I’ve been re-listening to the main sessions from Orange 2010 recently being challenged once again about how I think about ministry as well as hearing things I hadn’t heard the first time around! This week I thought it’d be a cool idea to post a series called Revisiting Orange 2010 posting my reflections on the main sessions from Orange 2010. I also invite you to share your thoughts about each of the posts as well as some things that you’ve done since returning from Orange 2010. If you weren’t at Orange, please feel free to interact as well!

In the meantime, here is a promo vid for Orange 2011 that was shown at Orange 2010.

• Renee Johnson at Devotional Diva
• Jesse Giglio at Love Is Social
• Jordan Watson at Freestyle
• Julia Kate at Tither of Innovation
• Dawn Carter at Chronicles of Dawnia

Check these bloggers out for their experiences and thoughts about Origins 2010. If you know of anyone else who has blogged about Origins 2010, let me know in the comments.

Tara is the co-founder & CEO of The Momentum Group + Common Ground, social + entrepreneurial ventures that provide job-training and job-creation for disadvantaged and at-risk international community members. Tara is a visionary, an entrepreneur, a wife, a mother to kids who inspire her daily, and passionately committed to empowering those with the least through innovative business and training. (taken from the Origins Event speakers page)

I had the privilege of interviewing Tara via email, and here’s what she had to say!

I’ve taken a look at the Momentum Group site and think it’s a great initiative! Can you tell me a bit about the story behind the formation of Momentum Group? What prompted you to do it? What were you doing beforehand?

My background is fairly corporate – big business (General Motors, Intel and Nike around the world). I had the opportunity to be part of a GM start-up in Shanghai back in 1999 training Chinese engineers and teams to build minivans. It was there, learning far more from those I was supposed to “teach and train” than I could have ever imagined, I saw the vision for my life clearly coming together.

I have always loved business, and feel that is where my strengths lie, but I fell in love with the Chinese people, and knew that International work and development would be the heartbeat of my work moving forward. I sensed a growing desire to explore the world, start socially responsible businesses that improved people’s lives and mostly, to broaden my mental horizons and learn from the cultures so unlike my own. To start breaking the rules of my culture – to long for more than just a paycheck, but rather to use my gifts and talents to try to change the world.

I wanted to see the merging of business and global transformation possible – and I wanted to mobilize others to see how business could become a powerful vehicle for International Development. I have always had this huge sense of responsibility to take all the experiences that God has allowed me to enjoy and learn from and turn that into life transformation and the mobilization of others. A deep passion of mine has always been helping others find their passions and encouraging them to take the leaps of faith into the scary, wonderful place of pursuing their passions, relentlessly.

The Momentum Group started in 1999 and was initially focused on International Development work (“creating economic independence for those who have the least within the International community.”) – filling professional gaps – we assisted NGO’s and Mission Organizations around the world with the development of businesses and with sound business operations. We mobilized professionals from the US to use their business talents to assist on “virtual consulting” projects and team focused, in-person project specific work. While living in Bangkok, we started NightLight, an organization focused on empowering women involved in the sex industry to leave their work for new employment, and we launched the micro-enterprise behind NightLight Design.

In 2006, we returned to the US and began Easy Office, a social venture focused on providing affordable services (finance, accounting, bookkeeping, etc.) tailored to the needs of Non-Profits. The Momentum Group began to explore what our domestic programs would look like. As we relocated and based in Boise, Idaho, we saw the huge gaps in the employability of refugees coming to the United States, and that birthed the Common Ground program that is now the backbone of the organization.

What’s your vision for Momentum Group? Where do you see it going?

The Momentum Group is in a bit of a rebirthing process right now – growing from a fully volunteer staff to a team of 33 paid staff in a year has been a wild (messy), but exciting ride. Right now, we operate a training business (employability and language training for refugees) and small-farms. Next month, we are beginning a manufacturing business.

We believe we are helping fulfill part of God’s vision for the empowerment of those who have the least. We want to teach the world that you can build strong businesses by understanding the market and capitalizing on the gifts and talents of those cultures you’re surrounded with. We are trying to build and transform global communities, one local at a time. We are building sustainable businesses that are also creating life transformation in at-risk populations. We are building sustainable business models and training programs that we hope to roll out to communities nationwide, and eventually internationally as well. We grow people, products and services. That said, we have a ton of opposition – and we’re trying to break down a ton of prejudice, stereotypes, and a system desperate for innovation.

What is your connection to The Origins Project?

Dave Gibbons is a part of our family – we worked together closely in Bangkok and have always felt like close family. He was one of the first visitors to meet our first son at the hospital! Spending holidays together overseas and dreaming together, he has always been a dear friend, family member, and hugely respected mentor of ours. We have learned so much from him, so when he suggests we participate in something – it’s hard to pass up! :)

How do you see yourself contributing to this inaugural event of The Origins Project?

