Kamai Presbytery Revitalisation Project.
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Posted: May 30, 2024
Below is the article by Wilson Orange, published in the Kaimai Press for April 2024, for anyone interested in knowing more about the “City to city” revatalisation project.
A Report: Kamai Presbytery Revitalisation Project. “City to city”.- Rev Wilson Orange
I, along with some Council members and others interested, met with Rev Jamie Bester, (Tasmania) A Director of “City to City Asia/Australasia. (There are many consultants offering their expertise, “to start or fix something”). City to City Australia has worked with 260 churches.
At St Andrew’s, Mt Maunganui on the 21st of March 2024, he outlined the “nuts and bolts” of how this movement can better resource and support parishes to revitalise.
Firstly, the logo - City to City. Founder Tim Keller of NY, USA, coined the title as a metaphor. To him “City” meant darkness, speaking of pollution, noise, muggings, hustle and bustle, etc, whereas “city,” meant light, gospel, growth, fellowship, connecting, etc. So, City to City - means Darkness into light. It wasn’t meant to convey an emphasis on large urban churches versus rural, smaller churches. The majority of the movement’s expertise and energy have worked with smaller rural churches to revitalise.
Secondly the cost. $15,000 per church, Presbytery subsidises $12,000 and individual churches input only $3,000 Total
Thirdly, references. References were obtained by the Presbytery from their successes in the Nelson Diocese, where they have recently been (see Internet). Sydney churches, and Northern Presbytery churches (where they are presently working with some Auckland parishes. Eleven churches there have asked for their help.).
Mode of Operation in Kaimai Presbytery. Stage 1. 6 Churches initially, Stage 2. Another 6 Churches. Stage 3. Another 6 churches. (Presbytery has recently sold two church properties and are able to finance this.
“City to city” operates predominantly face to face, as well as communicating by Zoom. Note: All content is evidence-based. Never a copy or “cut and paste” of what has worked in other similar situations.
Plan and Purpose and Time span - covering four main areas to help the church revitalise.
Area 1. Research. To gain the “lay of the land”. An examination of any surveys, church reviews, numbers attending, profiles, etc., consultant attending worship service, home group/s, any outreaches, and other church activities. As well as looking at town and surrounding demographics etc. A detailed report of key findings is submitted. This takes about 3 months.
Area 2. Analysis. Includes a four hour workshop, with about 10 to 15 people, based upon S.W.O.T. (An analysis of the church’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.) Again, a report of key findings, and what they recommend. Time span is about one month.
Area 3. Implementation. Upon asking the question; what the church would like to look at 5 years from this point? And what the church would like to be one year from this point? Then to establish four 90 day goals. Coached for that, with a consultant or specialist “walking” with the parish to establish those, whatever, goals. It includes training for the leaders. Time span: 12 months.
Area 4. Post Implementation, offering help and encouragement. Time span approx. 2 years.
Overall aim and goals. Fundamentally to establish hope.
The church to have - less passengers and more crew. They see financial growth closely connected to spiritual growth. Intentional ministry systems in place. Increased evangelistic focus. Clarity of vision. Discipling of new replacement leaders, to lead home/cell groups etc.
Concluding remarks. To date no church has pulled out once revitalization has begun. Presbytery invites parishes to consider help from “City to city” as Presbytery has not the time or expertise to offer anything like it.
You also can Google “City to city” for more information.