Africa Action Plan

1992

The topic outline is from Our Globe and How to Reach It, by David Barrett and Todd M. Johnson (New Hope, 1990). Richard Chowning filled in the Africa specific Content some of which is unique to the Churches of Christ.

I. Responsibility

Proclaim to the churches of Christ the responsibility God has given us to take the saving message to the peoples of Africa in terms that they can understand.

II. Present Status

A. Work on a definition or purpose statement of what we are wanting to achieve with the Lord in Africa.

B. Collect and present all data concerning the physical situation in Africa.

C. Collect and present all the data representing the spiritual situation in Africa.

1.Broad spectrum

2.State of Christianity

3.State of the churches of Christ.

III. Socio-Political Concern

monitor news from Africa via on-line and printed news services.

IV. Multichanneling

1.Make contact with primary agencies and denominations working in Africa.

2.Attempt to understand where they are headed.

V. Goals

1.Draw up scenarios for the first year.

2.Draw up scenarios for the decade and beyond.

3.Rate, adapt, refine and present the final scenarios.

4.Remind ourselves the worst scenario is failure.

5.Encourage communication concerning modifications.

6.Implement scenarios by drawing up goals and action plans.

7.Regular evaluation should be put in place to monitor progress.

VI. Resources

the Lord is our source and we are his resources

A. Enumerate the resources which are already available.

1.Missionaries

a. present

b. past

c. missions students

d. training

e. supporting congregations

f. interested individuals

g. computerized data bases

h. para-missions organizations

2.WBS

African Christian Hospitals

Manna International

Target Nairobi

Tanzania Mission

African national evangelists

B. Enumerate resources which might become available.

C. What are we still needing?

D. Do the scenarios call for any redistributions or redeployment

VII. Innovations

1.Make information available to resident missionaries which will prompt them to be innovative in their approach to the leadership and lost in their area.

2.Share research findings with resident missionaries who can in turn disseminate it to the nationals. The information in their minds and spirits might generate some innovative approaches. Dialogue should be encouraged upon any desire to put together a plan.

3.Travel will bring about innovations.

consultations

research

VIII. Networking

1.Prioritize the goals and tasks.

2.Who can do each best?

3.What shape will the network take?

4.How will it be administered?

5.How will information get out?

6.Where do existing networks fit?