The future
There is a potential for great growth of Agenda1 in Asia. We see that it works and that an increasing number of churches want to join. It is up to us to find a sustainable pace of growth that is optimal for building and keeping a momentum at the same time as we assure a high and consistent quality.
In Thailand, we plan to have three LC’s in the east. The one we started in Ubon in February divided and several of these churches are in A1 Buriram that started now. In October we want to arrange two LC’s, one in Ubon where Pastor David will be the host and one in Phibun hosted by Pastor Onchan. We believe that there will be possibilities to start LC’s in other areas of Thailand in the future.
In Cambodia, we plan to have two more gatherings with the national LC and then prioritize building new LC’s in the provinces. We have been to three provinces to arrange tasters. In November, we will start up LC’s in Chhuk and Tboung Khmum. Next February we will start in Pursat. Churches from Svay Rieng, Mondolkiri and Oudong in Kampong Speu would like us to help them start Agenda1. Others will also be open for starting LC’s. On our trip in November, we will be accompanied by a team from Norkirken Sandnes that wants to take an active part in expanding Agenda1 in Cambodia.
The greatest limiting factor right now is my presence. Even though I will now travel to Asia four times a year for two weeks each time, I can only participate in four or five LC’s in each country. As soon as we feel confident that the national leaders and other teams from Norway can arrange LC gatherings on their own, we can increase the speed of growth. It has been important for me to lead the process when we expand from the first to the second generation of LC’s. It’s not the same to arrange a learning community for established churches with full-time pastors and for house churches in the villages with lay leaders. We are still refining and simplifying the teachings and process, and we learn new things each time.
I believe that by next fall or early 2017, we can see the team in Thailand leading LC’s on their own. The speed at which we can arrange LC’s in Cambodia without me depends on the capacity of our team there. In both cases, I want to gradually give them leadership and move into a mentor roll (the square).
We are getting closer to producing a manual with teachings and resources needed to lead Agenda1. I plan to prioritize more time this fall to work on this and want to involve our national teams in the process. When this is ready, it will make it possible to give away Agenda1 such that our national teams and church leaders in the provinces can play a greater role in expanding Agenda1.
I see a clear need to maintain close contact with Terje and Kjartan. Especially in Cambodia, we have a way to go in integrating Agenda1 with the rest of the work we are involved in.