Grow Local Partnerships

Written By Michal Baken

Grow Local Partnerships are strategic investments aimed at fostering growth, momentum, and new expressions of Next Gen ministry.

What is Grow Local?

Grow Local is a partnership between the Next Gen Team and a local Salvation Army community. It begins with a period of 6-12 months of strategic coaching, personalised to support the community to prioritise Next Gen.

During this time, a coach—either from the Next Gen Team or an external specialist—works closely with your leadership team to:

  • Clarify what prioritising Next Gen looks like in your context

  • Identify existing strengths and resources

  • Support practical steps toward change

Who Can Apply?

Grow Local Partnerships are open to any kind of Salvation Army Community.

As part of the initial application process, TSA communities will need to demonstrate: 

  • Clear alignment of their strategic mission plan(s) and prioritisation of Next Gen ministry, as evidenced by their Mission Plan and completion of the ‘Next Generation Prioritisation Assessment Tool for Salvation Army Communities’. 

  • Engagement and readiness to implement learnings from the coaching at leadership and membership/staff team levels. 

What Happens Next?

Applications are considered in March and September by the Grow Local Group.

Following the strategic coaching period, Salvation Armycommunities may be considered for further Grow Local investment, which can include seed funding for up to three years and ongoing coaching.

To move forward, communities must demonstrate:

·       Next Gen is their top strategic priority, reflected in both planning and practice

·       A clear three-year Next Gen ministry plan (using Next Gen Team tools and templates)

·       Strong, shared commitment across leadership and the wider community

What to Expect

Grow Local Partnerships involve a significant commitment from all parties. The application process includes several months of conversation, discernment, and consultation.

If you are interested in applying for a Grow Local Partnership, please connect with the Next Gen Funding Specialist—Michal

FAQs

How do I know if a Grow Local Partnership is right for my community?

The best place to start is a conversation. Please connect with the Next Gen Funding Specialist — Michal Baken — to explore whether Grow Local is a good fit for your context.

Who needs to be involved in the application process?

This will vary depending on the shape of your Salvation Army community, but should include:

  • Next Gen leaders

  • Local leadership and/or staff

  • The Next Gen Team

  • Area Officers

  • Mission Leads

Where can I find the application forms?

Application forms are provided as part of the initial conversation process. Please connect with the Next Gen Funding Specialist — Michal Baken — to begin.

Who decides which TSA communities are accepted for Grow Local Partnerships?

Applications are reviewed by a Grow Local Group, with the following membership:

  • Alana LePine (Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary, Chair)

  • Michal Baken (Next Gen Funding Specialist, Secretary)

  • Naomi Tong (Next Gen Team Representative)

  • Pauleen Richards (Mission Support Stream Lead)

  • Stu Tong (Territorial Secretary of Mission)

  • Blair Dale (Assistant Territorial Secretary for Personnel)

  • Sarah Green (Business Administration Support Team Leader)

  • Richard Kerr-Bell (Te Tumu Whakarae, Te Tai Hono)

Michal Baken
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