Dave Wilkie

Compromise or Collaborate?

Recently I was involved in a discussion on the benefits of collaboration over compromising with James Henley.  This has also been enforced within the predicted management fads for 2010, where capitalism will no longer be founded in competition but collaboration.  I have had the opportunity to work within a community of 18-30 year olds attempting to set-up a new church service for a growing Anglican church.  We have faced many challenges with a great diversity of views, doctrine, and beliefs being expressed. 

This community has often focused on the needs of the individuals within it and the mission to others their age. My question here is, in attempting to provide a focus for a community of 18-30 are we able to collaborate, bringing together all of our gifts, creativity, and passions without having to compromise and let a preferred style become dominant.

I see the congregation as consisting of 3 main groups (I may be wrong)

1. Social: those people involved who are there for relationships, want relax with increased time to relate to one another over a coffee.  This group are key at keeping Church relevant to the wider culture of 18-30 year olds as spend a lot of time 'hanging out' in pubs etc.

2. Alternative: those that feel they want to try something new, shaking the foundations of what church is perceived to be. They get energised by daring and creative times, need to be given the space to experiment, may not work, but will be different.  This group also get frustrated easily if the routine of a service becomes a regular

3. Solid: those who know what they want in a Church service and are able to meet God using the tried and tested formulae.  This is may consist of worship-preach-prayer ministry = growing Christian.  It is solid so easier to plan/form and safe.  This group are devoted and very passionate.

God loves us all, so lets collaborate! Any suggestions?

Johari Window Worship Exercise - Gifts

This morning for staff worship at St Paul's Church i decided to use Johari's Window as a group development tool during the weekly worship time.

(link)

1.  Everyone had 5 mins to list their gifts, that were within the "Known to Self" column and then were encouraged to think of at least one example of a gift they had that "Not Known to Others"

2.  On completion of the "Known to Self" column, we moved into small groups and took it in turns to speak aloud our list of gifts we had written.  (note: some could not take part in this as were not comfortable in doing so, that is fine but still encouraged to take part in affirming others)

3.  Once someone shares their list, the rest of the group affirms and adds to that list, getting the individual to fill out their "Not Known To Self" but "Known to Others" Column. 

4.  Then the group prays for that individual and move onto the next person willing to share

5.  Lastly a selection of Bible verses on the theme of gifts were handed out to every person and we spent 5 minutes in silence, praying for God to reveal gifts that were hidden to us.  If any revelation or a desire of a new gift was felt then they are encouraged to put it within the bottom right box in the Johari Window.

6.  Finished with a song: "Waterboys - The Christ In You"

This worship/prayer exercise proved effective for building a more vulnerable & open community within the staff team.  A good reflection of our gifts we have as a group

With thanks...

Thank you to Jonny Baker for the opportunity to start blogging using Typepad. 

This is primarly a space in which i can reflect on my journey within youth work exploring the possible first steps, vision and resistance to missional youth work practice. It starts at a time that i am working within St Paul's Church and within my final year at CYM Bristol into the unknown.  I am seeking to continue my learning and space for reflection within the blog community beyond my degree.

So here goes...