What does Micah Network do?  This question evolved from one of our members who was wrestling with the reality that organisations have to be able to choose wisely which networks, alliances and coalitions to join and participate in. Our International Board met in January to reflect on this question, drawing from the feedback sent in by you all (thanks). We asked what role / niche does Micah Network play / have? Is this still needed and relevant and if yes, then how can we be more effective? We distilled four distinctive attributes that Micah Network has: 1) Global Network: Micah Network brings together Christians from around the world, enabling a platform for consultation, shared learning, and greater cooperation, ensuring equality in representation. 2) Integration of theology and practice is all our conversations, consultations and workshops, and throughout our resources. 3) Integral Discipleship: prioritising the authenticity of our shared passion for integral mission, we demonstrate this through our lifestyle, shared learning and holding to the centrality of Christ which impacts all we say and do. 4) Inclusivity: our membership is open to Christian aid and mission organisations, colleges / seminaries and local churches, as well as associate membership with alliances and networks and individuals. Bringing together initiatives in such a way as to enable and enhance greater understanding, shared vision and an integrated response to community transformation. We seek to enhance these four distinct attributes together through three aims: 1) Facilitation and enabling of conversations and consultations:
a. At a global level – drawing on the richness of wealth of experiences from around the world
b. At regional and national levels – focusing on contextual and thematic issues of concern.
Ideally, where we have three or more members per country we want to encourage national integral mission conversations at least once a year. Members who would like this to happen and are ready to work together to enable this should contact the Micah Network Secretariat. 2) Being a catalyst for an integral mission approach:
a. Enabling teaching and learning on integral mission
b. Encouraging and promoting missional approaches
c. Tackling identified key issues of concern (for example: gender based violence, healing ethnic wounds / reconciliation / conflict) 3) Networking: information provision and enabling shared learning
a. Newsletters and prayer focus mailings
b. Research and resource sharing
c. Information sharing
d. Administration of network So, to answer the question “ what does Micah Network do?” we (meaning us – the members and the staff) are enablers, bridge builders, and together we address the “what does integral mission really look like operationally in the various contexts we live and work in?” In order to do this well we need to be both biblically literate and practically skilled, learning to discern and trace the finger of God in out-of-the-box, sometimes in non-programmatic ways (thanks Melba Maggay for this insight), focusing on holistic transformation. As much as we try to demonstrate measurable outcomes from our activities, the fruit of creating an enabling environment is seen in a flourishing of inspired Christians, communities and organisations that whole heartedly live out an integral mission approach both in their own communities and in communities they serve. This evidence is hard to collect as it means members writing their stories of change, sharing case studies of transformation and greater cooperation between initiatives (local churches, colleges, missions and aid organisations) Of course the strength of any network is directly linked to the engagement of members within it. So as we start this new year may I encourage you all to take full advantage of being in Micah Network and let’s inspire and be a catalyst for change together in your nation, your region, our world. Grace and peace Sheryl Haw
International Director | 
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