TJC: Pace, Intensity, Adaptability - 11/07/02 Why Follow 11 Steps - 9/25/03 The 11 Step Process - 11/6/03 Getting Started Again - 9/3/03 Theological Honesty - 3/19/04

It's a process. It's not just ANY process. As we in The Jesus Connection have gained in wisdom and understanding in working with pastors and laypersons from dozens of congregations, we have come to a point of wanting to help delineate some boundaries for The Jesus Connection process.

1.  We take seriously the task of transforming mainline congregations. We do not assume that mainline congregations are staff driven or that they are dependent on outside authorities who guide them from step to step in some externally created program.

2.  We believe that we have a means which is unique in harnessing the joy and enthusiasm of individuals who are experiencing spiritual growth and the structures in the congregation which, left alone, will stifle that joy and enthusiasm. There are many programs, denominational and otherwise, which help foster individual spiritual maturity. Most do not address the serious issues of congregational structures which mitigate, unconsciously, to keep people where they are. The Jesus Connection process is different at the core from any other approach which we have discovered. It is not the only process. Maybe it is not even the best process. But it is solidly based on scriptural teaching, with a sensitivity to Christian tradition, is born of a keen analysis of the contemporary situation, and projects a vision which leads to personal and congregational transformation.

3.  Taking the risk and engaging a year-long congregational sabbatical, coming to terms with addressing core beliefs and values, adopting a style of decision making by consensus and refusing to be tyrannized by a minority of members, connecting the individual believer's baptism with his or her sense of ministry or calling of the Spirit, becoming a gift-evoking fellowship, taking seriously the importance of worship: all work together to transform a congregation. People in such congregations no longer think predominately in organizational terms to describe the church but, rather, in organic terms - like a vine and its branches, like a spiritual community of believers bound in the reconciling love of Jesus.

4.  It does not work to "mix and match" The Jesus Connection process with other processes or programs. Because each of the parts works in close symbiotic relationship with each of the other parts none can be omitted or substituted for something else. Congregations certainly move at their own paces, experience the process in their unique and particular ways, take longer at some points than others, but they are most helped when the leaders especially have a clear understanding of the whole process, see it as a "road map" which encapsulates a journey, and have a clear grasp that the overall goal is congregational spiritual maturity. One cannot go in two directions at once. It is our experience that The Jesus Connection process works when engaged at depth and in prayer. It is also our experience that when congregations attempt to pull out components or add things from other processes and fashion a hybrid approach, that the results are less than satisfactory.

5.  We invite wide feedback on the experiences of all who have been introduced to The Jesus Connection process. And we seriously encourage one another to take seriously the process. With some concern about the good name of this ministry we advise that those congregations which deviate in significant ways from the process as described in Dr. Jan Linn's books call what they are doing by some other name than The Jesus Connection.

With blessings and affection,
David Digby - First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Ames, Iowa