Integral Mission Conversations
One of the exciting attributes of being a part of Micah Network
is that we are a global network, currently with members in 85 countries around the world. The richness of shared perspectives through different cultural and contextual settings greatly enhances our understanding and application of integral mission. We had 59 countries represented at our last
global consultation and looking out over the hall I could not help but feel the smile of God as a glimpse of the throne room where every tribe, tongue and nation will be gathered before him, came to mind. It is a powerful witness to see the unity in our diversity, all passionate about God’s mission being lived out in all our communities.
As important and inspiring as the global consultations are in the life of Micah Network, the reality is that many of us are not in a position to attend these triennial events. Even the regional consultations which we facilitate to have in-depth discussions and learning of specific contextual issues of concern are still hard to access for many.
Therefore, the pulse of Micah Network is the national integral mission conversations which ensure all in country are able to link up, enjoy and contribute to the on-going conversation.
About Integral Mission Conversations
A conversation is an informal gathering of Christians from organisations (aid agencies, mission organisations, local congregations, colleges, networks, alliances, denominational secretariats, business as mission and individuals) who meet to exchange thoughts, opinions, feelings, testimonies and teaching around a specific topic / theme. It creates the opportunity to discuss developments and thinking and explore together the theological perspectives, the good practice and the learning so as to challenge and support one another in our desire to be relevant and fruitful. It is out of these meetings that regional and global activities are prompted.
As a global network, no meeting (either at national, regional or global level) is restricted to members, though the national meetings will tend to focus on national issues of concern and regional on regional issues of concern. All meetings should draw on the vast expertise and experiences of the global network, this will include inviting speakers from around the world who could contribute to the chosen topic.
Specific thematic focus
Every few years Micah Network will highlight a number global thematic issues which we will encourage all meetings to address and consider. We will be introducing these in special bulletins over the coming months.
Who is responsible to facilitate national conversations?
The Micah Network secretariat is there to provide support service to our members. It is the members in each country that are the essential key to ensure national conversations occur at least once per year. If you have as yet not had a national integral mission conversation and would like to see one in your country the following steps should be taken:
1. Log on to the Micah Network web site and select “The Network” tab. Choose your country from the drop down members tab and press filter. A list of all the members in your country will appear. (Note: you need to be logged on in order to have access to the database and forum discussions).
2. Contact one another and discuss which member will be best place to act as focal point for the first conversation. Ideally, best to set up a conversation team / committee.
3. Research possible dates when a conversation could be held (ideally over 2 - 3 days, though 1 day conversations are also an option. Normally the first one is best to have more time together). The research will usually involve finding out what other meetings are being held within the Christian community in your country so as to avoid potential clashes.
4. Contact Micah Network secretariat to outline plans and explore together what support is needed. An Integral Mission Conversation outline explanation document is available on request.
5. Start preparations and enjoy the conversation! Remember to feedback to the secretariat.
It is our hope that we will see many conversations happening around the world which we will seek to collate learning from and share with all. Invite one another to join in. This is your network and the more you draw on it and contribute to it, the more we will all benefit.
Grass root impact
We believe that the impact of this will be that many more Christian initiatives and local churches will catch the vision and put into practice all that we are passionate about in integral mission.
Working together
Sheryl Haw
International Director
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