Affinity Working Group grantee Michael Mata shared a recent update on his group:
The guys (yes, all males) are very busy people. In addition to their respective ministry responsibilities, two are completing their doctorates. Another, who has an earned DMin, has been assisting his wife with her business (an expanding child-care program). Regretfully, one of them felt a need to drop out as he was already being part of another group, in addition, again, to his regular ministry responsibilities.
As Michael sought to include another individual to fill out the group, it became apparent that the prospective candidates were already over-committed. Nonetheless, the working group has met either in person or online for three scheduled times (or one-on-one if an individual could not join the scheduled time —usually there was an unexpected demand on their time). They have kept abreast with each other via email and social media.
Their times together, from the start, have been greatly appreciated: just to stop and reflect on their respective work (e.g., what brings your joy? What is your greatest challenge(s)?) but also to be themselves on a personal level. All are already highly capable and bright individuals so a feeling of comfort being with “peers”—no need to establish credibility or status—has been sacred time (doesn’t hurt we meet over a meal when in-person). He is honored to be with them and humbled by their appreciation to hear his stories.
They have elected to read together Greg Boyle’s last book “Barking at the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship” and some will meet at the CCDA annual conference held this year in Portland, OR. At the next scheduled time together they will begin to discuss other resources to enhance their engagement in community transformation.