Here's is Joe's idea...I thought we could toss it around a bit.
Thanks Joe for your energy! I like it!
joe said...
I would like to suggest a Ministry Name: The Starfish Initiative. We could use the Starfish Story to illustrate how significant each part of the body is when each part does its work. (Eph 4:16) Each part is significant, valuable and makes a difference to the overall vision and ministry of New Hope. The parts could include those in the congregation contributing, those workers who are contributing and the staff who contribute. I think we would be able to use this concept to reach all categories of people in the congregation who contribute and make a difference. No matter how big or small the contribution is, their contribution matters. The logo is simple: a starfish. We would be able to recognize people for making a difference easily using this concept no matter what their contribution is.
Included is the Starfish story: Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"
The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."
"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"
What do you think?
June 5, 2007 12:08 AM
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3 comments:
I'm glad somebody is thinking of names...i guess it doesn't matter to me, what we call ourselves. Phil had a lot of good suggestions, and I liked some of them...
but as far as goals, back to the small group curriculum that focuses on spiritual gifts; we should definitely make one of our goals to offer that curriculum in the fall to any small group that wants to adopt it.....
Just an idea since Phil mentioned the materials.
Lorna
After reading Joe's wonderful suggestion of a name for this ministry, my mind is completely blank!! But will pray about it, and let you know if I have any brainstorms.
Also thinking and praying about our goals.
Obviously, I have nothing important to say right now, but wanted you to know I have read the blogs and will participate when I actually do have something valid to share.
Thanks! Carolyn :)
Good insight Joe! Thanks for the effort and thought put into the name. The "Starfish Initiative" name will require effort to establish the brand so to speak. I say this because the name is not intuitive...meaning a new person to New Hope would not readily associate the name to "significance of ministry" and to serving through the church. However, once a person connected the name and its purpose it can be powerful. The story really hits home...we can all make a difference one "Starfish" at a time.
Names like "Serve Central" or "Serve Metro" have a easily identifiable purpose...service. However, they lack passion (in my humble opinion.) I did like R.E.A.C.H. Ministries as a name because it draws out the fact that we should all be "reaching out" to others...to share the gospel, to support, encourage, and meet needs. Not sure what the acrostic is for R.E.A.C.H. but we could come up with one if Phil doesn't have it defined.
So much for my thoughts,
Todd
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