National Coordination
Micah Global held our first National Coordinators workshop in the UK from the 8 to 12 August 2016. Of the 43 national Micah expressions, 14 Coordinators made it to the workshop. We were thrilled to have each one of course, but saddened that the others could not make it. Reasons varied:
• 9 visa denials by the British immigration
• 3 late visa applications which took more than 15 working days to get a reply from the British visa departments
• 3 coordinators facing health issues
• 5 coordinators with clashing commitments
• 4 coordinators where insufficient funding meant they could not attend
• 5 coordinators who did not engage at all
The visa denials have prompted us to decide to not hold any future international events in Europe and especially not in the UK after having been treated so appalling by visa application services.
A very big thank you to all our members who seeing the importance of this workshop got behind their national coordinators financially to enable their participation.
Outcomes
We had the following hoped for outcomes: Each national coordinator:
• to affirm the new Micah Global identity (vision and mission) and be equipped in applying a shared approach
• to be trained and equipped in the definition and practice of integral mission
• to be able to clearly state the relationship between Micah Global, Micah National Expression and the local church
• to develop and share their national context, to develop national strategies and plans for outworking the Micah vision in their country
• together to have agreed an advocacy theme and focus for Micah Global
• to build a supportive national, regional and global structure that enables a healthy and effective Micah movement.
At the end of the week we reviewed these and we pleased to report that all were met.
Advocacy Plan for Micah Global
Over the next 2 years Micah Global will develop an Integral Mission approach to the Sustainable Development Goals, creating resources for global, regional and national initiatives. We have names this God’s SDGs at present – but will work on the themes’ and titles in the coming weeks.
Micah Global’s campaign approach for 2016-2017 will be in cooperation with the Restorative Economy campaign being developed by Tearfund UK – more about this to follow.
Each National Micah Expression will develop their linked national strategies which will include:
Being a catalyst for integral mission, including enabling local churches to theologically and practically embrace integral mission. Development of a resource approach called TRAIN (Training Assistance in Integral Mission) will be made available to enhance this.
Integral Mission and Shalom: the 3 year thematic approach post the 2015 Global Consultation – which includes exploring and advocating for healing of divisions, reconciliation and being people of peace.
Hosting an annual Integral Mission Conversation
Finally, Micah Global will create and facilitate opportunities for member initiatives to be shared at national, regional and global levels, advocating for national coordinators to link up to initiatives that strengthen their own national strategies. For example the First Man Standing Campaign by Restored and the Urban Shalom Initiative by ISUM.
Practical next steps:
Micah Global will seek to appoint an advocacy coordinator to help with developing the capacities and outworking of national campaigns and initiatives.
As you can see, this was an exciting strategic leap forward.
Thanks to everyone for all you hard work and input. We look forward to the months ahead.
Sheryl Haw
International Director
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