By Brian Gingles

The future of BFOC utterly depends upon God: his grace, calling, guiding, equipping and resourcing. As the instruments of God’s will we all have responsibilities to be good stewards of the divine vision and call that he has entrusted to us – this is especially true of all those with authority in BFOC.

Last Saturday I outlined our need to combine the best principles of Pioneering and Maintenance Leadership, as expressed by Paul in Romans 15:15-22 and 2 Corinthians 10:1-2, 13-18. It is crucial that we retain the flexibility, faith and boldness of the Pioneer but combine these with the good stewardship of the Maintainer.

At the end of the talk I mentioned some points that are key to the future well-being of Barnabas. I want to elaborate a little on these as we think ahead strategically.

Retain Core Values

We must remain true to the vision God has given us. The values associated with this vision include:
• valuing the gifts deposited in individuals by Christ
• leadership by teams rather than individuals
• covenant relationships
• love for Christ and one another
• embracing every divine opportunity
• supporting one another etc

Combine Pioneering and Maintenance Strengths

Leadership by teams other than the Apostolic Team will increase so that we remain a structured organism, not a mere organisation: this will involve the growth of the relevance and authority of Regional, National and International Teams. Each team will require a clear remit and improved communications. Youth and Children’s works, and International developments, need to be communicated, supported and celebrated. Church-planting needs to be planned and supported. The general effectiveness and range of communication needs to be improved. Resources need to follow divine priorities revealed through prayer – not just be given to whoever shouts loudest!

Sustained Growth

Suffice to say we have been good at pioneering but weak at maintenance. We need to keep the “edge” of the former whilst embracing the discipline of the latter. In faith, we need to plan effectively for growth (e.g. future leaders need to be trained now, in anticipation of future need and opportunities).

Training

The need for training, in all the nations, will grow. Training needs to take place before opportunities are provided.

High Standards

Amateurishness is not a virtue: it is a form of ignorance or laziness.

Relationships

Barnabas values include the core precept that projects are no substitute for fellowship. This will require great care and diligence.

God Is All In All

I am not interested in a movement that exalts a man (or men) as too many have in the past. Whilst embracing God’s new lessons let us cling to that which he has already taught us.