When people work together, great things happen!  

For years I have rallied the cause for relational synergism – people working together for greater purposes realized only through concerted efforts.  The results can be phenomenal.

When hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in August of 2005, the aftermath impacted my community in Northwest Alabama.  Over 330 displaced families from the Gulf Coast found refuge in our community.  Social service agencies, non-profit charities, and churches came to the rescue.

Many resources from different sources were allocated to Katrina victims, but a problem emerged.  Who was getting what and how much?  Were services being unnecessarily duplicated?  Were the right people getting the right resources?

This awareness sparked much dialog among community service providers, who realized that this problem was not an isolated incident, but a “big problem” that had been prevailing for years.  Something needed to be done to help service providers “get on the same page” in communications and collaboration.

Leaders from the United Way, Red Cross, Salvation Army, government agencies, and churches sat down together and talked.  This rare encounter paved the way for a collaborative solution for “shared case management”.

These leaders approached us at Simon Solutions in October of 2006.  Looking for a software solution, they handed us a single sheet of paper with only a few ideas.  They said, “Can you build us something that we all can use; something simple to understand and easy to use?”  We said “Yes, but only if we work together throughout the entire development process to see if this solution is something everyone will like and use.”  They agreed.

Combining our knowledge of software design with ideas from community service providers, we built CharityTracker (known as SEANTracker in our community).

Tina Scott, director of the United Way of Northwest Alabama, said “For the first time in our community’s history, churches, non-profit service providers, and government agencies have found a common way to work together; using a simple, easy, and affordable tool everyone can use.”

CharityTracker is a “shared community database”, a centralized hub for communication that is networked throughout the entire community.  All information is entered and edited by individual case workers with shared access.  And because CharityTracker is powered by internet technology, service providers have instant access to information 24/7, 365; whether at the office or in the field. 

CharityTracker works best when only one “community network administrator” is designated for the entire community.  This organization is usually the one who has built working relationships with other service providers.  As administrator, this organization maintains the integrity of the database by qualifying organizations that share access to confidential information.

All information in CharityTracker is safe and secure.  Only authorized users with a password have access to shared case files.  No IT department or webmaster is needed to host or maintain CharityTracker.  We (Simon Solutions) do it all.  We also upgrade the software; depending upon feedback from service providers and their needs.

CharityTracker has given our community a simple and easy solution for “shared case management”.  With better communications, service providers are seeing measurable results in reduction of fraud and duplication of services. 

Becky Daughtery of Woodmont Baptist Church says, “Just in the last few weeks, the software has proven itself more and more valuable; and we are really starting to see that the more benevolence organizations that use it; the more effective that it becomes.”

In less than one year of service within our community, CharityTracker has enabled over 74 agents (representing 33 agengies) to work together in shared management of over 4,000 cases.

CharityTrackers helps save time and money; enabling service providers to focus their resources on people with real needs.

Simply stated, it works!

Just as Katrina’s devastation swept across the Gulf Coast, a solution for helping victims more efficiently is sweeping all across the state of Alabama.  The word is getting out quickly.  Prior to our official nationwide launch on September 4th, ten networks of community service providers, scattered throughout Alabama, were already making plans to use CharityTracker to better serve their communities.

Our community’s synergism is a powerful testimony to other communities all across the United States.  If we can "get people on the same page" here in Northwest Alabama, you can do it also!

For more information, go to www.simonsolutions.com or www.charitytracker.net.

If we don’t stand for something, we’re liable to fall for anything.

I find this so true in my own daily walk with the Lord.  Each day I am challenged to stand tall in my faith and mission.  However, amidst this challenge I am faced with lots of “noise” and distractions – caused by busyness, tight schedules, and work loads.  Some of these things tend to direct my attention away from things that most matter in my life – relationships with family, friends, and the Lord.

Even while serving in church leadership positions, I was subject to lots of noise and distractions.  Even though I was very busy doing “good things”, I believe some of these things kept me from focusing on the Lord and His divine purposes for my life.

Right now, God is doing a new work in my life.  Despite the fact that I have been in ministry since 1977, I realize that I have much more growing to do.  God is writing a “new chapter” in my life’s journey – one that’s transforming me from the inside-out.

This transformation feels more like a “fighting spirit” that’s rising up within me.  I want to fight and engage in serious battle; advancing God’s reign and rule in my life.  Perhaps I have watched too many reruns of Brave Heart, but I feel God encouraging me to fight for the things I truly believe in.

I want to become a stronger believer in the power of the Holy Spirit to transform me into a true ambassador of Jesus Christ.  I want to learn more about “connectivity” and how God orchestrates personal relationships for divine purposes.  I want to become an even stronger advocate for authentic Christian community.  I also want to do more in building coalition forces for advancing the Kingdom of God.

