RE: America in DECLINE dialog

My view...
Market forces are simply market forces. They don't dehumanize. Policy
makers, institutional leaders, etc can either create opportunities to
cooperate with market forces and/or limit opportunities. All of which have
the potential to dehumanize.

For example, the construction industry provides a lot of jobs for Latino
framers, even greater opportunity for Latino's who learn to speak English,
specialize in finish carpentry or start their own business.

I think Friedman is pointing out a future trend that suggests a Market
Force that we will be responding too. We don't control the Market, we
respond to it. If it gives us lemons we make lemonade.

Another example... The Latino Church planter I work with has a daughter
studying to be a lawyer at the UW. I have served as a reference for her as
she moves into her first career at a major hotel chain. She is paying her
way through college. She's a mover and shaker moving into opportunities
created by the market. Her sister was just released from the ICE Jail. The
family spent an extraordinary amount of money and time working on her
release. This has been a drain on them, but a wake up call to get their
kids immigration status in order.

There you have it. My take,

Neil

-----Original Message-----
From: Geoffrey Hsu [mailto:geoff@thehsus.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 12:29 PM
To: Neil Tibbott
Cc: Charlie Johnson; craig.hendrickson@crmleaders.org; steve Scharf;
'NextChurch'
Subject: Re: America in DECLINE dialog

Thought:

I think when Friedman says we are "very good at integrating immigrants"
it is mostly true as a job force. The argument is economic, and not
sociological. However, as long as our nation cares mostly about
immigrants as a labor pool, our utilitarian view will continue to
dehumanize.

Neil Tibbott wrote:
>
>
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/article/237808/America-in-Terminal-Decl
ine-No-Way-Says-Geopolitical-Expert-George-Friedman?tickers=%5EDJI,%5EGSPC,S
PY,DIA,TLT,TBT,UDN
>
> . Evaluate statement that the US is "very good at integrating immigrants".
>
> . What examples do you see of "labor shortages"? How do immigrants
> fill the gap?
>
> . How does national economic strength impact the development of
> cities? Does it facilitate diversity? Does it add to the complexity?
>
> . What do leaders need to know to develop leaders to thrive in a more
> multi-cultural urban
>

Re: America in DECLINE dialog

Thought:

I think when Friedman says we are "very good at integrating immigrants"
it is mostly true as a job force. The argument is economic, and not
sociological. However, as long as our nation cares mostly about
immigrants as a labor pool, our utilitarian view will continue to
dehumanize.

Neil Tibbott wrote:
>
> http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/article/237808/America-in-Terminal-Decline-No-Way-Says-Geopolitical-Expert-George-Friedman?tickers=%5EDJI,%5EGSPC,SPY,DIA,TLT,TBT,UDN
>
> · Evaluate statement that the US is "very good at integrating immigrants".
>
> · What examples do you see of "labor shortages"? How do immigrants
> fill the gap?
>
> · How does national economic strength impact the development of
> cities? Does it facilitate diversity? Does it add to the complexity?
>
> · What do leaders need to know to develop leaders to thrive in a more
> multi-cultural urban
>

America in DECLINE dialog

http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/article/237808/America-in-Terminal-Decline-No-Way-Says-Geopolitical-Expert-George-Friedman?tickers=%5EDJI,%5EGSPC,SPY,DIA,TLT,TBT,UDN

 

·        Evaluate statement that the US is “very good at integrating immigrants”.

·        What examples do you see of “labor shortages”?  How do immigrants fill the gap?

·        How does national economic strength impact the development of cities?  Does it facilitate diversity?  Does it add to the complexity?

·        What do leaders need to know to develop leaders to thrive in a more multi-cultural urban

Secret Sauce

Category: Secret Sauce Explained

Before I add any details about the nature of Secret Sauce, let me explain myself. Every leader has some notion of what has worked well in the past and what they will absolutely remain committed to for the future. Let’s call it their secret sauce.

I have secret sauce. Heck, I have secret sauces. I have assumptions that prevent me from seeing objective, verifiable data accurately. For this reason I’ve started asking myself this question:

“What assumptions am I making today that prevent me from seeing the future accurately?”

Now I might not the answer to that until sometime in the future, but that’s the point of asking the question today. My insights will be based on the fruit, the pain, the promptings, etc that come from checking what I’m carrying around for Secret Sauce.

