Collegium C offers up the following ten points of wisdom concerning the methodology of time­line making for the sake of the Church and on behalf of all mankind past, present, and future.

1. Have a common, comprehensive grasp of the theoretical and practical models down to the most specific level.

2. Work backwards imaginally from the comprehensive goals to the particular tactics.

3. Create an operating image which holds the activities for each block of time.

4. Correlate the valences and the electric grid to establish specific tactical priorities.

5. Consult procedures for each tactic to develop a sequential flow.

6. Identify specific tactics down to the supplementary level as the references for specific time­line activities.

7. Coordinate cadre, congregation, and parish time­lines and decide the relative expenditure for each one.

8. Use overall goals and operating images as references for specific tactical activities.

9. State activities so concretely that specific accountability and absolution can be applied.

10. Assure a common grasp of the situation, and hold a tension between the visionary tendencies and the practical realities of the existing church time­line, i.e. LOVE THE CHURCH!TIMELINE METHODOLOGY

The critical insights we gained were that:

1. Common language is essential.
2. It is important to honor the functional tactical model.
3. The timeline must be clear, practical, and permit flexibility.
4. The timeline is built from the future to the present.
5. A timeline communicates a symbolic message.
6. Its concretion of responsibilities creates anxieties.
7. Goals must be listed in priority.

The major blocks we encountered were:

1. Unclarity on the extent of the auxiliary's direct involvement.
2. Unclarity on "touching" versus "turning on" a tactic.
3. Difficulty in abandoning the subjectivity of one's previous experience.
4. Tendency to be abstract.
5. Unclarity about method.
6. Fear to risk.
7. Confusion as to the functions of the electric grid and valence chart.
8. Not knowing the correct questions to ask.

The principles of timeline methodology we learned were that:

1. A contextual statement is necessary before the brainstorming session.
2. Openness allows creativity.
3. The workshop dynamic is crucial, i.e., everyone's wisdom is necessary, no deviation from the task is permitted.
4. Persons must transcend their fear of failure.
5. It is helpful for small groups to focus the data on behalf of the total group.
6. It is necessary to begin even though there is no clarity on the method.
7. A three­dimensional timeline answering what you do, when you do it, and its effect on the other parts of the system is necessary to hold the complexity of our tactical system.
8. There is tension between the actual timeline and the expenditure of the auxiliary.
9. There is tension between imagina1 (tactical) and actual (procedural) timelines.
10. Vision produces energy.
11. A comprehensive context is crucial.
12. Internal checks on the validity of the methodology are necessary.

I. Methodologies for Timelining

1. Brainstorming and gestalting are essential.

2. Use available tools and data i.e. electric grid etc.

3. Rotate working teams first using large groups, then small groups, first one group then changing to different people etc.

4. Set goals of what needs to happen in the first month.

5. Timelines should be created beginning at 4^th week and working toward the first.

6. Create weekly timeline, then check the sequential flow individually by cadre, congregation and parish.

7. Cross­check timeline with valence chart.

8. Create a value scale of things that must be done and see which sub­tactics accomplish those values,

1. Insights regarding Timelining

1. There is a tendency to stress doing rather than knowing or being.
2. Timelining is a concrete job.
3. Timelining is charting the future.
4. Timelining is essential to become thoroughly grounded in a tactic.
5. Timelining is exciting and overwhelming.
6. A timeline points to the possibilities of the model.
7. Gestalting is necessary at every level.
8. Develop a rationale for week I/II constructs.
9. Remember there are 3 congregations,
10. Select an image which clearly holds the activity appearing on the timeline.
11. Develop an adequate criss­cross of sub-tactics.
12. Discern thrust and style of each week's activity.
13. The life style of the auxiliary must be exhibited immediately. The first two weeks are not times for just listening.
14. Remember ­- THERE IS NO MESSIAH!
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

TIMELINE - BUILDING INSIGHTS (FOR AUXILLARY)
VISION	ANALYSIS	METHODOLOGY	AUXILLARY IMAGE
Timeline	Tactics Operating	Presuppositions T/L for whom	Self Story
Time-block Image	Present Forces	Corporate Wisdom	Behalf of All
Common Context	Contradictions	Long - Range Context	Church Relations
Electric Grid	Symbolic	Timing	Dynamic