I feel I will learn and gain far more than I have to offer! But, I hope to challenge the way people think about business and about their professional talents. I hope to help people think outside the box about using their gifts and talents to love and reach people – to plunge into pursuing their passions in some meaningful way. I hope to show people what “love in action” means for our team, and ways they can take steps to change lives and grow immensely from the International cultures surrounding them.

If there is one (or two) things you’d like people to take away from your contribution to this even, what would it be?

How businesses can do well by doing good and how we “let show don’t tell lead love in action” among new cultures.

What would you like to walk away with/learn from The Origins Event?

New allies – people to share “in the trenches” stories with, learn from, encourage. I would love to have a new group of dynamic people to get advice from, glean wisdom from, and feel united with. It’s at times really lonely trying to go against the grain! It’s great to be able to talk about the mistakes we’ve made with others experiencing similar walks.

Why should people come to this event?

Talk about a huge collision of creative synergy, innovation, and inspiration! I don’t know why people wouldn’t come to Origins. I’m part of the event, and I’m just as excited to learn and be challenged by all these tremendous people. Just look at those who are participating – each and every person has such a unique story, a fantastic challenge or a beautiful gift to share. I can’t wait! Everyone who can should come – talk about a great investment in your future.

Why am I so pumped about The Origins Project and this event on Friday?

Well, it’s because I’ve resonated with the leaders behind Origins (Kimball, McManus, Gibbons, McKinley, McKnight, et al) as well as the vision:

This network is a community of followers of Jesus who are passionate about seeing people know God and experience life as He intended. As we are guided by the Scriptures we will inspire one another to embrace innovation and creativity as a means to fulfill this mission. (taken from The Origins Project website)

I was originally going to be attending the event as part of the blogging team but due to our recent move from northwestern Ontario to northern California, we have been unable to access money from the sale of our house because the check had to be sent to foreign collection with our bank, Wells Fargo. We are still waiting for the money to clear. So, unfortunately, we do not have the money to cover travelling costs. I am bummed, but we have been taken care of, so I can’t really complain. Recently, we received a check which we had thought could be used to pay for the trip, but it ended up being needed to pay for registering our car in California as well as for our California drivers’ licenses, so all is good.

I’ll be following The Origins Event on Twitter via the hashtag #Origins10. I encourage you to do the same! As soon as I find out who is blogging about the event, I’ll let you know here on Elemental CM.

If you were to take Eric’s message to heart, what would that look like in your church? In your children’s ministry?

How do we teach kids to have this mindset?

Any ideas on how you would use it?

Here’s one idea that takes a transformational approach rather than an educational approach which could be easily adapted to whatever age group you might be teaching:

Show the video to the kids without telling them what it is about or what topic you are talking about. After the video is done, have them tell you what it is about. Don’t correct or lead. Simply listen and allow children to give their input. Ask questions about how they felt about the video. Ask them what they thought about the person throwing stuff. Ask them what they thought about the person building the bridge. Ask them what they would have done if they were in the video. Have them imagine themselves in both roles. Read Luke 6:27-36 and/or Matthew 5:43-48 (HT:EC). Have the kids tell you what they think Jesus is saying in those verses and how those verses might relate to what they just saw. Finally, have the kids come up with ways they can follow Jesus in what he said in those verses. Have some sort of response time whether that be silence, prayer, an art project of some sort… be creative.

Share your ideas of how you would use the video in the comments below!

Need children’s ministry volunteers? Ever thought of having a former president help you out with that?

My friend Nevan Hooker from Minister’s Label had this video put together tho help you on your next children’s ministry recruitment campaign. I thought it was pretty fun. Why bother with trying to get the actual George W to speak at your church? Just think of all the logistics of having to deal with the Secret Service! Simply download this video from Worship House Kids and use it for your next creative volunteer recruitment campaign.

Spread the word! Tell everyone you know about this fun video!

I first picked up Larry’s book soon after arriving at Redwood Park Church. I devoured the book! I had read a couple of other leadership profile books, but this one immediately resonated with me because of the theater metaphor used to describe the different leadership profiles. Having been involved in theater through high school and university, I grabbed onto the descriptions quickly. (I’m a Theater Manager, by the way!)

Another great feature of the book was Larry’s profiling of a Biblical character as well as profiling a contemporary leader that exemplifies the personality being described. Additionally, Larry gives tips in each chapter on how someone can take on some of the characteristics of each personality.

If you are looking for a book to take your leadership to the next level, then you need to get this book. If you are looking for a book to read through with your ministry leadership team, then you need to get this book. If you love Jesus, then you need to get this book. OK, maybe you can still love Jesus and not get this book, but you should still get this book. Still not convinced? You can check out portions of this book at Google Books before ordering it.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I did receive two copies of this book as part of the book tour. This, in no way, positively or negatively biased my review. In fact, since I already have a copy that I purchased when it first came out and marked up, I am giving away both copies of the book I received! In order to be entered to win one of the copies tweet the following: “Lead the Way God Made You by @LShallenberger is turning 5! Check out @henryjz review 4 chance to win free copy http://bit.ly/cOwDAw #kidmin”

Don’t forget to check out the remaining stops on the Lead the Way God Made You Book Blog Tour with Kenny Conley, Greg Baird, Wayne Stocks, Jonathan Cliff (not Jeremy) and Wendy Douglas over the next few days.

