What Sets Us Apart
What Sets Us Apart?
Organic Response
C4C is not a “canned” program. Rather, each partnership is defined by the needs of the school and the resources of the church/community. Various models and services begin at differing stages in the process.
Relationship-focused
Planning should intentionally focus on the development of relationships. First, with school leadership as we seek to build trust and learn about the needs of the school. This is followed by planning for support with children and families that offers opportunity to build relationships.
Prayer
Our first step as people of faith is to build a team to pray and seek God’s direction in response to children and families impacted by poverty. This response may come in various ways as long as the central motivation is to listen and seek direction and continue to pray and follow as called.
Listening
We do not come to the partnership with a plan of response, we come humbly, eager to listen to school leaderships and respond as called.
Outcome Oriented
Our goal is to develop a plan with outcomes rather than a plan with random acts of kindness. There are templates available to develop plans with measurable outcomes.
Collaboration
Collaboration is critical at all levels of planning. Intentional development of ecumenical community collaboration provides an opportunity to share best practices, provide stronger support and avoid duplication of efforts.
The school site offers opportunity for current school partners to work together. Beyond the school site, stronger collaboration at the community level provides opportunity to collectively impact the work, as we mobilize support, seeking deeper and stronger outcomes for children and families.
Collaboration within the church is equally important. Just as the work of C4C should be built on collaboration with schools and community, the church must model this philosophy internally. Working across committees and small groups within the church is critical. A team of diverse members should be formed that will reflect and represent the church as a whole.
Transformational Ministry
We seek to be changed by the by the children and families we encounter. Whether supporting a classroom or providing summer meals in a neighborhood, seek first to join families in ministry and to encourage joint support with families and learn from those we encounter.
Support for children in not based solely on our feeling good about the work, plans should be developed with a goal of transformation.
Laity Led
While support of the pastor and staff is vital, the ministry is designed to be developed and implemented through a team of laity to provide sustainability.
Training and support
Under the umbrella of Mission Engagement the C4C leadership team is continually seeking relevant resources from across conference and beyond to support response. Training is available at district and church levels.