Asset Based Community Development Training: Empowering the Posture of Capacity in All Persons

by The Rev. Christopher A. Johnson

Classical approaches to community program development have long been rooted in needs based assessments. There is a subtle, undermining characteristic latent in this development approach as the community addresses its problem solving from a place of deficit rather than from a posture of capacity. That focus further undermines the human dignity of members in our local communities as their needs and dependency on others are reinforced. Instead, the ABCD training encourages the expression of the giftedness and capacity of the communities to affect positive change.

Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) reinforces our baptismal commitment to respect the dignity of every human being as it celebrates the capacity that already exists in a community as its problem solving is targeted at healing a broken and wounded world. In this respect the community is not dependent upon outsiders and agencies to do more for them than they have need for. As one workshop facilitator, Mike Green, wrote in his workbook, When People Care Enough to Act, ABCD, “provides a powerful approach to developing a wider circle of people to address important problems and to realize ambitious goals by discovering and mobilizing the resources that are already present in the community.”

Partnership with the Office of Black Ministries made possible the initiation of practical training as the Sudanese community gathered in Phoenix in December 2010. During their time together Sudanese leaders were invited to share their own stories of journey and faith. A particularly poignant comment was made by a Sudanese brother who shared that never before had he been invited to a gathering among non-Sudanese community members where the Sudanese community was listened to. He said, “This is the first time in 10 years someone said, “I’m here to listen’.” There is a lack of communication between the American churches and the migrant. Up to that point, they had only been told what they needed to do. In other words, a message of disempowerment was being reinforced as a condition of citizenship in this country. There was no attempt to draw out the gifts that served as the font of life and dignity for the refugee. This gathering in Phoenix reinforced powerfully that the voice of the Sudanese refugee has much to contribute to the mutual wellbeing of the United States as a host community.

In further collaborations with the Office of Black Ministries, we expect that committed groups of people from the Black community will learn to apply the tools of ABCD as a group for local community organizing and development. Faith formation is the foundation upon which participants will be invited to reflect theologically at each gathering to discern how God is inviting the congregation to bear witness to its love of neighbor as itself. Faith formation may thrive out of the congregation’s willingness to engage and invite its neighbors into deeper relationship for the sake of building up the wellbeing of the community. As the prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Seek the welfare (shalom) of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray for to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare (shalom) you will find your welfare (shalom)” (29:7).

The real formation in faith is for the ABCD practitioner to experience the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in his or her own life while learning to strengthen links between the practice of loving God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength and loving their neighbors as themselves. Since Jesus proclaimed these to be the two greatest commandments upon which all the law and the prophets rested, this is a most worthy pursuit for Christian formation. We invite congregations to consider exploring how ABCD workshops can strengthen their community’s capacity to act on behalf of the values it cares most about.

To learn more about ABCD Training, contact The Rev. Christopher A. Johnson, Social and Economic Justice Officer, at cjohnson@episcopalchurch.org or call (212) 716-6052.

 


A Church to Call Home: Sudanese Refugees Reconnect with the Episcopal Church

Emmaus Planning Group Established for Sudanese Ministries

For those of a certain generation, hearing the term “Lost Boys” may conjure images of the 1987 terror-filled vampire movie. For the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” which refers to more than 200,000 displaced and orphaned boys of the Southern Sudan, as well as other areas and ethnic groups, their lives were no movie, and have been nothing short of terrifying. The “Lost Boys,” and other Sudanese communities, are survivors of the second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005), which claimed the lives of more than two and a half million people. The five million people who were displaced are counted among thousands of Sudanese refugees who now live in the United States.

The Emmaus Planning Group for Sudanese Ministries, comprised of Sudanese leaders and advisors, emerged from the Sudanese Leadership Summit in December 2010, sponsored by the Black Ministries and Africa Offices of the Episcopal Church. The name of the group was chosen to signify a journey with the risen Lord. The planning group, all of whom were stakeholders at the 2010 summit, set on a journey to gain recognition and support from The Episcopal Church, and to foster synergistic relationships with the Episcopal Church of Sudan. The group is in the initial stages of building a programming platform out of which several initiatives are expected to grow.

