Faith-Based Facilitation

The Faith-Based Facilitation process starts when people identify an issue which needs to be reviewed.

This might be a significant concern or just a regular pattern of activity that needs to be carefully examined to see 'what we are doing and why we are doing it'. Whatever it is, the event or issue needs to be clearly identified - preferably by a group of people working together.

Salvation Army facilitation teams have learnt four important things to remember in a home/community visit - Stimulate, Appreciate, Learn and Transfer (SALT). In other words, encourage people to talk (stimulate), listen to and value their perspective and resources (appreciate), learn from their experience, situation and ideas (learn), capture their learning and share it with people in other communities (transfer).

The event or issues identified are then described and analysed as fully as possible. Those who are reflecting (together or individually) try to think of every factor that has influenced the issue being explored. This builds a deep and comprehensive understanding of the experience.

It is important not to make superficial descriptions of the issues facing a community. Be as objective as possible. Keep carefully to description and analysis and avoid judgments and opinions.

This step of the process involves thinking through the factors that have emerged, and sharing ideas and responses.

People of faith find reading the Scriptures, prayer and quiet reflection to be helpful activities between Steps 2 and 3. It is at this step that careful evaluation is made, and tough questions need to be asked and answered. For example: How far does this project/activity remain true to its original aims and values? What insights or events or teaching from the Bible connect with this situation? What needs to be changed to make this situation better and of greater value for all concerned?

During this time of reflection and evaluation, it may be that a Kairos Experience emerges. Such experiences cannot be predicted or ordered, but are unlikely to happen unless the participants are in an open and receptive frame of mind. As well as time for prayer and reflection, taking time out, or engaging in a 'Creative Thinking' activity may result in greater receptivity.

Evaluation and reflection should never be rushed, and certainly never missed out! The major part of the time spent working through the process needs to be spent on this step.

A well-facilitated time of reflection using the Faith-Based Facilitation process will usually lead to decisions the participants can own and put into practice.

If it proves difficult to reach agreement it can be helpful to make a list of all possible options for action. Groups or individuals can then list the positives and negatives of each option. As these are shared in the larger group it may be that agreement will begin to emerge. Sometimes it may be difficult to reach complete agreement in a group for a particular course of action. If this happens it will be necessary for the facilitator to bring the group to a majority decision, seeking as much consensus as possible.

To make sure that the agreed decision is acted upon, it is helpful to ask:

• What resources are available to implement the plan? How will the gaps be filled?
• Who will be responsible for each of the agreed plans and when will they be carried out?
• What training and/or support may be needed?
• What safeguards need to be included?
• How should problems be approached?
• Who needs to be told about the plans and who will let them know?
• When will progress be reviewed?

Translating decisions into action is vital. Remember to list the action points, assess the impact of the action and collect appropriate data.

This will be needed during steps two and three of the next cycle. And then it continues: the Faith-Based Facilitation process does not stop at the last step, but continues on and on. After Step 5 Action, the changes made will lead to a new cycle:

• A new Step 1 Event or Issue: The action taken resulting from this process will lead to transformation and so there will be a 'new experience' at Step 1.
• A new Step 2 Describe and Analyse: A new description and analysis of the changed situation will be needed. (It is important to do this carefully. You may be surprised to discover how many changes the action has brought about.)
• A new Step 3 Reflect and Evaluate: This is the vital point where the changes brought about by the action can be reflected on and evaluated. It is essential to do this before continuing with any further action. It may be helpful to take a break at this step, to see what impact the action already taken may have in the longer term.

Unexpected ideas can occur at any step of the Faith-Based Facilitation process but especially during the times of reflection and evaluation and decision. People of faith can often sense God at work in these moments. A 'Kairos Experience' is the term used to describe these occasions.

There is a well known example of a Kairos Experience in Salvation Army history. William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army said to his wife, Catherine, when he returned home after a meeting in the East End of London: 'Darling, I have found my destiny.' He felt God leading him in a particular way. William Booth had a Kairos Experience.

Much earlier, The Bible records that Peter, the disciple who had been with Jesus for a couple of years, eventually recognised who Jesus was and said: 'You are the Christ the Son of the living God.' (Matthew 16:16 NIV). Jesus told many stories about people having unexpected ideas, such as the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) when the young man 'came to his senses' (v17) after a number of bad experiences and a long time of reflection. It was a Kairos experience that led to a wonderful reunion with his father.

Kairos is a Greek word (καιρoς) that isn't easy to translate into other languages – it means something like 'God's moment' or 'the right time'. Such flashes of inspiration may come when we are not actively seeking them. New insight may also happen gradually and not necessarily at a specifically defined 'moment'. Faith-Based Facilitation understands these experiences to be the work of God. Christians find the Bible, prayer and times of reflection can stimulate and lead to a Kairos experience.

Kairos experience has been placed at the centre of the diagram to indicate the presence and influence of God in all aspects of life. It reminds people of faith of the importance of always integrating beliefs with actions and the promise that God is always present.