We live in a time of great paradigm change in the world in which we live. This has brought about a change in our perception of reality and a different way of doing things. It involves a change in the way we see people and the establishment of a new paradigm – which sees a movement from coercion to uniformity to an ongoing development of diversity. This movement has involved catastrophic or revolutionary change in every part of our society, including the Church. It has seen the crumbling of the old foundations and the establishing of entirely new foundations for us to operate upon. It involves immense changes in the way we need to operate and communicate, that uses new technology to take us to heights in accomplishment that the old paradigm could never achieve.

This movement in paradigm requires the Church to learn to speak effectively, in the power of the Holy Spirit, into the new paradigm that has emerged. This can only happen as we equip and empower both ordained leaders and laity to engage in ministry in concrete and impacting ways. The immense diversity of the paradigm change requires a response from God’s people that uses all of the diversity and uniqueness of each member of the Body of Christ. In order that our people can become ministers of a new paradigm we must endeavour:

• To enable all members of the people of God to discover and use the gifts and skills God has given to them. This involves enabling each person to find and identify his or her unique purpose and destiny in God.

• To equip God’s people to pastorally care for one another and to help each other blossom in God.

• To bring the people of God to a place of maturity in God whereby they can effectively care for God’s babies (new Christians).

• To equip and nurture leaders so they can effectively lead and develop the people in their teams to work effectively for the Kingdom of God.

• To enable leaders to identify, develop and mentor new leaders.

• To equip and enable men and women for ministry: both academically and practically – to inspire them to reach out to a needy Church, and a much more needy world outside the precincts of the Church’s life.