Tapestry

I am fascinated by the Tapestry ministry at Irving Bible Church. Specifically, I am most interested in the Small Groups and the Traveling Companions components, as well.

Here is some information I took from the conference as well as resources they have online. There is so much more information, but this is a start for some of the key areas I see:

• Practical Ideas for Adoption & Foster Care Ministries: this is my favorite article which describes some great ideas for a ministry and things we may want to focus on. They put a strong priority on families connecting in small group settings, building a ministry around the needs and not the other way around, using stories as a powerful way to connect with other's minds and hearts (but carefully vetting their stories to make sure there is a balance or reality and hope), having fun, and not forgetting about the guys (So Now What Do We Do? Practical Ideas for Adoption and Foster Care Ministries)
  
• Traveling Companions: this is a very important program that helps families providing foster care or adoption a means to gather the support around them that they need to be successful. It is not creating a giant call center with people's needs on one side and a list of people on the other side that are willing to help. Based on my understanding, it is a way that you gather support from family and friends so there are a few families that provide the majority of the support you need and you develop really deep and strong relationships. I am getting more information from both Tapestry and Embrace that have more information, but some information can be found here. I hope to have more information on this piece soon.
  
• Tapestry's Focus: education, support, and community involvement. They originally began with more of an adoption focus, and now incorporate foster care as well. (Tapestry's Ministry Plan from 2006)
• Challenges: Getting key leadership on board and focusing steadily on what God is calling us to (No One Said This Would Be Easy: Challenges to Expect in Adoption and Foster Care Church Ministry)

I look forward to hearing your comments on this and also seeing more of the items that you are finding. God is doing some great things!