(A letter from one of our Twenty20 Leadership Trainees – unedited)
Hello,
I am sad, because I have been receiving updates from Grassroots Training on registration numbers regarding the Twenty20 (T20) workshops and there are NO registrations from NZ! at this stage at least (me thinking positively here).
I am sad because I am working very hard and making sacrifices - and all the other T20 people too - to be part of the T20 program because I want to give this back to the congregations and God. I knew this will be hard but we cannot do this alone. NO registrations???
Change is not what other people do - change is what YOU do! We met at the summit in Auckland last year and talked about not wanting our church to be dead in 20 years or so. We need to change NOW and that starts with people in the congregations. With you.
The workshops will be a wonderful platform to share knowledge. We, the presenters will not lecture about finances - for example - because we are no accountants. If you have knowledge or experience the presenters don't have, share it with the people in the workshop - everybody benefits.
We try to help you supporting your congregation.
If you are on Church Council or Council of Synod and feel that this foreign language those accounts are talking - no offence here :o) - is something you should understand a bit better so you can make informed decision on your committee then you should register FAST for that finance workshop. Same applies for the other workshops in administration and governance (see infos attached).
I have the dream that from each congregation/ parish will be 3 people attending the 3 workshops so your congregation/ parish gets the most out of the Twenty20 workshops.
The workshops can be regarded as professional development and help you not to burn out (for example) or do this as part of training you do for the church (or work?) or ... More information on certificates and diplomas on the Grassroots Homepage http://www.grassroots.edu.au/ .
Maybe someone comes to mind when you read this? We all have busy lives but you can also schedule in something like this because it’s a matter of the heart - a matter of God's kingdom. God will give you the time and the money to do this. Pray about it and let God guide you on who to approach and how. Maybe you feel that burning in the heart yourself?
Our church has invested money in us T20 people - for nothing, if no one turns up!
We need to make this work. We have only this one shot. T20 is costing a lot of money and time and effort. This is not happening again soon!
For those arguing the costs - don't because:
Education is not free. The T20 workshops are subsidised by the church which brings is down to the $110. Which is comparable to Continuing Education Courses formerly funded by the Government for example and are now offered to those prices or more. Other Courses (comparable) provided by public institutions or private organisations are MUCH more expansive!
I am sad that the courses are just looked through the $$$ and not viewed beyond the value and unplayable return people would get. Some things can't be measured in $.
But if you like: How much time could an administrator save (and therefore working time and that means $) by knowing how a system works and effectively communication with the right people? OR an committee makes better informed financial decisions which can be measured in $$$ because they understand their financial situation better?
If you would LOVE to come but need financial supports talk to your pastor or Rob Erickson or me who might be able to hock you up with a sponsor or someone who can take you along (car pooling). If you read this and would like to support people to attend and give your congregation a boost get in touch with your pastor or Rob Erickson or me.
First Workshop 23 July - no registrations
Second Workshop 2 and 3 September - no registrations
Third Workshop 28 and 29 October - no registrations
I look forward to see YOU at the workshop so you get equipped to change our church for the future. To change for God!
Feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested.
More info on the T20 things check out my blog www.twenty20experience.blogspot.com
In His service,
Katharina C. Borszik
