The Executive Team (ET) is responsible for executing the mission and advancing CAN’s vision. Its main activities include praying, planning, and strategically implementing action steps. ET members come from diverse backgrounds, and their primary goal is to assist churches, organizations, and groups and equip their members to develop a lifestyle of witnessing. It is formed at the city, state, and country levels. The ET members are CAN representatives.
Responsibilities of ET
A) Ministry Expansion
The executive team works together to expand the mission. The two main CAN ministry strategies are Likable Christian events and Witnessing Framework mentoring.
1. Likable Christian Events
These are conferences, seminars, or workshops to help Christians be a godly influence on those around them and the community at large. The likable Christian events are designed to raise awareness, foster learning, and provide basic training in witnessing. The ET determines the timing and location for these events. They are organized by CAN or in collaboration with churches and other organizations.
A likable Christian does not mean being soft, nice, giving, or loving. It is way more than that. It is being a Christian that others trust, admire, and desire to follow.
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2. Witnessing Framework Mentoring
It is a one-year mentoring program (or longer if the team chooses) designed to assist churches, organizations, and groups in equipping their members to develop a witnessing lifestyle. It provides an app-based framework that connects Christians in a team of their choice, a system to keep them engaged, and provides personalized support.
The ET is the implementation team. They onboard the Mobilizing Team (churches, organizations, or groups). The MT mobilizes its members to join the Witnessing Team (WT) to develop a witnessing lifestyle so those around them may experience Christ and believe in Him. The following functions enable the MT to expand the ministry effectively.
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a) Pray
Pray together and seek God’s guidance at every step. The team serves God and His purposes; therefore, it must seek His will and ways at every step. The team may gather information and build a database of churches, organizations, influential Christian individuals, and demographic data, as needed, to seek God specifically.
b) Connect
The ET should continuously engage with individuals, churches, organizations, and groups to build relationships and mobilize Christians as witnesses. They identify leaders and influencers within churches, organizations, and groups to introduce the Witnessing Framework. They also take every opportunity to share the vision at CAN-organized events and at events they are invited to, to build meaningful connections. The team may also create additional strategies to foster connections.
c) Present
1. Present the CAN vision, mission, and strategies.
2. Respond genuinely to their concerns.
3. Help them understand the benefits of the Witnessing Framework.
a) Follow up
Follow up with those who attended the presentation until they respond, either positively or negatively.
b) Refer
If they are willing, request them to refer others in their circle of influence who may benefit from the Witnessing Framework.
d) Form Mobalizing Team (MT)
Refer to the section Mobilizing Team (MT) for more information. (link)
B) Organization Development
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Establish a sound administrative system
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Develop a strategic plan, budget, and action steps
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Initiate a strategy for fund development
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Recruit staff to fulfill responsibilities.
Roles in ET
A) Executive Team (ET) Leader
An Executive Team Leader organizes and leads the ET at the Country, State, or City/Town level. The leader is someone passionate about the mission to assist churches and equip their members to become witnesses. The leader guides the team and is responsible for its smooth operation. The leader ensures the team meets regularly to pray, plan, and share tasks to fulfill the responsibilities.
Preferred abilities of the leader
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Ability to identify and invite people to become part of ET.
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Ability to initiate, motivate teams, and inspire collaboration.
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Ability to set clear goals, effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and manage people.
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Ability to communicate verbally, in writing, and through presentations to convey ideas and build relationships.
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Ability to work with different denominations and doctrinal perspectives.
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Ability to preach, teach, and train.
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Ability to grasp the basics of technology.
A) Executive Team (ET) Member
ET Members are those who are invited by the ET Leader to assist them in fulfilling the responsibilities of ET. They work alongside the ET Leader in fulfilling the responsibilities required to effectively expand the mission.
Core Values
Core values serve as the guiding principles that underpin the ET’s culture. They provide guidance on interpersonal relationships, foster trust, enhance efficiency, and ultimately influence the ministry's overall success and reputation.
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Appreciation: We acknowledge and appreciate one another's contributions by expressing appreciation openly, clearly, and in meaningful ways.
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Accountability: We take responsibility for accepted duties. We hold each other accountable in all aspects of our work.
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Communication: We promote a culture of transparency, respect, and openness in all interactions.
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Integrity: We ensure that our attitudes, words, and actions are rooted in genuine intent rather than pretense.
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Conflict Resolution: We approach interpersonal challenges with empathy, active listening, and mutual understanding.
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Innovation: We embrace innovative ideas that address the needs of a constantly evolving world by fostering a mindset that encourages bold concepts and transformative solutions.
CAN & Church
Most churches are occupied with their own programs and initiatives and might feel they don’t need another one. Some churches find it hard to get their members involved actively. A common concern among church leaders is that parachurch organizations could take important people and financial resources away from the church. As a result, church leaders might see CAN as a competitor rather than a help. Therefore, ET members should approach this with understanding, wisdom, and humility to maintain a positive engagement.