How does this apply to NEXT:CHURCHES? More to follow… But first here’s your chance to comment:

What assumptions are you making today that are hindering you from seeing accurately?

The Importance of Networks

In the article, “Why Size Matters”, authors Julie Wittes Schlack, Michael Jennings and Manila Austin list 6 reasons why people join online networks. The following is an article abstract with a link to the rest…

The Six Social Needs People Seek in Social Networks

1. Expressing personal identity: online social networks provide people with the ultimate tool for defining and redefining themselves, as evidenced in profile pages on Facebook and MySpace.

2. Status and self-esteem: the need for autonomy, recognition and achievement are essential to our sense of self-worth and are fulfilled in online communities, blogs, and social networks that provide a way to develop and manage a virtual reputation.

3. Giving and getting help: people have a need to both seek and provide help to others.Mutual assistance between strangers is a phenomenon that has been uniquely enabled by the Internet.

4. Affiliation and belonging: online communities are becoming the way people find, create and connect with others “just like me” – people who share similar tastes, sensibilities, orientations or interests.

5. Sense of community: a sense of belonging or affiliation alone is not equivalent to a true sense of community. Achieving a real sense of community requires long-lasting reciprocal relationships and a mutual commitment to the needs of the community as a whole.

6. Reassurance of value and self worth. People want to be reassured of their worth and value, and seek confirmation that what they say and do matters to others and has an impact on the world around them. Meeting all 5 + 1 of these social needs generally requires the level of intimacy and facilitation that are the hallmarks of smaller, invitation only online communities.

Which reason drives your involvement with an online community? What ways are would leaders in your ministry value?

Link:

http://www.communispace.com/research/abstract/?Type=Social%20Networking%20Landscape&Id=40

Funding the Ministry - Start Up Grant Proposal

The Start Up Grant would serve Church Planting Projects requiring a significant up front investment before launching their ministries. The focus at this point would be new churches, but could include other kinds of new ministries sponsored by the Classis. The Grant would provide up to $10,000 on a matching basis. The church planter would be required to raise the first $10,000 from their own sources: friends, family and churches. These funds would be place on deposit in the “Start Up Fund” in the Classis Cascades.

Purpose of the Grant

· Meet the needs of families transitioning to new ministries and/or relocation expenses.

· Provide funding for new ministries while the support base is developed

· Create immediate incentive for new donors to get involved with a new church in the critical early stages.

What ways are you generating start up Capital for New Ministries?

Overview: Network Supported Coaching

The “NEXT::CHURCH Network” is a network supported coaching relationship for leaders preparing to plant churches through a parent church or in partnership with other churches. The network seeks to bring strategic focus to the topics and opportunities selected by the network. A list of modules will be presented for consideration. Network participants will receive individual coaching to facilitate implementation in their unique contexts.

Spiritual Formation is an integral part of discerning NEXT::CHURCH opportunities. Connecting with God in patterns of personal renewal and group reflection will be an ongoing part of our network experience.

Welcome

Thank You for your interest in the Strategic Next Church Network. We will be discussing the following topics over the next year in varying degrees. Much of what we learn comes from what you and the others bring. We will collaborate on next churches together and focus on the activities that move them forward. We meet on Coachnet.org. Call Neil Tibbott for the details.

SELECTED CONVERSATION TOPICS…

Prayer

OBJ – Fear to Faith

Spiritual Dynamics

OBJ – Awareness to Action

Population Trends and Demographics

OBJ – Data, Information and Congruence into Decisions

Site Selection and Prioritizing Projects

OBJ – Identify selection criteria and prioritize list

Boards and Congregations

OBJ – Evaluating Readiness and reducing barriers while forging next steps

Core Team Development

OBJ – Evaluating members and mobilizing

Planter Selection

OBJ – Develop a pool of candidates with selection criteria

Leadership Development

OBJ – Create a process for ongoing development

MAP Development

OBJ – Strategic Momentum

Supervision

OBJ – Personal and Project Development

Funding

OBJ – Create sustainable funding streams

Evangelism and Discipleship

OBJ – Be fruitful and Multiply

Congregational Support

OBJ – Harness passion and resources for planting

For more information about this network contact Neil Tibbott by email: neil(dot)tibbott@crmleaders.org.