An African proverb describes a group of hunters getting a hippo. The big task is to drag the huge carcass back to the village where it will be butchered, then divided. After tying ropes to various parts of the hippo, they start to pull . . . but in the confusion of the moment, they pull in slightly varying directions. A village elder steps forward stating they'd never move the hippo unless they all pull in the same direction. Once this correction is made, the hunters are able to get their prize back to the village.
A strategy helps everyone pull in the same direction, toward the same objectives and goals. Through field and team structures, C&MA workers develop their shared strategy in concert with leaders of the developing church. Regional leaders help hold them accountable and adjust that strategy for increased effectiveness. A strategic field review every five years sharpens the strategy and strengthens the accountability even more. The aim is to see healthy, reproducing, missionary churches . . . Christ-centered, wholistic, communities of faith . . . established. Those with least access to the good news about Christ are of greatest concern in all of this.
This is a very important deliverable. Without it, the hippo is never pulled back to the village! Stay tuned for another deliverable in my next entry.
