communicate�effectively�&�

appropriately�through�a�variety�of�means�(including�paper).�

x ensure�our�communications�are�‘2Ͳ�way’�(receive�constructive�feedback,�listen�&�hear)�

Inspiring�&�equipping�for�transformation�

We�have�already:�x developed�the�Freedom�course�&��

will�introduce�Father�Heart�module�next�term�

We�will:�x preach�&�teach�on�the�desired�

cultures�from�platform�&�through�small�groups�

We�will:x invest�in�&�develop�a�School�of�Ministry�x plant�churches�in�partnership�with�the�

Diocese�of�Birmingham�x develop�The�Prayer�&�Healing�Centre�based�

at�The�Crossway�x develop�vehicles�&�resources�to�support�the�

wider�church�x invest�in�small�group�leaders�because�they�

are�central�to�transformation�as�they�embrace�and�live�out�the�cultural�values�of�St�John’s�

Buildings�&�physical�environment�

We�have/are�already:�x establised�a�project�group�x visiting�similar�churches�that�have�

undertaken�significant�projects�We�will:�

x complete�functional�report�of�buildings�requirement�

x complete�exploring�development�options�in�the�parish�

We�will�aim�to�have:x a�building�that�is�fit�for�purpose,�reflects�our�

values�internally�and�externally���x buildings�that�will�effectively�resource�

ministry�with�0�–�21’s�

0�Ͳ21’s�–�reaching�&�discipling�the�next�generation�

We�have�already:�x actioned�setting�up�a�schools�

outreach�team�x begun�to�integrate�our�youth�&�

children’s�department�We�will:�

x invest�in�&�recruit�new�leaders�for�3�–�10�year�olds�

We�will:x from�earliest�possible�age�encourage�

children�into�living�faith,�an�understanding�&�experience�of�the�Holy�Spirit,�&�a�knowledge�of�their�identity�in�Christ�

x have�a�mentoring�programme�for�11�–�21’s,��x have�a�strategy�to�develop�young�people�into�

leaders�x have�services�accessible�for�unchurched�

families�Evangelism�&��mission�in�the�local�community�Note:�our�primary�local�community�is�Harborne,�however�

We�have�already:�x started�planning�a�new�parish�

visiting�programme�x begun�exploring�missional�small�

groups�

We�will:x encourage�the�majority�of�our�small�groups�

to�have�a�specific�missional�objective/aim�this�may�be�geographical,�special�interest,�intercessional�etc.�

Page 14: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

we�recognise�that�we�serve�other�communities�as�a�‘gathered’�church�

We�will:�x increase�the�number�of�church�

families�that�serve�at�Toddlers�x run�more�‘Seeker�Friendly’�

services�x use�recognised�festivals�as�

evangelistic�opportunities�x grow�confidence�for�established�

church�family�to�pray�for�healing�outside�of�the�church�community�

x listen�to�our�community�and�invest�in�ministry�strands�appropriately�

x run�life�stage/skill�courses�(e.g.�parenting,�bereavement,�retirement)�&�ensure�that�we�connect�&�develop�relationship�to�enable�them�to�be�drawn�closer�to�God�

x aim�to�be�known�in�the�community�as�a�place�of�healing�and�help�(Prayer�and�Healing�Centre�based�in�The�Crossway)�

�Evangelism�&�mission�in�the�city�(including�Living�Stones)��

We�will:�x continue�to�support�our�LS�

mission�partners�x actively�encourage�people�into�

Christian�ministry�x support�&�develop�opportunities�

for�crossͲcultural�mission�e.g.�International�Students��

x continue�to�support�Christians�to�be�missional�in�the�workplace�

We�will:x plant�churches�in�partnership�with�the�

Diocese�of�Birmingham�x work�in�partnership�to�support�the�ministry�

of�the�C�of�E�in�the�city�x identify�2�or�3�interdenominational�

initiatives�(e.g.�City�Pastors)�where,�in�partnership,�we�can�make�an�effective�contribution�

Evangelism�&�mission�nationally�&�internationally�(including��Living�Stones)��

We�will:�x continue�to�support�our�LS�

mission�partners�x actively�encourage�people�into�

Christian�ministry��

We�will:x develop�an�active�international�mission�focus�

(e.g.�partnering�with�a�church�overseas)�that�will�involve�the�whole�church��

�Timeline�&�Communication�Month�or�event� Action�APCM�2012� Launch�of�‘Mission,�Vision�&�Strategic�Plan’May�–�July� Development�of�detailed�Annual�Objective�PlanJuly� Financial�implications�drawn�into�annual��budgeting�processSeptember� Presentation�of�Annual�PlanJanuary� Update�APCM�2013� Report�&�review��

��Section�10�–�Next�Steps�As�we�have�said�in�the�introductory�section,�we�believe�and�trust�that�this�process�has�been�inspired�by�God.� �You�may�have�questions,�points�for�clarification�or�observations�you�would� like�to�share.��You�may�just�want�to�say�‘yes�I’m�on�board’.����We�have�included�a�response�form�at�the�end�which�we�would�like�you�to�complete�and�return�to�Steve�Foster�by�Monday�21st�May.����� �

