Discovering
a new vision
An established organization
Koinonia was founded in Americus, Georgia, in 1942 by Clarence
Jordan, a man with lifelong passion to give practical and tangible
everyday expression to the teachings of Christ. This expression
resulted in visible and locally unpopular challenges to segregation,
racism and the violence of militarism and war.
From the beginning through the present, Koinonia has been short-term
and long-term home to thousands of volunteers sharing aspects of
the Koinonia vision, local residents in need and members of an intentional
community, sometimes sharing a common purse.
Need for new vision
Now, years later, Koinonia Partners wished to update their vision
and redefine their mission. Lenny Jordan, son of Clarence, was instrumental
in leading Koinonia to call Jerry Kennell of Advancement Associates
early in 2003. Jerry suggested a visioning retreat that would involve
representatives from those impacted one way or another by Koinonia.
That event took place in late April. Attending were present and
former board members, staff, residents on the property, local business
and church leaders, several donors and long-standing associates
as well as newcomers to Koinonia.
Glimpses of a new vision
While the mission to be a “demonstration plot for the Kingdom
of God” remains unchanged and just as relevant as ever, the
people attending the visioning retreat recognized that things have
changed over the years. The current board of directors identified
critical issues to be addressed in future programming for Koinonia.
Strategies for tomorrow
Following the visioning retreat, Jerry Kennell studied the critical
issues as well as the various initiatives outlined by Koinonia and
then sent a comprehensive proposal to David Castle, chair of the
Board of Directors. He recommended four professional services that
AAI believes can be helpful to Koinonia Partners.
- An audit and development program for the board of directors
- Internal and external communication audits and a plan for communications
- Fund raising review, plan and implementation support
- Stakeholder planning process and support
