Where does missional group life start?

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Permalink Reply by James Nored on June 15, 2009 at 10:59am

Hey Trey. It's great to have you back on the network!

Yes, I think that new groups begin with new leaders. Here are some things that seem to help in this:
1) Creating an atmosphere of freedom to start new groups.
2) Constant upholding of missional concepts, stories, examples, etc. to inspire others to participate in the mission.
3) Encouraging people to be listening for the missional opportunities in their lives.
4) Direct recruitment of new leaders.

What do you think of these steps?

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Permalink Reply by Trey Finley on June 15, 2009 at 1:30pm

James,

You've made four very important points. A few questions I would ask of your response:

1) What tools do we have available to us to coach potential leaders to recognize missional opportunities when they arise?
2) What are the "steps" (though probably not nearly so cut and dry) which may take followers from a participant to a leader?

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Permalink Reply by Chris Chappotin on June 16, 2009 at 4:38pm

Here's a fantastic resource we are using in four formation groups as a communal experience of missional life.

As far as steps are concerned, I'm experimenting with MEWL: model, equip, watch, and leave. It's nothing new but in terms of missional life it helps followers of Jesus "come and see" what being sent in the power of the Holy Spirit to participate in the mission of God looks like, and it allows those not following Jesus to "come and see" the with-God life actively taking shape among them.

I've uploaded the Introduction, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2 of the workbook linked above.

Attachments:

• tkprimer_intro.pdf, 3.4 MB

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Permalink Reply by Trey Finley on June 17, 2009 at 3:30pm

Chris--thanks for this resource!

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