Based on Workshop at Launch Event by Mike Farley, Community Connector Lead, Lincoln

Outline of the session:

An interactive conversation of our journey of partnership, involving storytelling, discussion, prayerful reflection, questions and some answers (below case studies)
Partnership Case Studies from Bridge Church Lincoln, and Life Church Bristol, below

Case Study – Bridge Central – final Download

Life Church-Vassalls Centre-Tara-Case Study Download

Activity 1:

On big sheets of paper, discuss and write down some of your perceived or actual obstacles that as a Christian community hub (or seeking to start one) you may or do face when it comes to partnering beyond the church.
10 minutes – note and stick to the walls for reference
(affirmation of some of those points to segue into the next section

Discernment

How did we get started? What was our vision as a church and how did that lead us to relate and then partner in the way we do?

Activity 2:

Discernment is a prayer soaked journey; we should always seek God and godly direction.

Who are you relating to? What are your concerns? What excites you? Who is in your locality – charities, organisations, spheres (local government, police, business, culture)?

Spend time now, quiet reflection and prayer … you can find somewhere in the room, pray quietly with others if that is appropriate.

Doing the journey

What does the ongoing relationship look like? Tackle some of the tough stuff (being at the table, not at the table, having to forge own paths being mindful of others, keeping true to your discerned path, whilst keeping a flexibility of approach)

Sense of forging the fruit of the spirit
Relationship, relationship, relationship
Faithfulness
Desert times
Consistent gentle presence
Investing in the people not the product (or source of funding)
Prophetic: we know Christ is in control, so we can remain faithful, patient, kind etc
- We can speak into situations and have a boldness about us
The biggies: is it worth it as it could dilute our ministry, what if they put rules on us that constrain our freedom in the gospel? What about prayer?

Activity 3: Table discussion (and feedback after)

What is the ‘posture’ of the church in partnering with secular organisations?

Open handed, but not ‘limp wristed’ – willing to meet where values do, but not to let go of essential practices (what about prayer?)
Adaptable but not diluting – willing to offer flexibility on the non-core elements of practice, but not on our identity
“Relationship comes first, second, third and fourth…”
Curiosity over caution – connecting requires genuine interest in other organisations, especially statutory bodies , so you can see where the values meet
Creating the safe space for connection

What could we discuss? (Jesus went about doing good)