Elements of a Healthy ACT Gathering
By Martha Sundmyhr
By Martha Sundmyhr
Some YWAM Leaders around the world have asked, what are the elements that make up a healthy ACT Gathering? What should we focus on as we gather? The following is a list of possible elements to include in your ACT Gathering, it is not an exhaustive list but just one template to consider as you plan your meetings.
- Build Relationships. Plan to hold your ACT Gathering outside of your normal work space. If possible, get away for a 3-5 day retreat in a beautiful setting whether that is out in nature or in a fun bustling city. Plan fun outings during your time so that you and your ACT have a chance to bond together in a non-work environment. Set aside lengthy meal times so that you can enjoy table fellowship together. Don’t overpack your meeting schedule but leave time for rest and quality time for fellowship. Make sure you have fun together.
- Celebrate what is happening in your Area. Put into your schedule country reports from the various countries in your Area. Each National Convener should have time to share about the YWAM work in their country including staff numbers, training, outreaches and mercy ministry initiatives. These reports should include pictures from the country so that others get a “feel” for the YWAM Community and the ministries in that nation. Include into the country reports testimonies or God stories to give a snapshot of how God is working among you.
- Celebrate the thematic ministries in your Area. Include in your ACT the leaders of the thematic ministries that are large and influential in your Area. For example, Frontier Missions, DTS, Kings Kids, etc… give them space in your ACT meeting to give updates on their work in your Area.
- Pray for one another as leaders. Take time to pray over each National Convener and Thematic Leader in your Area. Set aside a solid ministry time for each one. Surround them, wait on the Lord for encouraging words for them, prophesy over them. Minister to their hearts and souls.
- Pray for the ministries. After each country report, pray for the staff in that nation and the ministries they are doing. Take time to lift up trouble situations or conflicts that are hindering the work. Do warfare over the nation and intercede for the work.
- Pray for where we are not. Plan a good old fashioned YWAM Prayer time over a map of your Area. Wait on the Lord in worship and intercession for His Word over your unreached cities and Omega Zones. Allow time for new Words of the Lord to bubble up over your area, take notes on what God is saying and move towards obedience in those areas.
- Worship and the Word. Take time to worship together as an ACT every day. Set aside a good hour or more daily to minister to the Lord together in worship. Make sure to give time to the Word through devotionals, teachings and Bible studies on leadership or other topics that you are wrestling with on your ACT. Weave worship and the Word throughout the daily schedule to keep you centered on the Lord and not to get bogged down in work related issues that can bring stress and tension to your gathering.
- Review recent words or articles coming from YWAM International. Take time to read or re-read portions of Catch the Wave and other foundational ACT documents. Review any new updates or articles coming from our International Leaders. Regularly review our Values, Covenants and Legacy Words committing them to memory as we are the history-holders of the mission.
- Invite outside experts to develop yourselves in areas of leadership. You might want to have a leadership development piece daily or set aside a day for it where you focus on an area of leadership that you all want to grow in. Examples of that could be: Conflict Resolution, Mentoring, Becoming an Emotionally Healthy Leader, Casting Vision, etc…
- Share New Vision. Most National Conveners and Thematic Leaders will have new vision that is springing up in their area of responsibility. Take time to listen and pray into new vision and new initiatives together. Contend for the promises for your Area together.
- Plan future gatherings. Create a rhythm for Area Staff Gatherings. Some Areas meet every year, some every two to three years. Whatever your rhythm is, make sure you are planning to convene your Area together regularly. If possible, also plan larger Field Gatherings from time to time to keep relationships across the Areas strong.
- Meet Regularly as an ACT. Ideally each ACT should meet at least once a year if not twice, in person. It is also a good idea to add in monthly zoom calls for updates, sharing and prayer. This will keep your relationships fresh and updated so that working together is easier and more enjoyable.