Living on the Field

 

Living on the Field

Bringing the gospel into the marketplace means overcoming the assumption that we live in a Christian culture.

In the 1970's most Americans (90%) perceived themselves to be Christian. As a result, there was significant social pressure to assimilate into a local congregation.

Those days are gone and the social pressures for assimilation no longer exist. Once Gen Z (born 1997-2012) fully assimilates into the marketplace only 30% of Americans will identify as Christian. The American religious culture of the 70's has fundamentally changed. 

As I travel, I am finding this cultural gap to be expanding at different rates. Typically, the larger the metropolis the greater the gap between culture and a biblical worldview. But across the board there is a longing to engage the culture as it was historically done in the 70's. The problem is not the previous method and modes, but the belief that those practices have the attention of our current communities.

Ministry in October

In October I invested more time in discipleship and outreach than in support raising. I wish I had photos to share but most of these meetings have a high level of confidentiality.  

Currently there are four types of meetings I have:
  1. Fund Raising
  2. Development
  3. Education
  4. Pastoral
However, ministry is not a zero-sum game and my meetings often begin with #1&2 and end with #3&4. Whenever this happens I am grateful. While it can slow the support raising process, It spurs me on to see God working through NEW VERTICAL. 

Simply put, the lives of people we love don't have a pause button. It is hard to invest time in development when life happens. 

Finally, in the midst of existing discipleship and support raising, I am also constantly seeking new opportunities. It is amazing how spiritually hungry our culture is to learn about Jesus when we enter their context. Below is a picture from an annual networking event designed to proclaim the gospel to Tech leaders. This is one step in a three-fold process designed to engage the global culture of the technology industry.

Ladders in the Mist

As mentioned in our last update, shepherding in the GAP requires a nonlinear approach. Therefore, we are recording a series of conversations. The goal is to open new avenues of communication.

This first installment titled "Is Christianity Left or Right?" is now accessible several places including:
Spotify, Apple and many others.

It is a conversation between me and a friend (local business owner) who is openly unsure about Christianity. This is not a theological debate, but a whimsical invitation to explore gospel truths.
   

Financial Update. 

As mentioned above, My time in October was invested more in pastoral care than financial support. By faith I will be able to balance this in November. Reminder. We have two funding models. They are as follows:
  • Phase 1 Raise two years of support. We call these two years our booster engines.  
  • Phase 2 Establish long term indigenous support with local churches and community leaders coupled with existing institutional grants.   

We are a 501C3

You can help by advocating for us with the following:
  • Coporate matching funds. Often times large organizations (J&J, IBM, GE, etc.) will match giving for 501C3 organizations. Is your organization one such place? Often a Corporations will match an employee's charitable donations.  
  • Family Offices and donor advised boards. If you can advocate for us we would be grateful. 
  • We can pursue dedicated grants. While we plan to engage groups such as the Lilly fund, Maclellan Foundation, etc., we also need advocacy. If you know a gatekeeper at a similar organization, we would love an introduction.  
The need for marketplace chaplaincy is big. By faith our network can connect us to individuals on Wallstreet and Mainstreet who have a heart for leadership ministry. 

Please Pray:  

  • Finances The demands for Community Chaplaincy are increasing. Please pray that we would reach full funding soon so I can turn my energies fully toward discipleship and development. 
  • Wisdom I am enormously grateful for every opportunity to develop, educate, fund raise and pastor. But I cannot do it all. I need wisdom to know when to say no. This requires trust, discernment, courage and humility. 

Quick explanations for advocates


Chaplaincy is a new title for some, so below are some quick descriptions of New Vertical:
  • Here is a link to our channel for short educational videos. New Vertical - YouTube
  • 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.
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