Board Boost

 

Networks take time  The vision of New Vertical is to build a network of chaplains who disciple community leaders to become disciple makers in the places they live, work and play. This is accomplished through three different ways.  Fundraising Development Discipleship Using the illustration of city planning, below is a short explanation of these three endeavors.  Fund Raising - This long-term vision starts small. A vision for faith to be integrated into all of life's endeavors. The goal is to raise a financial base and expand our existing efforts for development and discipleship. Development - This is the backbone of a network. It is everything from vision casting to resource deployment in broad strokes. It can be compared to a city master plan including green spaces, restaurants, churches, commercial, civic and residents uses. In this analogy the vision focuses on how networks impact individuals through community. Discipleship - Pastoral work happens with individuals and small groups. Nothing is systemized. Every business, marriage, and bottom line is unique. The work of discipleship happens in the spaces constructed through development.  Building a chaplaincy network requires all three. However, in the long run, fundraising and development will eventually merge. This will leave discipleship and development as tandem attributes of a chaplaincy network.

Board Boost Speaking of fund raising: November and December are commonly referred to as "The Giving Season". Many Non-profits receive a substantive portion of their annual budget during these two months.  The New Vertical Board is prayerfully asking to close our funding gap by 15% before the end of the year. This will move us from 40% to 55%.  Please prayerfully consider joining us in extending the gospel into the marketplace as either a monthly supporter or through a onetime year-end gift.  GIVE HERE

Bridging Networks Speaking of development: The two images below happened within a couple miles of each other. This first image is from a gathering of area pastors. This second image is from one of the many recent gatherings I attended for local business leaders.  The fact that these groups rarely intersect is not from lack of care or concern. The truth is the leaders in both images are at the edge of their bandwidth. The gap that divides them is multi-faceted and is not shrinking. As a Chaplain I can extend the reach of both groups and by faith bring the gospel into the marketplace.  Service in the Mist Another step towards development is the upcoming episode of LADDERS IN THE MIST. It will be an insightful discussion on the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges for leaders in the food service industry. The first series of LADDERS IN THE MIST is on all major podcast platforms. Here is the Spotify link.

Honest Questions Speaking of discipleship: At the heart of my transition from business to vocational ministry was a desire to bridge the "secular - sacred" gap through discipleship. Presenting myself as a chaplain opens so many doors to the gospel. I often receive questions from community leaders like: How do I have a relationship with Jesus? What is Church anyways? I also receive questions from clergy and business leaders on the more challenging parts of life. The intersection of leadership and life creates a sense of isolation. My heart longs to bring the good news of the gospel into all of these spaces.

Financial Update.  As mentioned above, the New Vertical Board is prayerfully seeking a 15% increase to our operating budget by the end of December. We are currently at 40%. 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 Please pray that we would increase our monthly giving by %15 by the end of 2024.   Wisdom I am seeking to balance the demands of the three endeavors listed above (Fundraising, Development and Discipleship). 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.