The Emmaus Planning Group intends to design initiatives to address the following concerns: Increase the awareness and visibility of Sudanese congregations in the Episcopal Church by providing accurate statistics regarding the Sudanese populations in the various dioceses; establish best practices for information sharing and problem-solving strategies among communities; collaborate with diocesan offices to establish Sudanese Ministries Committees that serve as the lifeline for the community to the diocese; influence local civic agencies and the justice system by enhancing cultural sensitivity and awareness; and build relationships within the Sudanese community to continue to foster relationships between Northern and Southern Sudanese living in the United States.

According to the Rev. Anderia Lual Arok, vicar of St. Paul the Apostle Sudanese Church in Phoenix, AZ, and member of the Emmaus Planning Group, nearly 80% of Sudanese refugees are Episcopalian. He believes that the difficulty Sudanese families had in finding welcoming Episcopal churches in the U.S. resulted in the unnecessary loss of many Episcopal Sudanese to churches of other denominations.

Arok is an outspoken advocate on the need to create more visibility and voices for Sudanese priests and congregations within the Episcopal Church in the U.S., and believes that the responsibility for prioritizing Sudanese ministries rests with the diocesan bishops. “I envision each diocese having a Sudanese congregation. With direction from the national church level, dioceses around the country could implement the same successful initiatives used by dioceses that have supported the Sudanese community, like ours in Phoenix, and could potentially see a rapid return of Sudanese families to the Episcopal church,” said Arok. According to Arok, implementing diocesan funding for priests‟ salaries is one example of an immediate action that could pave the way for vital Sudanese congregations, while reinforcing the church‟s long-term commitment to the community.

The planning group has created a sense of urgency around the issue of establishing viable connections between The Episcopal Church of Sudan and The Episcopal Church in the U.S. “It is of the utmost importance that we focus on building relationships between the American churches and the Sudanese churches,” said Arok. “I don‟t know what that relationship would look like, but I envision it to resemble the Episcopal Church‟s efforts in Haiti. War-torn Sudan has no church buildings, no water and no schools, and the people need our help. We must seek ways in which resources can be shared for mutual ministry.”

The Episcopal Church Center has taken a proactive role in helping the Emmaus Planning Group maintain the momentum of their initiatives. With the support of the Rev. Angela S. Ifill and the Office of Black Ministries, the planning group is setting the stage for continuing education programs for Episcopal Sudanese priests. To address theological education and training, conversations are taking place with Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA, School of Theology at Sewanee in Tennessee and Diocesan Training Programs. Other leadership capacity building is being planned in collaboration with the Rev. Chris Johnson for Jubilee Ministries and Asset Based Community Development Training and with Ruth-Ann Collins for Lifelong Christian Faith Formation.

The Sudanese community requests your prayers for the newborn nation of Southern Sudan. For more information about supporting Sudanese ministries in your diocese, please contact the Rev. Angela Ifill at aifill@epsicopalchurch.org.

View the CNN story, “Sudanese Refugees Find Faith in the Future,” featuring St. Paul the Apostle Sudanese Church in Phoenix, Arizona, at http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/24/Sudan.refugees.church/

 


New Visions

New Visions Pilot Project for Congregational Vitality Announces Blog Launch & WebEx Trainings

The New Visions Pilot Project is designed to engage congregations over a two-year period in activities that will address the various aspects of congregation life for renewal and vitality. The Congregational Life Cycle is used as a means to discuss the role of dynamic worship, radical welcome and hospitality, stewardship, faith formation, mission and leadership in the continuing life of the congregation. We invite you to join in the conversation by visiting and contributing to the new blog regularly. To post on the blog please send your comments to the Rev. Angela Ifill at aifill@episcopalchurch.org . Visit the blog today at http://www.newvisionsproject.blogspot.com/

WebEx Trainings

A series of WebEx meetings have been scheduled through December, 2011 for anyone who may be interested in the topic being offered. These meetings are especially helpful for participants in the New Visions Pilot Project for Congregational Renewal and Vitality, and will include the following topics: Biblical/Theological Understandings of Mission; Ministry Development and Fresh Expressions; Leadership for the 21st Century Church; Leadership & Conflict Management; and Leadership & Problem Solving. See “Upcoming Events” section of this newsletter for meeting dates.

“New Visions” Becomes Reality for St. Simon of Cyrene in Cincinnati

St. Simon of Cyrene in Cincinnati, OH, led by the Rev. Trevor Babb, is partnered with St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange, NJ, led by the Rev. Dr. Sandye Wilson, in the New Visions Pilot Project . Members of St. Simon of Cyrene share their experiences from the New Visions orientation meeting, as well as their active congregational implementation, in an article originally published in St. Simon of Cyrene‟s quarterly parish newsletter, The Grapevine, April 2011, pages 6-8. Click here to view the original article.

