Community
CDT is part of a wide community of likeminded people who are passionate to see change in the Christian sector. We aim to encourage and, when appropriate, help to equip people and organisations to work more collaboratively in order to practically resource the Christian sector.
CDT is keen to build a greater sense of interdependence and joint vision. We realise there are challenges in holding the polarity of cooperation, consensus and community, when some community members hold professional roles that may be regarded as being in competition. We realise that we may be being "counter cultural". However, we believe it is only by working in collaboration with others that we will see the vision fulfilled.
By the sector - for the sector
The concepts and niche resources have been developed "by the sector - for the sector", with input from a number of Christian organisations and individuals. As a small neutral trust, CDT was created to protect intellectual property and to be guardians of the whole. Thus CDT aims to ensure that progress made is retained for the benefit of the whole Christian sector, rather than possibly being "lost" within the wider agenda of any one organisation or aligned with any particular theological position or brand. The Trust is not about making financial profit or promoting individuals or a brand, but rather about promoting a vision, ethos and way of working.
People and Organisations in the overall community
CDT connects those who are passionate to see change on the inside of the Christian Sector. They are involved either formally or informally. They may be independent individuals - for example a Christian lawyer, a public policy adviser, a CEO, a minister, an HR lead, a consultant, or a person called to pray for change. Alternatively, a whole organisation - for example a parachurch or support organisation - may wish to join the CDT community, in which case they would be represented by one or more individuals.
Sub sections of the community
CDT aims to facilitate the building and equipping of communities of people and organisations to bring about change. Some examples of those involved in the CDT community are:
- Individual players within the Christian sector - our aim is to encourage and equip individuals who in turn increase their impact on the sector through their different spheres of influence. The CDT sometimes runs seminars to this end. The next one is Spring 2011
- Consultants to Christian Organisations - encouraging and equipping to promote CDT's vision, resources and services to their current and potential clients. Those who choose to train as Aspire Advisers become part of a community of practice of consultants working together (rather than competing with one another for business) for the common goal of change in the sector. Consultants who prefer not to become Aspire Advisers are equally encouraged to operate in such a collaborative way and welcomed as members of the wider community.
- Professionals within Christian Organisations - CDT maintains positive links with the Christian EAHR network. CDT encourages those responsible for HR or Personnel in Christian organisations, and others in the field, to join the network in order to maximise effectiveness and minimise duplication.
- Support Organisations to the Christian sector - CDT is active in building partnerships with organisations serving the Christian sector to create greater synergy.