Partnering with Mission Columbus
Tyler Flynn
September 30 marked the completion of seven years of my ministry with Mission Columbus.
The Mission Columbus Advisory Team and I praise God for the steady progression towards the vision of mobilizing the Body of Christ to bring spiritual and social transformation to our city.
Here's a summary of last year's progress and the prospects for 2008…
The Community Diagnostic Survey was developed, and last spring it was administered in urban Franklinton. The Franklinton Partnership Steering Team will reconvene early in 2008 to identify critical needs identified by the survey and begin the process of collaboration to tackle those needs. Also, a suburban pastor group has expressed interest in administering the survey in their community.
The Avondale Elementary School Tutoring Program grew to over 90 volunteers in 2006-2007. Avondale was one of ten schools in central Ohio whose state school report card improved the most-an 18% gain in their performance index score! More than 40 tutors are involved this fall, even with the limitations caused by the student body's relocation to an interim facility in another area of the city. The Avondale Tutoring Program will be expanded to the Franklinton Literacy Initiative in 2008, which will involve the establishing of a tutoring program at a second elementary school and the preparation for a collaborative pre-kindergarten literacy program.
The Emergency Spiritual Care Team (ESCT) has nearly 40 volunteers who are trained to provide pastoral care for local disaster victims. The ESCT offered the nationally recognized Pastoral Crisis Intervention course in October. In 2008 we will explore avenues for our team to serve local police and fire department chaplain groups.
Beginning in 2008 the Church Discipleship Ministry of The Navigators will include the Making Friends for Heaven's Sake study guide in their "tool kit" for church leaders. In 2008 Bill Mowry and I hope to secure a professional publisher for the Making Friends materials.
Groups of pastors in greater Columbus continue to meet monthly for interpersonal prayer and support. Pastors in several groups have caught the vision of working together to reach their communities.
A vital but low profile aspect of my ministry is meeting with pastors and ministry leaders for mentoring, accountability and ministry consulting. It brings me great satisfaction to support leaders who are leading congregations and ministries in our city.
Your faithful prayer and financial gifts have made it possible for me to be part of these important ministries.
2008 will be a crucial year in the unfolding Mission Columbus vision, and your ongoing partnership will allow me to help move the vision forward. May God bless you for your generosity in advancing the kingdom of God in Columbus!