Have you ever come face to face with an opportunity that is more perfectly suited to your current situation than anything you could have set up yourself?
The kind of opportunity that brings all of your seemingly disconnected visions and projects together into a cohesive focus. The kind of opportunity that allows you to use all of the strengths and gifts God gave you while also teaming up with amazing, like-minded people.
Have you been there?
Well, that is exactly what happened to us.
Over the last few years, we have been involved with an organization called Forge Sacramento. In case you’re not familiar with Forge Sacramento (or any of the 17 local hubs in the United States and 8 international hubs), their mission statement is simple: Training men and women to live as missionaries in their neighborhoods. (here is a link to the website if you want to read more)
Now, as you read that, you might have noticed that it is not all that different from the tagline here on our website: Helping everyday people live missional lives.
And, that is why we think this opportunity is so amazing.
As of January 1, 2017, we are the new directors of Forge Sacramento!
After participating in a 9-month residency in 2014 and joining the leadership team to coach new residents and help in a variety of other ways, we have now accepted the responsibility of leading this organization we hold so dearly in our hearts.
This is a big step for us, but it is also a very logical direction for us to go in. Everything that we have been working on here at joeandsarahcaples.com is very closely aligned to the work that Forge Sacramento has done and plans to continue. So, rather than feeling like a change in direction, this feels much more like a step forward.
What does it all mean?
What this new role means for us, it that all of the writing and training programs we had already planned will become more closely affiliated with an international organization. The largest organization there is whose focus is training people to live as missionaries within their current contexts.
We will continue to write and offer the training resources we have here on this website. And we will continue to share the things we learn as we live out this calling God has placed on our lives.
But, now, we will also be working more closely with the amazing leadership team we have already grown to love here at Forge Sacramento as well as the broader international Forge Mission Training Network. And, together, we will continue to find new and innovative ways to serve our local communities.
Wanna Help?
You’re probably reading this and thinking, “That’s nice, but what does it have to do with me?”
Well, you actually have a very important role in all of this. We need you!
We want Forge Sacramento to be known for the way we serve our local churches, schools, organizations, and every individual Christian.
We’ve been training Christians for a while now, and we are going to continue doing that. But we want to step up our game in the way we partner with Christians in Sacramento and beyond. We want to provide services, and trainings, and resources, and encouragement in a way that will be the most beneficial to those we serve.
And, that’s where you come in!
Over the coming weeks and months, we are going to be talking to pastors, small group leaders, and Christians just like you to make sure our efforts are being focused where they can make the most impact. And since, by following us here on our website, you’ve already shown that you share our desire to live every day like a sent missionary for God, we want to hear from you.
What could Forge Sacramento focus on in 2017 that would be the most helpful to you or the Christian community around you? What kinds of partnerships might be the most beneficial? In what ways could you envision yourself being a part of this movement?
If you have thoughts about any of this, would you please share them in the comments below or send Joe an email and share your thoughts? And, even if you don’t have anything specific to share, maybe you’d be open to answering a few questions. If so, email Joe and let him know.
We’re all in this together, and we want to make sure Forge Sacramento provides the kinds of help that is actually needed. Wherever you may be.