Service Based Congregations The Ultimate Goal

Understanding the CONCEPT: 1. The Service Base Church (SBC) concept has been developed as a strategy to use church resources in host cities as bases for TUG outreach initiatives. 2. The aim is to develop a national network of SBC’s in order to have a platform for the sharing of information in order to facilitate effective outreach through these strategically placed venues. 3. SBC’s should develop their own programmes, but TUG are also requesting that these churches avail their facilities to the broader body of Christ. 4. The strategy must always be inclusive of churches and Christian ministries that wish to partner in this initiative.

The VISION 1. The vision is to have at least one Service Base Church for each playing venue, and one for each official Public Viewing venue or Fan Zone. 2. In a city where there is more than one SBC near a venue, we would seek to have leaders from those churches working together on a combined strategy (This is happening in Tshwane between DRC and Baptist churches near Loftus for the Confederation Cup).

OVERVIEW of strategy: What church can qualify as a Service Base Church? Churches with a vision to reach football fans (local and international) during the FIFA 2010 World Cup™ Churches within a short radius (2-3km) of the 2010 stadiums. Churches within a short radius of an official FIFA venue (e.g. fan park, public viewing). Churches within the FIFA red zone (but see 5. below) Churches with physical facilities that can be utilised for outreach events – e.g. Church hall, car park, sports hall, coffee bar, youth centre. Churches that have access to land near them that could be utilised for outreach events – e.g. neighbouring park. Churches with people resource who are willing to serve during 2010 outreach. Churches that can provide hospitality to mission teams who can partner with them.

OVERVIEW of strategy: Who will utilise the Service Base Churches? The church itself for their own programmes and outreach initiatives. Local church networks within the city (possibly through TUG local steering committees) who will partner with an SBC for effective outreach. International touring teams who require operational/logistical bases for their outreach (in partnership with the above). Possibly FIFA, local government and other agencies.

OVERVIEW of strategy: What kind of outreach can be conducted? [This list is not exhaustive but is given as some examples] TUG Sports: primary strategies - clinics; futsal; tournaments. 24-7 prayer Information Centre + Emergency assistance Coffee Shop + Fan Services Public Viewing (showing games from the other cities) Language services + Hospitality (mission teams or official hospitality) Connecting point for official volunteers Tract / dvd distribution + Welcoming teams (e.g. at Park and Rides or Airports) Concerts + Festivals (including face painting etc.) Water stations Etc. Etc.

OVERVIEW of strategy: What about relationships with Host Cities and FIFA? The goal of having a coordinated TUG SBC strategy is to help obtain and disseminate key information pertaining to the do’s and don’ts surrounding 2010... particularly in relation to branding and activities. The goal is also to facilitate effective communication between local churches and the host cities/FIFA. If TUG SBC’s have good relationships with the LOC’s in each city, then this could provide unique opportunities for serving those cities.

OVERVIEW of strategy: How to become a Service Base Church?  If a church fulfils the criteria within 1. above, then they can register with TUG as a Service Base Church. A registration form needs to filled on a) what that particular church is hoping to do during the event, and b) how other churches/touring teams can connect with that Service Base Church. All this information then will be made available through the Service Base Church page on the website.

Lessons Learned Use Churches outside the red zone (Lock-down area) – no access allowed. In choosing a SBC look at location – easy access, in areas where there is already lots of activity. Organise activities around congregational strengths Use fan mile or Big screen opportunities. Important: permission on activities need to be granted by business and security. Make use of small groups and small events (not larger that 10 people attending) Municipal regulations – fire, security etc. Assistance from outer city churches important – inner city churches mostly lack resources.