HIM INTEREST GROUP NETWORKING
HIM, as an international church planting movement, is blessed by God with people who come from diverse backgrounds and a plethora of giftings. It is our desire to see a synergy between different churches and ministries within the movement. As such, over the past few Global Conferences, HIM has encouraged networking among people in certain ministries via interest groups sessions. These are sessions whereby people with a common interest come together to share ideas, encourage each other and find opportunities for synergy. For myself, I have personally experienced the benefit of this networking effort. It was through the Worship interest group that I connected with Bro Torch Leung of Hope Brisbane in the January 2012 GC. He eventually came over to Hope Kuching in July 2012 to teach, train and encourage the Worship Ministry and Youth Ministry. This partnership between Hope Brisbane and Hope Kuching is still ongoing.
So, how do we ensure the continuity of these interest groups so that our churches and ministries may benefit from it? Consistent communication and the principle of giving is of utmost importance. Let me share with you some tips that may help:-
Tip 1 : PARTICIPATE in an Interest Group during GC
We need to get started somewhere! Set yourself a target of new relationships to spark during GC! Join an interest group!
Tip 2 : JOIN the Facebook Group or Page for the networking group
This is a virtual forum to facilitate further communications after GC, such as sharing of resources, updates and information. This is a way to keep communications going after GC.
Tip 3 : SHARE Outstanding Content and Give Great Advice Whenever You Can
Share good insights, willingly give your knowledge and advice and share articles that are relevant in the virtual forum. It will captivate your audience and people will be eager to see what they’re going to learn from you next.
Tip 4 : RAISE Awareness of Other People’s Work and Needs
One effective networking approach is to raise awareness of other people’s work or to share their social media posts. Share prayer points, their challenges, encourage people to share, etc. This may open up opportunities for us to work together and lay down some concrete partnership plans.
Tip 5 : SCHEDULE Time to Devote to Networking
These activities require a consistent commitment of time. You need to be present in your channels to jump in and support people when it is needed. Your activity needs to maintain a consistent level so that people continue to be engaged.
Anyway, with all that said, what are the interest groups that has been initiated by HIM and how do you get involved? We have a variety of interest groups from Worship to Church-Planting. This month, we feature four ministries namely Worship, Future and Current Church Planters, Community Impact and Seniors. Next month, we will feature other ministries.
When you join us for the Harvest GC in Singapore in July 2013, be sure to join interest group meetings! Not all groups will be meeting though. The groups that will be meeting during the Harvest GC is Worship Ministry, Community Impact, Current and Future Church Planters and Intercessory Ministry.
What is it about?
Worship Interest Group is a great avenue for worship ministers across our family of churches to network, learn and grow together as a global worship and artistic community.
What has been established?
For the past Global Conferences, we have gathered together to encourage one another and discuss the way forward to strengthen worship ministry at our local churches and across the movement. Our focus has been about building a strong, vibrant and strategic worship team and the life of worship leaders and ministers.
Who do we contact?
Please contact Torch Leung at admin.wam@gmail.com
How do we network?
Join our Facebook group and/or visit our WAM (Worship, Arts and Media) website. FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WAM-Global/211409408958758 Website: www.wamglobal.org
Current and Future Church Planters
What is it about? Current and Future Church Planters is an interest group that seeks to explore the many facets of a very core thrust of our movement - church planting in both cross-cultural or same-cultural contexts. The interest group seeks to bring current and future church planters together to encourage mutual learning and discovering through an exchange of experiences and ideas. The group is facilitated by Julian and Karen, both recent church planters (in South America) and staff of HIM's Ministries Department.
What has been established?
In the past three sessions, we have discussed how planting a church can be seen in stages/phases, examined the issues faced by single or married church planters, and honestly explored the issues that arise within church planting teams. We have also launched two e-booklets to aid future church planters in their planning and preparation for church planting, plus other aids according to the topics discussed.
Who do we contact?
Please write to Karen at ministries@byhim.org for more information on the interest group or for any of our launched materials.
How do we network?
Join the "Hope CP Connect" FB Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/hopecpconnect/?fref=ts and check out our blog, "The Call" (http://www.matthew-2820.org/)
Community Impact
What is it about?
The purpose of the HIM Community Impact Interest Group is to gather all those in the HIM family of churches who are interested in championing the community impact ministries in their local church. By connecting with others in the HIM family with a similar heart for the disadvantaged and passion to see the local church being mobilised to serve the community, you can share ideas and be inspired by what others are doing around the globe! The Community Impact Interest Group is a part of the Global NGO Partnerships Initiative (part of Catalyse) where we are working towards forming a partnership with an international NGO to further the cause of local churches world wide.
What has been established?
A Facebook networking page has been established. The HIM Community Impact Network is a network of people who are passionate about making a difference in their local and global community through the local church.
Who do we contact?
Please contact Lisa Leung at lisamleun9@gmail.com for more information.
How do we network?
What is it about?
This is an interest group that exists to link up people who are reaching out or ministering to Seniors. It is a place for people to network, exchange ideas, share their testimonies or experiences in reaching out to the Seniors. The Seniors in our societies are often a forgotten bunch of people; they have time in their hands but are often at a loss on how to make the best use of their time.
Our objectives are:
- To help our Seniors re-discover their true worth and significance in Christ
- To facilitate our Seniors to serve God using their gifting and life experiences
- To encourage our Seniors to reach out to their peers and eventually disciple them
What has been established?
An FB group has been created for networking outside of GC.
Who do we contact?
Please contact Bro Daniel Tan at danielghtan@hopesingapore.org.sg
How do we network?
Join the “Hope Boomers” FB Group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/215226188602749/?fref=ts
Compiled by Nicola Song, HIM Corporate Communications
