Anglicare and Evangelism Ministries have joined forces to produce the ultimate step-by-step guide for Christian missions.
The Mission Action Planning Kit " or The MAP - has been written both for people who are exploring the mission planning process for the first time and for those who are familiar with it.
The MAP provides a complete planning framework that guides its users through the theological rationale for mission, before embarking on exercises that expose the mission potential of the congregation and its community.
This latest tool is already garnering high praise from the parishes.
John Barnes, general manager at St. Thomas' Anglican Church North Sydney, says the MAP is big practicality.
"This is a tool for people who want their congregations to “walk the walk”, Mr. Barnes says.
"It helps you analyse your community; develop clear mission & vision statements; choose clear Core Biblical values, while setting down an achieveable action plan."
Authors Stuart Robinson (Evangelism Ministries), Cheryl Smith and Michael Wilson (Strategic Ministries, Anglicare) say the MAP works best over a six month planning period.
It is designed to engage a large number of people within the planning process, maximising the amount of "buy-in' on the resulting mission strategy.
“I hope that this simple tool will further equip churches and organisations to understand and then with intent penetrate the culture for Christ”, says co-author Stuart Robinson.
John Barnes says the journey can be hard going but the destination is worth reaching.
“If you’re interested in a quick fix in developing a mission plan then don’t waste your money buying MAP - it’s only for those who are serious about taking the gospel to our communities.”
The MAP kit was launched by Archbishop Peter Jensen on the first day of the Sydney Synod, and can be purchased through Evangelism Ministies or Anglicare.
To obtain this resource:
Strategic Ministries, ANGLICARE, PO Box 427, Parramatta 2124. Ph: (02) 9895 8114; Fax: (02) 9687 8601; mwilson@anglicare.org.au
Evangelism Ministries, PO Box A295, Sydney South 1235; Ph: (02) 9265 1582; Fax: (02) 9267 8601; office@em.anglican.asn.au