I often wonder how the enemy has got us all wrestling with independent battles; instead of winning interdependent victories.  I believe we are in the midst of great spiritual warfare; and in many respects, greater than anytime in history.  With the soon return of Christ, it is no wonder the enemy is doing everything he can to divide us, distract us, and keep us from “standing together” in battle.

Jesus told us that we must learn to fight: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34, NIV).”

The Apostle Paul told us,

“God is strong, and he wants you strong.  So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials.  And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.  This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.  Be prepared.  You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.  Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet (Ephes. 6:10-13, MSG).”

Perhaps, now is the time for us to take a serious look at our busyness and independent efforts.  Are we truly busy about God’s business or our own business?  Is the enemy strategically distracting us; misaligning our divine focus and keeping us from accomplishing God’s true purposes?  Are we losing the battle of proper awareness, urgent need, and relevant ministry in contemporary society?

As for me, God is sharpening my focus as to what He envisions for my future in ministry.  He is also speaking to my heart and telling me to get ready for fierce battle; be prepared to stand firm in my resolve.  He tells me that this divine resolve is also being planted in the hearts of others, whom have or will cross my path through divine appointments.

I am ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with comrades; marching forward with the Lord. I am ready to engage in warfare; standing back-to-back with fellow Christians on the battlefield.

If we stand together, we will not fall.  We will become a powerful force of many…moving as one!

I’m sure many of you have seen or heard about the movie “300”.

This is the story of King Leonidas of ancient Sparta and his 300 finest warriors.  These brave men faced insurmountable odds against the mighty army of Persian King Xerxes at the Battle of Thermopylae.

These 300 Spartans were “one” in heart and spirit.  They were not afraid to die for what they believed in.  They fought hard to protect their families, homes, and legacy.

Jesus wanted us to understand the “power of unity”.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:20-23, NIV).”

One of the important phrases in this scripture is:  “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know”.

Don’t we think it’s about time the world knows that we Christians are a powerful force to be reckoned with; united in hearts and purpose?  Ready for battle with the same resolve as the 300 Spartan warriors who when faced with certain death proudly proclaimed, “We Spartans do not retreat!”

First Century Christians had this same resolve.  They were relentless in fighting the good fight of faith.  Many died so many (including us) could live.

What about us, today?  Are we ready to stand firm in our faith, protect our families, and win our communities for Christ?  I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to join forces with others — united in heart, faith, and resolve.  I’m ready to fight! 

Joan of Arc when leading her powerful warriors into battle was once asked by one of generals, “Are you not concerned about who is behind you when you go over the wall first?”  Joan replied, “I do not look back to see whose following.  I fight, regardless who’s behind me!”

I too, have this same resolve beating in my heart about moving forward and not looking back.  For years I served in a leadership role, along with a handful of others, who promoted and practiced unity within the Body of Christ.  We all shared great passion about impacting our city for Christ. 

It was during this time that I heard in my spirit the voice of the Lord speak to me about my community: “Don’t be dismayed at this outcome.  I have 300 Christians with the same heart, spirit, and faith as you in this community.  These like-minded people are awaiting a time to rally together.  I will use them to transform this community.”

Those words still resonate within my heart today.  I still have hope that this will happen; and for the first time in many years, I can see this realization beginning to take shape.  I am now looking across the Christian landscape in my community for those 300 Fighting Christians who will rise up for battle.

Someone once said that the problem with Christians today is that “no one is killing them anymore.” 

Christians everywhere, I urge you to join forces in finding the literal or figurative “300” Christian warriors in your community.  Find the warriors, both young and old, who are ready to defend their faith and families. 

Christians…prepare yourselves for battle!

We see this as a "mission accomplished."  Our hopes in helping ministries build coalition forces for worldwide evangelism are now starting to take shape.

Defining who we really are, can be a challenge. 

We go through so many changes and seasons in our life that influence the way we think and act.  We also have a tendency to imitate others we admire and respect.  But does this truly define who we are, really?

As a company, we’ve finally come to some conclusions.  We are not like many others in the marketplace, especially in web design and software development.  I guess the best analogy of who we are, is the television commercial of the two guys: PC and Mac.  The PC guy is professionally dressed, all about efficiency, and little nerdy.  The Mac guy is casually dressed, all about aesthetics, and “cool.”

The Mac best describes our company, organic and approachable.  And even though we are the "new" kids on the block, we have many years of experience in ministry and technology.  People say our software is amazing with a "wow" factor that has great value and practical functionality.  We have a reputation for being visionaries, ahead-of-the-curve, and innovators.  We kinda like these labels, which resonate from the "paradigm shifts" that we’ve experienced in our personal lives.  At times we do feel like "a voice crying in the wilderness."

