By Garry Sanossian
In November this year, Collective 2024 brought leaders of our network’s ministries together at Stanwell Tops to engage in Open Space Technology (OST) conversations centring around this convening question:
OST is a method of meeting which invites participants to set their own agendas and propose topics of conversation that matter most to them.
Anne Simpson, Network Ministry Co-ordinator and one of the key organisers of Collective, envisioned OST as a tool to foster empowering and meaningful dialogue across our network.
“We wanted to help our network have the conversations that matter most: those that are often hardest to have in community,” she said.
“OST is such an equalising process. It ensures every voice has validity, whether typically underrepresented or not.”
On Thursday afternoon, an electric energy surged in the room as delegates presented over 50 diverse discussion topics and wrote these on sticky notes on the ‘agenda wall’. Delegates then crowded around the wall to note down the conversation locations and time slots before dispersing to find and dive into their chosen ‘yarning circle’.
During discussions, all ‘yarners’ were equals, as convenors of conversations were instructed to facilitate contributions from around the circle to foster meaningful and authentic dialogue. A few simple principles guided this time, including that delegates were free to leave and join conversations as they pleased, seeking out conversations that stimulated them most.
This Open Space Technology method was facilitated by Michael Wood, an OST practitioner with over 20 years of experience.
“As the facilitator of the ‘Open Space’, I got the impression that people were engaging with the process positively. I sensed there was a lot of energy,” Mr Wood said.
“As far as I could see, people were having the conversations they wanted and needed to have.”
Barry Tramacchi, Pastor of Northside Turramurra Campus, participated in these conversations, and in reflection, he emphasised OST’s inclusivity and ability to give everyone a voice.
“The surprise for me was that every voice could be heard. That’s not something you get everywhere,” he said.
First-time Collective attendee Clinton Waters, from Dareton Youth and Community Centre, reflected on how OST created an empowering space for himself as a new-comer.
“Open Space Technology placed everyone on a level playing field. I ended up leading a conversation on ‘Restoring Struggling Churches,’” he said.
“Open Space Technology gave me the permission and encouragement to take a chance at starting a conversation where we were each able to learn something and encourage one another.”
For many participants, these conversations inspired shifts in how they approach community life. Kelly Hayduk, from Missionheart, shared how these discussions encouraged a shift toward collective thinking in her own community.
“I’ve started using ‘we’ and ‘us’ language at church instead of ‘I’ and ‘me.’ It’s a small change, but it’s helping to build a sense of community,” she said.
Jacinta Kang, a children’s ministry leader at Harvest Indonesian Church of Christ Auburn, shared that for her, the OST discussions revealed the potential for meaningful change in our network and communities.
“Open Space Technology discussions brought out what we really care about for the church,” she said.
“It’s not just talk. It’s about finding ways to make a difference.”
Turning conversations into kingdom impact together
As the open space conversation sessions closed on Friday morning, Michael Wood invited delegates to convene ‘action groups’. Some convenors of conversations then invited anyone who had resonated with ideas in the conversations to collaborate with them after the conference.
Some action groups have already created action plans based on their group’s conversations, aiming for tangible results and progress. These action plans have been included in the ‘Collective 24 Book of Proceedings’ (an unedited collection of all group-submitted ‘minutes’), which has been sent to all participants.
While OST resulted in meaningful dialogue, leaders across our network highlighted the necessity of transferring conversations into real-world action.
“I want to see these discussions result in real, tangible change,” Barry said.
Allan Vincent, Pastor at Dubbo Community Church, highlighted the need for OST conversations to drive actions that align with our network’s mission of discipleship and kingdom priorities.
“These conversations are only fruitful if they lead to tangible outcomes,” he said. “I’d love to see what the action groups accomplish and how their work contributes to the broader vision.”
Phil Briggs, Ministry Admin and Chair of Elders at Wagga Wagga Church of Christ, added that actionable results are essential for our network to move forward.
“There has to be a takeaway, something actionable,” he said.
One delegate planning their next steps to meet and start new initiatives is Kelly Hayduk. She shared her reflections on her group’s progress: “We’ve got a meeting before the end of the year, so that’ll be interesting to see what develops from there,” she said.
The conversations of Collective 2024 aimed to reveal what is stirring in our network’s ‘soil’. Open Space conversations provided leaders in our network with an opportunity to share and sharpen the ideas, desires, and questions that matter to them with others. We prayerfully anticipate that the ground broken together in meaningful dialogue at Collective 2024 will reap greater fruit in the year and years to come.
Want to continue the conversation?
In early 2025, the Network Resource Team will host an online session where Michael Wood will share insights about “Using Open Space Principles as a Paradigm for Leadership.”
“This will provide an opportunity for leaders in the network to explore the potential applications of ‘open space’ within local church communities. It will be an offering of valuable insights into how OST can support their roles as leaders,” Mr. Wood said.
Register your interest for Michael’s online event.
Curious about seeing the Book of Proceedings? Reach out at hello@ccnswact.org.au if you’d like to learn more.
Watch our Collective 24 Recap Video:
