Organization

While Imago Christi is formally a “team” within CRM, its foundational organization and functional nature is relational and organic rather than task driven. The lifestyle of the team is that of a covenant community, or an order whose life together is the force out of which ministry emerges. Therefore the word “team” is used in that context.

Re: CRM

                              Initially, Imago Christi is an Innovation Team (iTeam) within CRM US, but will include members of various CRM divisions.                                Internal Structure

                        There are two convictions that guide the formation and structure of Imago Christi organization: 1) Spiritual formation occurs most powerfully in the midst of committed community relationships centered on God. We therefore need a “core covenant” dimension of the team and of its leadership. 2) For spiritual formation development to be of use to the Church in our global society, it is best approached cross-culturally and internationally. Therefore a “missional” dimension of involvement will allow for a wider participation in the team.

                              Leadership Triad: Leadership of Imago Christi is provided through a “leadership triad” which includes the Team Leader and two other members of the Core Team. This triad will work together to provide organization and leadership for the Imago Christi ministry and facilitate the leadership process within the Core Team. The Team Leader will remain the accountability person within the CRM organization. The Team Leader is Tom Ashbrook, and Bill O'Byrne and Endi Kovacs are the other two members.

                                    Core Covenant Members: This covenant community (made up of CRM Staff) participate based upon a specific covenant, similar to a rule, and function much like an “order” in the historical monastic sense, except that the multi-divisional participation necessitates dual reporting relationships of many of the members. Leadership and direction for Imago Christi comes from within this group. The covenant includes the following foci: (See the Covenant of Imago Christi.)

U                  A Foundational Calling

U                  A Lifestyle of Personal Spiritual Formation

U                  Accountability within the Community

U                  A Ministry of Spiritual Formation

                                    Missional Members: This expanded group includes other CRM staff and other Christian leaders, whose passion and ministry direction coincide with Imago Christi’s vision, values, and/or covenant, but who’s calling and commitments do not allow full participation or involvement in the Core Covenant Community. Missional members may become core members as the Lord leads, and by establishing some affiliation with CRM. Missional members may also follow the Imago Christi Rule if they choose, but will not be held accountable within Imago Christi.