Mission: REACT Services is a consulting ministry that guides and equips Christian ministries to harness the power of partnership for more effective Kingdom impact--primarily among people least reached by the Gospel.
A note from Brian O’Connell, President of REACT Services:
Over the last several years, God has been encouraging me to stay focused on making ministries, organizations and companies more effective. When I lived in Washington, DC during the mid-1980s, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with a writer for the Washington Post named Malcolm Gladwell. He is now the author of a couple of great books, including The Tipping Point. In the book he refers to something he calls a "connector," describing it like this:
"Paul Revere was able to galvanize the forces of resistance so effectively in part because he was a 'Connector.' He knew just about everybody, particularly the revolutionary leaders in each of the towns that he rode through. But Revere 'wasn't just the man with the biggest rolodex in colonial Boston, he was also a 'Maven' who gathered extensive information about the British. He knew what was going on and he knew exactly whom to tell."
This is the capacity that I have operated in all my life – being a "connector." Some have described this as a “bridge builder.” I thrive on brokering relationships and connecting them with the resources they might need to impact their communities and the world. I am energized by building the capacity of ministries and businesses. I have had the privilege being involved in several key ministries throughout my life so far and in each of them God has allowed me to gain more experience and understanding on how to make them the most effective they can be.
REACT Services is the platform through which the significant global network of relationships I've developed operate. Some have argued that we should call ourselves PROACT, because reaction does not imply an active involvement. However, we want to react to our client's needs, designing and tailoring a response that fits their unique situation. We do not bring our own program and try to force its way into an organization, we assist them in making what they want to do be more effective. Therefore, we REACT by:
R - Resourcing. We assist individuals, churches and organizations interested in leveraging their Kingdom investments by working with them to develop a more focused approach. Most do not have a giving plan or strategy and we help them to design their impact and involvement. We are working with key individuals and companies, helping them to evaluate where to increase their effectiveness through better giving strategies. We have also conducted objective research of projects and ministries to help donors find the right match for their interest and to assist them in knowing that their contributions are being put to good use.
E - Evaluating. What does the finish line look like? What does success look like? How do we evaluate whether what we are doing is having the desired effect? We come alongside our clients and facilitate the answers to these questions and more. We especially assist non-profit organizations in discovering what the key measurables are that can make them even more effective in accomplishing their goals.
A - Alliance building. One of the major 21st Century trends in outreach and missions is the way we can maximize resources by working together. This is the foundational value that defines all REACT does -- assisting groups in developing a more partnering friendly approach and learning to take more seriously the mandate of Jesus for the Body of Christ. We serve churches or agencies in developing an organizational culture more friendly to partnering.
C - Coaching. Much of our work focuses on coming alongside others in cultivating facilitating skills, strategic planning and organizational development. Most know what they need to do, but they often need encouragement, nurture and support.
T - Training. We offer a number of leadership training programs, seminars and workshops on partnering and collaboration. Though these address the principles and best practices, we often tailor them to the specific needs an organization or church. Click here (link) for a more detailed look at the training workshops and seminars we offer.