Rest assured, we don’t consider ourselves radicals or revolutionaries.  We are still ordinary people with extraordinary vision, especially as this relates to thinking and doing Church in the 21st Century.  And even though we think "outside the box," we still celebrate an organic, back-to-the-basics approach in life and ministry.  Jesus is at the center of our lives; guiding and directing our paths in purpose and mission.

For some of you, this kind of talk sounds a little "futuristic or out there!" But with all respect, this is the future of things to come.  In order for us to reach the next generations, we will have to shift into a higher gear in relevant language and practice.  New technology can help us.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV)."

The 1st Century Church understood how cities can be transformed.

Since that time, over 10,000 "student-led" Bible studies and prayer groups have been planted on school campuses all across the U.S.  This all began with one commmited Christian "on fire" for the Lord.

America is now beginning to experience what can happen when Christians unite in prayer, purpose, and transformation.  City-reaching coalitions are being formed all across America.  They are tearing down the walls that divide and building bridges that foster "relational synergism" - people working together for greater purposes, realized only through concerted efforts. 

God is not finished with the Church in America.  Now is the time to embrace renewal…revival…and reformation!

We are all wired for relationships. 

O.S. Hawkins, in his book entitled Tearing Down Walls and Building Bridges, says: “God wired us for relationships, and we can’t exist without them.  Small babies die without a loving touch.  Children are emotionally scarred for life in the absence of a loving parental relationship. It is said that bachelors, on the whole, don’t live as long as married men, and even married men who kiss their wives before leaving the house have fewer accidents than those who don’t.” 

Deep within the heart of every person is the strong, but often conflicting desire to “connect” with others.  All of us want to be secure in our own individuality; and at the same time, reach out and connect in meaningful relationships with others.  But what if we have a hard time “connecting” with certain people?

Research has shown that social proximity and communications do not constitute genuine connection, or authentic community development. People want more than casual conversation and personal contact.  They want to build genuine mutuality in relationships.  We all prefer to hang-out with people that really care about us and truly listen to what we have to stay.  We want relationships with people whom we share common interests and life experiences.  

Community is where we “connect” and build relationships – the most central factor in our existence as human being.  Our entire life is spent in an organic network of relationships; cut off from them, and we die.

Perhaps this is the reason why millions of people now choose to “connect” with others on the internet.  In his book, The Virtual Community: Homesteading on the Electronic, Howard Rheingold suggests, “Perhaps cyberspace is one of the informal public places where people can rebuild the aspects of community that were lost when the malt shop became a mall.” 

The internet provides people with new ways to “connect” and build relationships.  Perhaps the main reason why millions of people gravitate toward the internet has to do with the increasing popularity of online social networking.  The internet provides the most inclusive form of community on the planet. The benefits of an inclusive community environment are many and far reaching.

An inclusive environment is welcoming and accepting.  People feel safe and empowered.  They experience freedom to be themselves – unrestricted by labels and peer pressure.  People are free to voice their opinion and engage in open, honest conversation.  An inclusive environment is rich in culture and diversity; an inviting gathering place to meet new people and share life experiences.

While some critics question the validity of online community development, millions of people just do it.  Many have learned to integrate their online world with everyday living.

Regardless of circumstances, people will find a way to “connect.”  The internet provides entrance into an inclusive environment that beckons many to follow.  As to how this shakes-out in everyday relational development, only time and technology will tell.

Each week three guests, all claiming to be the same person, would answer questions about their occupation.  Only one was telling the truth.  The other two were imposters. 

A panel of people were given the opportunity to ask questions of each of the guests, in hopes of identifying the “real” person.  At the end, members of panel would each guess which person was telling the truth.  The moderator would then say, “Will the real ______ please stand up.”  Oftentimes, there was great surprise!

Going to the Christian bookstore these days reminds me of that quiz show.  The bookshelves are filled with so many new titles for Church.  Here is a short list of different titles:

• Future Church
• Externally Focused Church
• Equipping Church
• Emerging Church
• Missional Church
• Kingdom-focused Church
• Connecting Church

I’ve got to admit that I’ve read most of these books and more.  For over 27 years I’ve read countless books on Christian leadership and church growth.  I like to keep up with current thought and applications.  In my opinion, all of these authors are right “on target” with their thoughts.  I highly recommended their works!

But I wonder about the next generation of young people who are searching for truth.  They are asking a lot of questions.  They want simple answers without all the rhetoric.  In many cases they search for the same things we’ve all been looking for – real Christians and real Church.

So, with all the new titles of Church on the bookshelf, which one do we recommend to young people?  What if they are only interested in reading just one?

In order for us to reach this next generation for Christ, we must be ready and able to answer the question, “Will the real Church please stand up?”

Today was an exciting experience.  We were invited to make a presentation about Oikos to group of Baptist pastors at their county association office.  I got a chance to meet some old friends and meet some new ones.

I am a firm believer that God orchestrates personal relationships for divine purposes.  

Shalom