Resources

Episcopal Congregations Overview: Findings from the 2010 Faith Communities Today Survey

Looking for the latest statistics concerning Episcopal congregations? The Episcopal Congregations Overview is a comprehensive research study based on responses from 837 Episcopal parishes and missions that completed the 2010 Faith Communities Today Survey (76% response rate). The data were weighted by size and region to be representative of all Episcopal congregations. A more detailed report of findings will be published and posted on the Episcopal Church web site later in 2011. With just a click of the link below, access to statistics for parish demographics, worship, membership, financial, recruitment and evangelism, leadership, programs & ministries are right at your fingertips.

Episcopal Congregations Overview FACT 2010

For Access to More Research Reports, click here:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/research.htm

StartingPoint: A Step-by-Step Local Church User Guide

MissionInsite has created a new resource for the local church users called "StartingPoint." StartingPoint takes an MI user through several action steps designed to familiarize them with several features of the MI System, to assist them in creating their first demographic report and then to go deeper into "mission discovery" for their ministry area. Click here to download your copy of StartingPoint.

Scholarship Funds

Education scholarships are available from Trust Funds earnings that are held at the Episcopal Church Center. Twice each year seminarians, students and clergy are invited to submit applications by April 15 and October 15 for review by the Recruitment, Training & Development (RT&D) Committee. Each applicant is eligible to participate only four times in the scholarship process, and must be active Episcopalians. Click here for lists of scholarships and application information.

Upcoming Events

WebEx Trainings

A series of WebEx meetings have been scheduled through December, 2011, for anyone who may be interested in the topic being offered. These meetings are especially helpful for participants in the New Visions Pilot Project for Congregational Renewal and Vitality. Please call the office for more information at 212-716-6186 or email Angie Cabanban at acabanban@episcopalchurch.org .  The schedule follows:

Thursday, September 29, Leadership for the 21st Century Church
The Rev. Ed Rodman, Professor of Pastoral Theology & Urban Ministry, Episcopal Divinity School

Wednesday, October 19, Leadership & Conflict Management
Wednesday, October 26, Leadership & Problem Solving

The Rev. Chuck Robertson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop & Primate, The Episcopal Church

Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Training and Faith Formation

The first Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Training and Faith Formation will take place at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, which is the same site for the Everyone, Everywhere Mission Conference. For registration information for ABCD and Faith Formation contact The Rev. Angela Ifill at aifill@episcopalchurch.org.

ABCD Training

Tuesday, October 11 at 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 12 at 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 13 at 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

Faith Formation

Thursday, October 13 at 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Everyone, Everywhere Mission Conference
Thursday, October 13-Sunday, October 16—The Everyone, Everywhere Conference will be held at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado. The conference is for individuals, parishes, dioceses and mission groups committed to building and maintaining companion relationships with people around the world. Onsite Registration Begins at 4:30 p.m. For more information and registration please click the link above.

Youth & Young Adult Ministry

S.O.U.L. Conference 2011: Lessons in Leadership Help Youth Grow into the Full Stature of Christ

The Office of Black Ministries’ S.O.U.L. (Spiritual Opportunity to Unite and Learn) Conference, in collaboration with the Episcopal Asian Ministries and Native American Ministries, welcomed 40 high school-aged youth to St. Paul, MN in June. The conference focused on strengthening the leadership skills and faith formation of the youth with the goal of equipping them for leadership in the church. For Wanda Norris, from the Diocese of Chicago, this year’s S.O.U.L. Conference marked an important transition from her participation as a young adult, seven years ago, to serving in the leadership role of adult chaperone.

As a young adult participant in the S.O.U.L. Conference, Norris was inspired by the other participating youth from parishes around the country who shared her Episcopalian faith tradition. Norris recalls, “I was secure and at ease in a way that I hadn’t previously experienced in my own diocese. The topics we covered were relevant and encouraged us to use the lessons to mobilize other youth in our home parishes.” Norris did just that. Upon her return from the conference, she met with her priest, and proposed a program that she wanted to run on behalf of the S.O.U.L. Conference. She admits that she was not as diligent with the proposed youth program as she intended to be, but says, “God has a way of positioning us in ways that enable us to use our gifts to build the kingdom.” Norris actively began to reach out to youth in the larger community; created a dance ministry; and produced a large event—the St. Thomas Youth Ministry Community Fest. After that large event, she took over direction of the youth ministry, knowing that the young people needed a dedicated person to work with them.

