advice on ABCD in a faith context
ABCD and Faith Communities
Hi,
I've recently been employed by a faith community to implement an ABCD approach to mobilise the faith community's assets positively in the local community.
The faith community (Manningham Uniting Church) is newly formed of 4 local Uniting Churches joining together to better utilise their resources in the local community. The purpose is not to grow membership but to build local connections and relationships in a very authentic, genuine and real way. To utilise what we have in partnership with the local community (outside church membership) so that together we can actively participate in a healthy community. Currently Manningham Uniting Church is made up of 9 worshiping communities, many small groups and programs. In total the membership is about 450 people.
My employment was proposed in a 3 phase approach:
Phase One focussing on mapping the assets of Manningham UnitingChurch
Phase Two focussing on mapping the assets of the local municipality (community outside the church membership) and
Phase Three focussing on bringing assets together with synergies and mobilising action using these assets.
In planning the first phase I endeavour to conduct a survey both online and hard copy including personal interviews using the survey, some one to one meetings with key influential people and identified others amongst the church membership and run 11 workshops (1 for each worshipping community and 2 combined). I am wondering if anyone has any ideas or advice about how to conduct the mapping in a way that aids the collation of the information gathered?
My plan is to be able to physically represent the assets on a geographical map, I've read about this being done before e.g. all the people, associations, services etc. who have identified a passion for children are marked on the map with a pink sticker (perhaps a different shaped pink sticker to identify services from people), phase 3 would then be drawing the people and services marked with pink stickers in close proximity to one another together. A good idea except it's tricky to gather the information in a way that doesn't preempt people's passions and allows for free articulation of gifts and passions.
I'm in the very fortunate position where I have the freedom to design the implementation of the approach, so am keen to hear from any one who may have experience in using ABCD in a faith connect or whom may have ideas about the best way I may go about it? or know good resources I could tap into? I am also aware that much of the approach will come from building relationships with both church members and members of the local community and not through the formalised mapping exercise.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Emma
updated by @emma-hanna: 10/24/16 04:45:18PM