5. Space Collaborator

Jesus tells his disciples they will not be left alone as he goes. The Holy Spirit is coming. God never meant for us to do things alone. We have been created to work together. As churches seek to become more intergenerational and intercultural, being Space Collaborators becomes even more important. For example, we can learn new ways to collaborate with different age groups, cultures, and Christian traditions. But it will take humility. Collaboration with each other helps us avoid individualism. We need each other. When we invite the Spirit to come, expect change to happen.

Apostle Paul’s team included Timothy from Lystra, Philemon from Colossae, Aristarchus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Corinth, Tychichus and Trophimus from Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla, Fortunatus, Stephanas and Achaicus from Corinth. Paul considered them all as co-workers in Christ. Everyone puts something into the pot. It is an unapologetic time. In addition to collaborating, it’s a space for learning from each other.

Tips for Effective Collaboration

Input-Output Change Model

Stop Start Continue Exercise

What, So What, Now What?

Activity – How can we be Space Collaborators?

Commit to being a covenant community
Create a sacred space
Ensure everyone is represented
Use tools to get the best out of your time together (see Resources section)

Activity – Creating a ‘sacred’ space for discernment

90 minutes

Here is a simple activity for listening to the Holy Spirit and one another (from Randolph Turpin’s book, Shared Discernment).

Explain the essential role of the Holy Spirit

Explain the role of the faith community

Explain the four phases of the shared discernment process:

Worship & pray
Listen
Share
Discern

Spend some time carrying out points 1-4 with your discernment group.

Activity – Promote collaboration – World Cafe example

180 minutes

The World Cafe approach is a structured conversation process that encourages participants to share ideas and perspectives in a relaxed setting. The approach promotes active dialogue and collective wisdom.

Set up the space: Create a welcoming, cafe-like environment with small tables, tablecloths, and beverages
Choose a question: Select an open question that will generate a discussion
Arrange participants: Seat participants at tables with a mix of people so they can meet others
Conduct rounds: Have participants move to different tables for each round, with a host at each table to welcome new participants and summarise previous discussions
Share insights: Invite participants to share their insights with the larger group
Reflect: Use visual tools to reflect on the insights shared

You will find more examples of practising collaboration in the Materials section.

Change Resource