The ‘No Funding Necessary’ Model: NJ CityServe
Jim Bushoven (center), co-chair of NJ CityServe, gathers with pastors and leaders committed to the New Jersey gospel movement in June, 2015. This group represents some of the 500+ churches involved.
The ‘No Funding Necessary’ Model
It is not always the case that city gospel movements need paid staff. This is a rare model, but one entire state is trying to accomplish just that. The state of New Jersey has utilized a strategic yet organic approach to bring churches in the community into the conversations that matter through NJ CityServe.
Jim Bushoven, one of the 5 co-chairs of NJ CityServe says, “It is hard work because we are all involved in full time ministry.” Alongside co-chairing the movement, Bushoven is the Executive Pastor at Hawthorne Gospel Church.
Bushoven commented that through this work the leaders involved in the city movement have also become the leaders in guiding the churches to connecting with civic leaders with whom they had no previous relationships. One of the team’s main goals is for the churches of New Jersey to be known as the community people can reach out to when they have a need.
NJ CityServe Leadership Team consists of:
- 5 Co-chairs
- 14-15 County/City Champions (a key county spokesperson/point person who facilitates the movement hyper-locally)
- Honorary Chairs (respected leaders from around NJ which helps us promote what we are doing)
“I’m huge on John 17 unity so that we can be effective witnesses,” says Bushoven. “That is why we try to get people praying together for their city and county.” It is Jesus’ prayer in John 17 that allows the leaders of NJ Cityserve to lead sacrificially because they are experiencing the joy and impact of believers being brought together in complete unity (John 17:23).
You can see more of what is happening in New Jersey at NJ CityServe at www.njcityserve.org.
Comments