Proposal Preliminaries

Here's a recap of our meeting on Nov 29th, 2007. Goal was to brainstorm content of the proposal and capture the main purpose of this proposal. Please chew on it.

**Our next time together will be spent:

- discussing which items make it into the proposal
- clarifying what they encompass / mean
- dividing up the work

Notes:

Response to Rich's thoughts on being missional...just the multi-ethnic piece.

Benefits of Multi Ethnic:
1. Gain understanding of God's working/presence in other cultures
- one-dimensional culture / congregation more easily produces a one-dimensional view / experience of God
- forces us to see outside of our cultural bubble which has blind spots
2. Helps the people of God to break through cultural norms / ways of life that are "systemic evils"
- such as....affluence, comfort, & indifference to suffering
- and...irresponsibility, unbelief, loss of hope on behalf of those in a plight
3. Prepares us for eternity where diversity will be celebrated as a kalidescope reflection of the beauty and diversity of the Godhead.

To achieve in the congregation requires:
- leadership must be multi-ethnic
- diverse population must be "near-by"...situate ourselves close to urban area.

Why are we suited for reaching multi-ethnic (urban) groups?

- Jon's response: "I don't want to be in a all white church." Strong personal desire.
- Shane & Kyle's : No strong alternative preference.

- Kyle's response: Not a strong desire (yet) as with Jon or Rich, but I do see a history and pattern of God building multi-ethnic relationships in my life...it comes easy, they just happen, I don't seek them out yet I always become friends with ethnically diverse people.

- Shane's response: Not a strong desire (yet) as with Jon or Rich, but I've notice that age and socio-economic factors do not pose as barriers in relating to people...some people get hung up on that, but it's easy for me to relate to all types of people.



Proposal

Purpose of "why anyone in our shoes should do a proposal at all?":

1^st: To articulate the vision God has given us for planting a church and confirm our partnership is solid, and mutually in the same direction.

2^nd: To present to a 3^rd party body for support, counsel, & blessing.

Purpose of the content of OUR proposal:

1^st: To provide sufficient, adequate foundational detail to achieve buy-in / partnership / blessing / confirmation of a 3^rd party body, where Heritage is our 1^st choice for partnership, yet also being prepared to seek out others (e.g. Acts 29, or others) inclusively or exclusively of Heritage depending on their response.

The purpose of this proposal is not to hammer out details regarding every possible, good, hopeful facet of the ministry in years to come.

Proposal Content:

Brainstorm Topics:

- Our purpose, mission, vision, etc
- Core values
- Creeds, Doctrines, Beliefs
- Interesting Facts / Demographics
- Immutable facts
- What, when, why, how, where
- Our vision regarding:
o Preaching
o Fellowship
o Worship
o Expanding the Kingdom
o Getting Involved
o Small Groups
o Role of the Pastorate
- Structure
- Offices & Qualifications of Leadership
- 1,2,5 yr plans
- Measurement of Success
- Leadership development
- Team based approach
- Personal Biographies -> My name is Jon, I have red hair, etc.
- Ministry focus areas
- Ministry style / Philosophy / Approach
- Startup Focus:
o Serve Community
o Build Weekend Worship Event
- Move Families near location?
- Use of media / tech in communication / outreach