Resourcing Missional Communities



Whether your effort is housed in a serving church or a non profit that is rooted in faith tradition, developing new resources is a primary step toward sustainability–and things are changing in our economy. Finding new resources that fit the mission is critical and requiring new creativity and skills in a new economy. The truth is that no one has lived in this economy before. 

Our skill and focus on effective resource development means that we have to learn from what has worked in the past and apply it in a new season of American life.

For communities—We are short on civic engagement and long on need.  We have to mobilize every asset including the church to meet the many needs that our public programs were never designed to reach.  We need volunteers and support that comes from the community of faith—people that believe in our communities and in our people.  There are some needs that only people of faith are willing to address.

For individuals—We want our lives and families to have meaning and a purpose that reaches beyond our own self interest.  We want to be part of something bigger than ourselves and we want to connect to other people who care.  Somehow we have to fit this new priority into our lives and once in a while we will step beyond an electronic friend to plant a tree, recycle instead of waste, and volunteer in a worthwhile cause.

For the marginalized—We are cut off from the American Dream.  Because of bad choices, because of bad situations—we can’t reach beyond the educational, social, economic and relational barriers that frustrate and speak death every day.  New groups of people who never dreamed they would be here are joining our ranks today.  We want hope and help.

Compassion redefined can only come alive where people are willing to reach beyond themselves and beyond tradition to find new ways to express their faith. We don’t all have to be the leaders, there are risk takers blazing the way all around us.  The folks at externally focused churches, church planters and thousands of others are finding ways to connect compassion to lifestyle.

The Compassion that I work to grow through tools and training and coaching is

…Lifestyle- compassion that it fits into the routines of everyday people, helping them to invest in others

…Family- compassion that grows in teams, small groups and families, where serving together is a part of the life they share and invite others to join.

…Practical- no brain surgery required, just simple intentional acts that anyone can do and every church can fit into its time, talent and treasure.

…Intentional- not just based upon opportunity or ease, it is strategic and rooted in best practices that put churches and leaders in the role of leading through serving.

…Joy- fulfillment that comes only when we serve and give and become more like Jesus.