The Joshua Group’s Purpose Mapping process differentiates itself in many ways – from our commitment to knowing our clients, to a deep process of qualitative reflection and listening, to bringing high level leader-consultants to guide the way.
As with Joshua, the Scouting process brings critical information about a variety of aspects of the organization to shape strategies and next steps. For the Joshua Group this includes all of the elements of our Organizational Intelligence tools along with a deep one-on-one listening time with key leaders and an in-depth study of your organizational and community giving patterns that we call Generosity Indexing. Our Field Reports bring what we have learned together, leading to the shaping of a powerful framework for success - your specific Travel Plan for the future.
The key result of the Joshua Group’s work with your congregation will be the creation of your own unique Travel Plan. This plan will center around six Way Points that will identify opportunities for moving your ministry forward and fulfilling your purpose. Focusing on the areas of Missional Readiness, Leadership, Shared Vision, Generosity, Story, and Faith Integration, your plan, along with our expert guidance and one–year ongoing consulting commitment from your Joshua consultant, will allow you to experience meaningful missional renewal and transformation.
We believe that there are six Way Points that are critical in that journey. Our Purpose Mapping process leads you through those areas of mission renewal by creating a Travel Plan unique to your mission along with the expert leadership to help you identify your next steps and provide the guidance that leads to action.
Our pathway includes the following Way Points that lead to transformative mission renewal. These Way Points, informed by our use of Organizational Intelligence and outlined in your own Travel Plan, are the core of our work together.
Missional Readiness
Change is inevitable, but the experience of how that change occurs is optional. As faith communities embark on the journey of missional transformation it is important that they have a deep awareness of its readiness, willingness, and capabilities to embrace the shifts that will be needed for meaningful change to occur. Every community is different and needs to move forward according to its level of readiness, be that small incremental movements, or seismic shifts in behavior and focus.
Leadership
No faith community can have effective impact without a healthy leadership system. Having the capacity to instill trust, cast a bold vision, mobilize the needed resources and encourage a shared partnership in the journey are all critical factors for navigating a ministry forward.
Shared Vision
Why we do what we do, what that looks like and how we make it happen are central to a shared vision for mission. Foundational to this is a deep understanding of the core values that drive the decisions you make and the actions you take. In addition, being focused in purpose and maximizing the assets that are available allows greater impact and effectiveness.
Generosity
Generosity is not simply an action taken, but a way of living and being in community. Having a culture that nurtures a healthy understanding and relationship with the resources that flow through our lives cultivates a landscape to realize what is needed for a successful mission. This involves modeling generous behavior, providing language that is inspiring and lifting up invitations that are fulfilling.
Story
Sharing your story is not about inviting people to participate but instead it is about telling of the powerful impact of your mission. Thriving faith communities are ones that clearly and consistently tell their stories of transformation. Simply using a variety of mediums is not the answer. Paying attention to the message and how it is being embraced by a diverse group of stakeholders is the cornerstone of a healthy culture of story.
Faith Integration
Effective ministries pay attention to both their ability to empower personal faith formation as well as avenues to live out one’s faith in the community and world. Missional impact is directly connected to the community's capacity in doing both at a high level.