Pandering or Partnering?

Nov 27, 2012

Thursday was the day.  The two big agenda items for our Steering Group were defining the ethos of Real Deal and unlocking local NHS funding.  With both Karis Neighbour Scheme and St Martins around the table, we agreed that we would settle on an ethos of forgiveness, hope and inclusion, but without insisting on explicit trust in Jesus on behalf of those charged with maintaining this ethos.  What we lose is a guarantee that Christians will always be in the driving seat.  What we gain is a mandate to discuss all the way from grass roots to board level how we will maintain these three qualities – derived originally from a careful study of what Jesus uniquely brought into the Jewish tradition he was born into.  We are now working towards a board structure which effectively represents the three Jesus-based organisations as well as the South and Central Clinical Commissioning Group and Pertemps.  The following day, we heard from the CCG.  They are investing their first £10,000 – enabling us to push the button on the first iteration of the pilot project once the new company exists.  I am reminded of the four points of effective workplace mission which I shared with the leaders and influencers track at the Agape Europe conference in Tallinn last July:

1. Know who you are – and get yourself a mentor to help you stay on track

2. Find points of collaboration with those who do not yet know and follow Jesus

3. Walk across the bridge you just built and live and dialogue in its spiritual space

4. Teach and tutor all who are drawn to Jesus, the source of life and wisdom.