In high school and university, I swam competitively. I wish I could say that I was Olympic caliber, but I was far from it! I was OK for competitive swimming. The most nerve-wracking part of swim team was tryouts. Because I wasn’t at the top of the roster, it was never a sure thing I’d make the team. It was hard to know if I’d trained hard enough and gotten my times down enough to make the cut.

If you’ve been in church for an extended period of time, you’ve heard about “stepping out in faith.” What is meant by that phrase is that you do something you think God is asking you to do even though you’re not sure of the outcome. Challenges are made to dream “God dreams” as if God dreams are always meant to make you outwardly successful. You’re told to pray to be put in situations that are impossible where only God can take the credit for you surfacing on the other side. So, like a good, driven Christian, I did just that. What people don’t tell you is that when God answers prayers to grow your character, increase your faith, teach you dependence on him and to strip things that get in the way of trusting him completely, it’s harder and more challenging than you could imagine! Even worse, God’s timeline doesn’t match up with yours, and his idea of results don’t necessarily benefit you directly! What’s up with that? (I’m only being slightly facetious.)

As I was driving through the Utah Salt Flats (see notes below for Tuesday) wondering what in the world we were doing leaving a great job for complete uncertainty, following a calling based on what those outside of church would attribute to us hearing voices, I began to have those same feelings I did back when I would be at swim team tryouts. Will I be able to make the cut? Do I have enough faith to see this through? What if we are missing something? Am I going to fail God, myself, my family, those friends who are cheering me on? Or am I in WAY over my head destined to get one of those horrible calf cramps halfway down the lane on the final pool length of the race?

“My plans are much bigger than yours. Just trust me.”

That’s what I heard while I was obsessing about my insecurities and uncertainties. I wish I could say that I was flooded with joy at that moment. I wish that I could say I was infused with great faith and an assurance that everything was going to work out. I wasn’t. What happened was a reminder that without uncertainty and doubt, there would be no need for faith. I was reminded that I’m not the one in control. I needed to, once again, surrender my desire for certainty and control and notoriety. This is going to be a lot harder than I thought…

“Please sir, please eat me. You’re so beautiful – I’d rather be eaten by you than fed by anyone else.” -Hwin to Aslan in Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis (HT:Alan Hirsch)

June 28, 2010 – Monday

We got up and out pretty quickly from Rawlins. Today was one of the shortest days of driving, and we were looking forward to getting to our hotel with time to relax a bit and swim in the pool!

By the time we got to our hotel, it was time for dinner. We ordered Papa John’s, which is one of our favorite pizza delivery places! It was nice to arrive with time to kick back. After downing the pizza, I took the kids to the pool giving Erin some much needed alone time.

June 29, 2010 – Tuesday

Today, we drove from Salt Lake City, UT to Fernley, NV just outside of Reno. Let me just say that there is NOTHING in Utah or Nevada except salt and barrenness! I never imagined that a drive could be so boring! I kept thinking about all those poor pioneers who headed out west in covered wagons crossing this terrain. I think I’d have gone insane. One highlight of this leg of the trip, though, was eating at a hole-in-the-wall Mexican place… mmmm! Tomorrow is our last leg of the trip and is only 3.5 hours! California, here we come!

This is the first Sunday in 10 years where I don’t have to worry about what’s going on at church. It’s not that I didn’t like being on a church staff as a children’s pastor. I loved it. In the past couple of years, though, I’ve felt a greater passion to be a more global influence on the world of children’s ministry. I’ve loved my time working with a local church, and I still think that is important. For me, though, I had to make a choice: either devote myself more to the church I was serving in and give up much of the networking and research and writing I’ve been doing or take a leap and devote myself more to learning more about culture and theology and how it all relates to how the Church reaches out to children and families. It’s not that I had to choose which one was “better.” I had to choose where I was going to focus my passions. As we continue on this crazy move, I sometimes wonder why I’ve chosen the latter.

Of all the things Erin and I were looking forward to on this moving adventure, today was the day we were anticipating the most. I remember the first time I heard about Mt. Rushmore. I was in awe of the work and time and craftsmanship that went into carving the heads of four US Presidents into a mountain. Ever since hearing about it and seeing pictures of it I’ve wanted to go see it for myself. The same goes for Erin.

One of fun highlights was getting to eat a buffalo burger at the cafeteria!

After leaving Mt. Rushmore, we drove to Rawlins, WY. The drive was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever driven. Erin and I will definitely be coming back to the Black Hills area to do some more exploring.

Tomorrow, we have a quick 4 hour drive to Salt Lake City. We’re looking forward to being able to relax a bit and swim in the pool!