Engaging with your local authority and other partners
From a report by Commission church network
Commission (a network of churches that are part of the Newfrontiers global movement of churches) have published a very useful guide on lessons learned and recommendations for 'Engaging with your local authority and other partners'.
Here are some brief extracts:
The overriding principle is that we don’t lose our identity and our unique Christian distinctive.
The benefits of working with local authorities and partners are:
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Working with others can help the church punch above its weight and implement ministries that would otherwise have been difficult to achieve.
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Local authorities have skills & experience and policies and procedures that cover most occurrences.
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We can become aware of the needs of the town from a different perspective
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Gaining trust as the church works together with a local authority or partner
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There is an opportunity to share the Gospel, pray for people, and gain recognition
And the challenges?
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Local authorities may not have power invested in them
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They may not want to get involved at all
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They may also not have resources
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There can be a compromise of values
Key learning points:
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Building relationships take time
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Be clear on your aims, priorities and limitations
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Know the aims and priorities of potential partners
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Listen and talk
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Build a bridge
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You may need to form particular structures such as charitable companies
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Look at an organisation’s vision statement and core values to help you understand what is at the root of their culture.
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Be aware of how some of the values that you take for granted may seem very strange
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Be aware of your 'religious' language
The guide includes a couple of case studies and can be downloaded from the Commission website here.
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From a report by Commission church network, 17/10/2016