Fostering a Network

As I raise support for NEW VERTICAL I am often asked: "How do we bridge the gap between our communities and the Church?"

In the 1970's this was easy when community engagement could happen in the walls of the Church. "just get them to Church" was a classic phrase. But the leadership of tomorrow is 88% averse to organized worship.

Therefore, New Vertical brings the gospel into existing community structures and seeks ways to bring the culture to the Church. See the illustration below:

An Ecumenical Network

As community leadership shifts from Millennials to Gen Z the gap between Sunday and Monday continues to expand.

Sadly, skepticism towards the Church is strong. By applying an ecumenical approach, New Vertical seeks to turn social barriers into gospel opportunities.

Illustration: In 1935 MGM produced David Copperfield with a staff 71 people. The entire production was a product of MGM. Everyone involved from cast, crew, directors, set builders and camera operators were MGM employees. Even the person who delivered the reels to theaters across the U.S. were employees of the studio. In many cases, even the theaters were proprietary.

Now an MGM production might partner with Dreamworks or Amblin Entertainment for production. Cast and crew are typically independent. Even distribution has diversified into channels such as AMC theaters, Netflix, Hulu etc. This one example illustrates our cultural shift from hierarchy to networks.

We see the strength of networks in student ministries such as: Young Life, RUF, CRU, Navigators, etc. Reaching students requires broad support and cultural immersion. Our Blindspot is that we have yet to apply the strengths of networks to the marketplace. We are still practicing the attractional model of the 1970's. Emerging leaders are not looking to organized Churches for answers to their spiritual questions. We must approach our community systems as we have the campus.

While this concept might seem new for U.S. churches, it is common in global churches (especially those in post Christian countries). I recently received an email from a missionary friend in Europe. His words, "We have been living this trend... all along. The Church here has always asked for our help to get out into the community."

Threefold Ask.

Many friends say: "How can I help?"
There are three ways:

First, please pray for us. When you go to bed, start your car or eat a meal. Pray.
Second, please consider financial partnership. Partnership is more than an idea. Chaplains are an extension of the Church and those that send them.
Third, We need advocacy. We are stepping into a massive unmet need, but with that comes an equal need for awareness. Please consider sharing our story with others.

Building a support network is an essential part of the process and by faith we will return to full ministry engagement of the community as soon as possible.

Status Update

We are about 20% funded.
We are waiting for our 501C3 determination letter. This is a slow process with the IRS. Once this is received all present contributions are retroactively applied.
Long-term our vision is a sustainable funding model. But the immediate need is to raise 2-3 years of support. We are praying our extended network can join us in giving monthly. This is a new work. We must raise 100% of our support.

Special Request

While New Vertical is offering a valuable solution to an unmet need, stepping into a blind spot does require a lot of education and awareness. This requires travel and our finances have not yet matured to cover this expense.

If you (or someone you know) has extra airline miles that can be donated we would be very grateful.

New Vertical

Quick explanations for advocates

Chaplaincy is a new title for some, so below are some quick descriptions of New Vertical:

In the 70's the culture was 90% Christian. The local pastor could reach the community on Sunday. Moving forward less than 30% identify as Christian. If the local pastor is like a tank driver, Market place chaplains are like infantry support. We need both, and we need them both to support each other.
Think Young Life (student ministry) to the business and community leaders. Marketplace Chaplains can connect with a Chamber of Commerce or other civic groups as an extension of a local Church's mission.
Picture the names on the banner in the outfield. NEW VERTICAL engages the leaders of those businesses. The health of these operators impacts the health of a community.

Grateful

You are loved and we are grateful. His Grace is enough.