Ever said that?  I certainly have.  That statement is typically both true… and shortsighted.  Here’s the rest of the story.

“If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”

That’s been the focus of my first full-time month as Director of the Church Domain.  I’m interested in building coalitions that last, collaborations that go beyond the surface, cooperation that makes a difference in our city.  Another way to put it is that the Father wants us to be part of the answer to His Son’s high impact, high priestly prayer – that His followers would be united and unified in ways that are visible to the watching world.

It isn’t every day that I feel like I get a clear, undeniable word from the Lord.  If that happens daily for you, outstanding.  Let’s do coffee soon.  But here are a couple unmistakable words from the Lord in this first month.  “Dave, you don’t have to have the whole picture and try to set things up that will still work 5 years from now.  Just take the next step.  I’ve got the whole-picture-thing covered.”  And here’s another: “Dave, don’t reach decisions prematurely.  I want lots of people having ownership in this, not a few who invite them to join us.”

For the “just the facts” people in the crowd:

• How about a group of five churches, ranging in size from under 100 to several thousand, whose pastors meet together regularly, who covenant to not allow transfers from each others churches without conversation and dialogue, and who send a common note to newcomers in the neighborhood welcoming them to any of their five churches?
• Direct communication from interested staff members of about 30 churches and about 10 parachurch organizations.
• Collaboration resulting in: two separate but similar meetings for pastors that will merge into one in 2012; a new ministry to homeless and a new ministry for men being put in contact with other already existing ministries with similar goals; a variety of coordinated prayer efforts, so that the same events reach more people; churches offering to help each and not caring who gets the credit
• Contact with over 150 individuals interested in seeing the body of Christ in Tucson becoming more unified and united
• People in coffee shops and school groups overhearing what we’re doing, becoming incredibly excited, and asking to get more involved

It’s a privilege of the very highest order to serve in this capacity.  I’m still focusing entirely on those who are expressing interest in getting in the game, rather than trying to convince anyone on the sideline.  So if you want in on all of this, contact one of us working 4Tucson.

Dave Drum

4Tucson Church Development Coordinator