Now, at last, a name has been proposed that is simple but illustrates the 'philosophical idea' of these 'focus' or 'portfolio' ministries. Dan Wooding of Assist News Service in Los Angles has helped in clarifying such a name.
It is 'Global Gatherings of Fellowship for Focus Leaders' (GGFFL).
Now, at last they will have an identity whenever a few or many of them meet as professionals, anywhere in the world.
'Global' illustrates its universal application; 'Gatherings' is a plural, as in anywhere, any time. 'Fellowship' denotes a lack of formal organisation or association; 'Focus Leaders' illustrates the type of ministry leadership;
South African-Australian Reverend Dr David Smethurst, Australian Reverend Dr Mark Tronson and the American Dr Sam Mings recently affirmed that the group should forge ahead with the concept. These three have each been in ministry for over 30 years. Already Dan Wooding has recognised its benefit.
This name does not reflect an organisation, nor does it reflect an association; rather it reflects Jesus' words, 'When two or three are gathered in my Name ..."
It is descriptive, not prescriptive. The 'words' may be engaged by anyone at any time anywhere in the world, when such 'focus' or 'portfolio' Christians leaders meet for fellowship over a coffee or a lunch. Similar support groups exist for Ministers who have congregations of a 1000 or more, and the like.
Dr Sam Mings based in Fort Worth - Dallas Texas, is the president and founder of Lay Witnesses for Christ International, 'Chaplains to the World''s Olympians'. Since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic teams of LWFCI personnel have ministered to every Olympic Games and major Track and Field Tournament around the world.
David Smethurst Ministries takes in the African continent, parts of Eastern Europe and the Lebanon, as well as Western Europe including the British Isles and of course Australasia. He supports orphanages in Eastern Europe and the Lebanon, he speaks six languages including Zulu and Estonian and has been a chaplain at the last three Olympic Games.
Mark Tronson has Olympic and cricket ministry credentials and is chairman of Well-Being Australia, which operates athlete respite in association with the Australian Institute of Sport. He has recently developed the Australian Missionary News IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) – television on the Internet.
There are thousands upon thousands of such Christian leaders engaged in focus or portfolio ministries around the world such as Dan Wooding. They and their families live by faith financial support and are highly motivated, they work tirelessly and passionate for the Lord's Calling upon their lives.
They are often misunderstood and called eccentrics, because their framework is often Holy Spirit intuition rather than empirical analysis. These pioneers generally leave behind them foundations from which others can carry on their life's work.
In this sense, the concept of 'fellowship' rings true and it to this philosophical idea that Smethurst, Tronson, Mings and Wooding, among numerous others have enveloped.
M V Tronson interviewed David Smethurst on the Australian Missionary News IPTV recently, the full interview can be viewed at either tv.bushorchestra.com or www.safeworlds.net