GlocalNet

Today I got a couple of emails from churches that we’ve mentored and planted that are working around the world now - they are doing their “own thing” and telling their “own stories” and it excites me beyond measure.  For this stuff to really work though, it has to go to the grass roots level.  I was forwarded this email sent to another pastor. I post it because pastors always ask how do you get the church to think and act this way . . . this letter has clues. . . . . read on . . . . .

I just wanted to drop you guys a short note of thanks!
AAAAA and I came here two years ago after BBBBB’s initial disability diagnosis. Our ministry goals, finances, and self esteem were devastated.  It really meant a lot that you looked beyond all that and accepted us. Northwood has been a very healing place for us.
We have relocated to CCCCC due to the job transition, but I wanted to express my appreciation for being so kind to our family. You guys are very special.
In fact, I was just telling another pastor of a large Metroplex church why I thought Northwood was so special based upon my conversations with new members for two years. Pastors know Northwood primarily for its church planting history. People in Keller respect Northwood for excellent teaching, groups, worship, kids church, teen ministry, and facilities. However, these two qualities surfaced repeatedly as unique reasons why new members respected Northwood and I thought I would pass it on:
1.)  Egalitarianism: Northwood promotes a sense of equality among the people. Members do not feel pressured to look like a Dilliard’s model, Gap merchandiser, or the member of garage band to attend the church or join the worship team. They do not feel less spiritual or less popular than the staff. This feeling of “safety” is created because the staff is not surrounded by an entourage after service. Staff members do routine tasks like Mrs. Roberts who occasionally serves as a greeter. The leaders do not glamorize youth or over-emphasize natural ability. The staff has fought the tendency to allow fashion and sensuality to dominate the church culture. The people in leadership and on stage do not distract guests, but look normal and modest. 
2.)  Internationalism: Northwood creates a sense of connection and mission with believers around the world. Members feel a part of a global family of believers. The global interaction adds salt, or an interesting sense of Biblical perspective, to our American paradigm. This is achieved by the formation of long term relationships with non-celebrity foreign nationals and allowing them to speak honestly. Partnering, empowering, inviting, and learning from them adds a vital part of Northwood’s culture. Nothing counteracts the tendency toward American pettiness in a congregation like listening to a foreign leader or pastor.
I hope you find these two observations somewhat interesting as you continue to study your DNA. So many churches find these two qualities very elusive - even among “casual” churches.  As one new Christian said, “Northwood is the first church where I feel normal.”  It takes skill and dedication to successfully make people feel valuable. Most of all, it takes uniquely caring staff members.
Thanks again for accepting our family and allowing us to serve despite our financial, health, and time struggles. It has meant a great deal.