Page 15: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

Appendix�1�During�the�Interregnum�the�ILT�prayer�group�considered�the�following�‘picture’�that�Gill�McIlwaine�had�received�some�weeks�ago.�We�were�very�encouraged�by�this�and�wanted�to�share� it�widely�within�the�church�community�both�as�an�encouragement�and�to�further�guide�our�prayers.�The�‘Picture’�The�following�began�to�form�in�my�mind�as�we�were�praying�for�the�Interregnum�at�Engage�I�had�a�picture�of�a�coach�traveling�along�an�open� road.� It�was�well� filled�with�passengers�but,� to� the� consternation�of�bystanders� looking�on,�appeared�to�have�noͲone� in�the�driving�seat.�No�one�was� in�the�seat�of�the�coͲdriver�either,� just�the�road�map�and�a�torch.� The� passengers,� however,� seemed� content�with� the� situation,� simply� keeping� their� eyes� focused� on� the� road�ahead�of�them,�with�occasional�glances�behind�them,�to�enjoy�the�view�of�where�they�had�been�before�on�their�journey,�and� to� each� side� to� notice� their� current� surroundings.� The� vehicle� approached� a� layͲby.� ‘Surely,’� the� bystanders�remarked,�one�of�the�passengers�will�take�the�wheel�and�steer�them� into�safety�to�wait� in�peace�until�the�emergency�services�arrive�with�the�driver�to�take�them�on.’��But�no,�the�coach�carried�on,�the�passengers�talking�happily,�singing�from�time�to�time�and�gazing�fixedly�at�the�road�ahead�of�them.�They�came�to�a�rough�patch�of�road,�the�surface�broken�up�with�deep�potͲholes�and� lumps�of�tarmac�strewn�around.�The�bystanders�expected�disaster:�burst�tyres,�steering�damage,�suspension�problems.�The�coach�would�never�be�able�to�continue.��But�no.� It�wound� its�way� carefully�and� safely� to� the�place�where� the� road�was�again� smooth.�Next� it� came�up� to�a�roundabout�with�many�exit�roads�:�one�to�the�seaside,�one�up�a�mountain,�one�to�a�luxurious�hotel,�one�clearly�to�a�dead�end,�and�one�unmarked�going�straight�ahead.��The�bystanders�anticipated�chaos,�with�the�passengers�breaking�up�into�opposing�factions�with�angry�words�and�raised�fists.��Without�hesitation,�the�coach�went�on�to�the�unmarked�road,�the�passengers�still�chatting�amicably�and�occasionally�bursting�into�song.�In�time�they�noticed�a�lone�walker�by�the�side�of�road.�He�hailed�them.��‘Surely�they’re�not�going�to�pick�up�a�hitchͲhiker.�So�dangerous.’��The�coach�slowed�down�and�the�walker�climbed�into�the�coͲdriver’s�seat�and�received�the�map�and�the�torch,�handed�to�him�by�the�invisible�driver�who�had�been�there�throughout�the�journey�in�full�control�of�the�vehicle.�To�the�astonishment�of�the�bystanders�and�the�delight�of�the�passengers�the�new�passenger�clearly�knew�the� invisible�driver�well�and�was�obviously�anticipating�meeting�them�also�with�joy.��Commentary�The� leadership� prayer� group� reflected� on� this� picture� and�was� very� encouraged� at� the� image� of� safety,� unity� and�purpose�in�the�hands�of�the�invisible�driver�whom�we�took�to�be�the�Lord.�We�were�particularly�struck�by�the�image�of�the�roundabout�which�we�took�to�stand�for�the�possible�ways�that�the�church�could�seek�to�go.�Some�of�these�possible�ways�suggest�comfort,�prominence�and�pleasure�but�we�were�struck�that�the�coach�went�on�the�unmarked�road�which�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�represented�a�new�vicar.��Our�prayerful�discussion�continued�by�considering�the�nature�of�the�unmarked�road.�We�concluded�that�the�road�‘is�as�much�of�God�as�we� can�get’�and�we� felt� that� this�needed� to�be�expressed�and� sought�now�within� the� community.�Accordingly,�we�invite�every�member�of�the�St�John’s�community�to�join�with�us�as�we�pray�…��...�that�God�would�supernaturally�‘break�in’�to�the�life�of�the�church�in�new�and�possibly�unexpected�ways�that�would�then�flow�out�of�St�John’s�into�the�wider�church�and�also�into�the�life�of�the�community.��…that�we�would�each�desire�‘as�much�of�God�as�we�can�get’�more�than�settling�for�the�status�quo,�comfort,�prominence�or�pleasure�in�our�church.���…that�in�our�hunger�for�God�we�recognise�our�own�barrenness�and�the�desperate�needs�of�the�world�around�us.�� �

Page 16: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2012/June/SRF��

� �

Page 17: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2

Version�2�–�2�

Re

Pleastev

��

You�

�You

�����������������������

If� ynum

��

��

2012/June/S

esponse�

ase� return�vefoster@stj

ur�name:�

ur�response:

ou�would�mber�here:�

��

SRF�

by� 21st� MohnsͲchurch

:�

like� someo

May� to� Sth.co.uk��

one� to� get�

teve� Foster

back� to� yo

r� in� the� C

ou,� please�

Church� Off

give� an� em

fice� or� em

mail� addres

mail� him� a

ss� or� phone

t�

e�

Page 18: Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan - version 2