Now, as a youth minister at her parish, Norris says that she is keenly aware of the importance of getting youth involved in annual conferences and other young adult ministry programs. “The inspiration that I felt from my first experience with S.O.U.L. seven years ago was long-lasting, and continues to impact my spiritual growth in the Episcopal Church as a Black Episcopalian. People of color need to see people, who look like them, in leadership positions in the ministries in which they serve,” says Norris.

Norris hopes that the youth took full advantage of the same spiritual guidance she received as a S.O.U.L. Conference participant. Further, she aspires to provide her expertise in physical fitness for future conferences, incorporating the concept of spiritual fitness. She offers the example of a Zumba workout to the gospel tunes of Mary Mary.

“The leadership skills I gained from S.O.U.L. were invaluable,” says Norris. The youth participation at her parish has grown since she took over with children and youth ages 3-19, actively participating in Black History showcases, dance ministry, poetry and the junior choir. Norris continues, “I pray that the youth who are coming of age will be able to participate in the S.O.U.L. Conference so that they may benefit from the leadership training that includes team building, conflict resolution, problem solving and faith formation so that they may serve as ministers in their parishes and in the wider church. At this conference, I met complete strangers, from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds who felt like family very quickly, and are now my personal friends. These are relationships that I credit to the integrity of the S.O.U.L. Conference’s mission and the leadership and direction of the Rev. Angela Ifill.”

Wanda Norris serves as the youth minister at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Chicago, Illinois.

The “Price” of Stewardship
By Adrienne R. Hymes

At a very young age, I began to associate the word “stewardship” with money and pledging. As I matured in the church, I realized that my very limited understanding of stewardship kept me from experiencing the fullness of my spiritual journey. Stewardship extends far beyond money; it is indeed our responsibility to care for everything that God has given us, including our own gifts and talents—our treasures.

While some of us may have more formal roles in youth ministry than others, we are all youth ministers by default. As such, we are called to be faithful stewards of our children’s lives in Christ, which includes shaping their views about their God-given treasures that can be used to build the kingdom of God. As responsible stewards of our youth’s gifts and talents, we must be careful not to dictate the ways in which they can serve. Rather, we should engage them as they serve in traditional roles in the church, and offer guidance and support as they blaze new trails for service in the church and in the world. It is important that our youth understand that the church does not define their gifts and talents. The church helps children to grow into them, and to use them in service to God. When we invite, inspire and assist in the transformation of our youth, we enliven our own spiritual journeys.

For the youth who may be reading this message, understand that you are not the future of the Episcopal Church; you ARE the church. Offer your time, talent and treasure to serve the Lord. The Episcopal Church is your church. The Diocese of Los Angeles is your diocese. We invite you to step into your rightful places as leaders in your church.

The next time you find yourself thinking about money when you hear the word “stewardship,” think of yourself. Then take a look around at your brothers and sisters in Christ to admire the treasures of your faith community. We are God’s treasures. He loves us, polishes us, protects us, and asks that we give Him the glory by sharing our gifts and our talents with each other. We belong to God, and are merely the stewards of His treasures (each other) as we journey together in this life.

Contact Us

Contact the Black Ministries Office
For more information about the work, resources, and events of the Black Ministries Office please contact the Reverend Angela Ifill at: aifill@episcopalchurch.org or (212) 922-5343/(800) 334-7626 ext. 5343. You may also visit the Black Ministries website at:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/black.

“Bridges” Welcomes Adrienne Hymes as Editor
Adrienne Hymes is on the staff of her home parish of St. James‟ in the City, in the Diocese of Los Angeles, as the Coordinator for Children‟s and Youth Formation. She has worked with the Office of Black Ministries to contribute to the development of lifelong Christian faith formation resources, and supports the office‟s national youth events. Adrienne is called to a global ministry of congregational vitality and renewal, and continues to leverage her expertise in broadcast journalism, public relations and marketing, supported by her ongoing theological studies, to build the kingdom of God.

To submit story ideas, reflections or articles to “Bridges” please contact:
Editor-in-Chief
, The Rev. Angela S. Ifill at aifill@episcopalchurch.org
Editor, Adrienne Hymes, at adriennehymes@gmail.com




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