Who's Committed To What?

Factor #4. Commitment in Community
Community Reality = _____
Congregational Reality = _____
Congregational Mission = _____

"Whoever comes to me and does not place me above father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (NRSV Luke 14:26-27)

Statement of Reality

People are an active part of the experience of creating something together. There are existing common commitments to the vision. Strong processes live which enable folks to develop commitments to each other and to the value structure. The church has an active leadership role in developing these commitments.

When the Hebrews under Joshua were ready to come out of the Wilderness, they knew their task would be difficult. Some who thought they could simply cross the Jordan River and set up the new nation were disappointed. Most knew the task would be horrendous, and very costly.
The Hebrews were committed, however. They embarked on the struggle and were eventually successful building the nation. The task took many years, with confusing ups and down, but they kept up their commitment. Their commitment was not just a self-serving platitude, but a statement of faith as well.

This commitment to the Lord was the major human effort toward success. The commitment of the community has been and still is a major task while doing economic development. From Genesis to Revelations, every writer has emphasized commitment as part of the faith relationship.

Questions for evaluation:

/ Do we know ourselves as committed to our community and our common vision?

/ Is everyone included in the processes that strengthen our commitment?
/ How do we justify asking ourselves and our neighbors for commitment?

Examples of Programs that may enhance Community Commitment:

(* For commitment to build, we must develop certain patterns. Ownership by the masses in the community is essential. A vision that exists only in the minds and hearts of a few is a vision that will likely fail. The church can spread the word and build the commitment, even in communities with no other media. Telephone campaigns, meetings and just talking about the matter here are necessary parts of the process. All these can and should be intentional.

(* In Shedd, Oregon in 1967 the community needed a celebration of community. We decided to conduct a lawnmower derby, including a community picnic. We only put up a half-dozen posters around town and put a notice in the church newsletter. One hundred fifty people showed up. Our population in 1965 was less than 100 people in town. About 250 people showed up. The effect included the renewal of some long time friendships. In addition, a few family farming units restructured their own covenants for labor, capital and marketing.

(* The church has been involved with asking for commitment for 2,000 years. We can use this experience and our knowledge to good advantage. If we can get past the sense of being committed narrowly to our own self-righteousness, we will be all right. We commit to Christ and to those whom Christ loves; all of humankind. Then our potential community of faith becomes a reality.

(* Financial commitment campaigns for the church, or for missions, for local needs such as a fire department or ambulance service are common rural areas. All these bring an awareness and a habit of commitment to the fabric of the community.

Specific commitment is always a legitimate part of the life of the church. Money, time, where to purchase goods and community service are all legitimate foods for commitment.

What are your own brainstorm and creative thoughts on helping the community commit itself to the future?
1. What evidence have you found to support the rating you have given your own community?

2. What evidence have you found to support the rating you have given your community?

3. What programs might work in your church and community to enhance commitment?

4. What will be your work in this process?

5. How will you reveal these thoughts to your church and community?


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