OpportunitiesJoin Us in Serving the Community of Austin
What Can You Do?
You can pray, invest, recruit, connect, collaborate, create, volunteer, train or serve. We rely on support from people like you—people who want to make a difference in the lives of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized. People who want to engage the resources of leaders and the church in these tasks. People who believe our communities can be transformed. See the Interested in Volunteering section on this page for more.
"As an organization chartered with community renewal, Community New Start (CNS) faced the enormous challenge of transitioning from a single I can humbly say that we couldn't have made a fraction of the progress we've made in the last year without the active support from ABBA. Under Bob Sleet's leadership, ABBA embraced both our need and vision, and teamed up with us to not only introduce us to the key pastors, influential spiritual leaders, and marketplace leaders, but to stay involved with us to insure that lasting relationships were formed and opportunities for collaborative ministry were discovered, all for the glory of God. There is no other single organization in Austin that CNS considers more strategic to our future than ABBA".
Ron Harris
Chairman of Community New Start
Interested in Volunteering?
Does what we do sound like what you love to do? Then we'd like to talk. We'll set up an interview to see how your gifts fit the needs of our partners, who might even welcome you more warmly than we do. You can start by sending us an email or calling Bob Sleet at (512) 680-5007.
"The residents of Austin, Texas, are fortunate to have a group of people who are passionate about living out their Christian faith by making a difference in lives of the poor, widowed, migrant, sick, imprisoned, homeless, and oppressed. This group, Austin Bridge Builders Alliance (ABBA), is committed to a set of values that is rooted in the Biblical mandate to serve and renew. It is a pleasure and honor to call the members of this alliance my friends and I wish them the very best in their efforts."
Bob Buford
Author, Halftime
Founder, Leadership Network
Halftime Workshop for Austin
Two years ago, ABBA introduced Austin to a Halftime Workshop where 118 people enrolled. Halftime Workshops are targeted primarily at middle-aged adults who are a success in their vocation and are attempting to discern how to make the transition from success to significance. The Workshops provide attendees with an assessment of their gifts, aid in the development of a personal mission statement and provide guidance for transforming that mission statement into an active life plan.
On October 6, 2004, ABBA will host another Halftime Workshop for Austin, from 8AM – 3:30PM at First Evangelical Free Church. The keynote speaker will be Bob Buford, author of Halftime, with workshop facilitation by Lloyd Reeb, President of the Halftime organization. Several local business leaders will provide personal testimonies regarding the impact of their faith walk on their business and community life. ABBA will also help facilitate follow-up opportunities for the workshop attendees which may include the following: facilitating and encouraging individuals to seek out small group Bible study in churches and the workplace, discipleship opportunities and service in specific ministries. To learn more visit the Halftime website at » www.halftime.org. To register, contact the ABBA office via email or phone: (512) 680-5007.
"Thanks very much for a most informative workshop.
You opened my eyes to a new way of looking at my second half. I have also
taken seriously the idea of a quiet time with the Scripture over the last
two weeks and my relationships at home and work are changing. You folks
are on to something good."
—Anonymous Halftime Participant
New Pastors Orientation
ABBA has gathered a team of experienced ministry leaders to develop a New Pastors' Orientation. The purpose of the orientation is to provide pastors an opportunity to learn about the characteristics and needs of the Central Texas region from local government officials, business and faith community leaders; to connect with other clergy in the city; and to have personal interaction with government officials. This model has been successfully carried out in Chicago and Seattle, and early responses from pastors and Austin city officials are quite positive. ABBA intends to offer pastor orientations on a yearly basis and hopes to include existing pastors in future sessions. The first orientation is scheduled for October 12 and 13, 2004. To learn more or to get involved, contact the ABBA office via email or phone: (512) 680-5007.
Dr. Ray Bakke Returns to Austin
In early 2004, ABBA hosted a series of meetings and presentations by Dr. Ray Bakke, the founder and Chancellor of Northwest Graduate School for the Ministry and President of International Urban Associates, for ABBA partners and area ministers. Dr. Bakke, who is a noted international missiologist and author of A Theology As Big As The City, helped the group cast a vision for city and community transformation in Austin, Texas. In addition, he offered suggestions on ways ABBA could bless the city.
Dr. Bakke will be returning to Austin February 10-13, 2005 for further meetings to encourage and coach area ministers and ABBA partners on community renewal and city transformation. Additionally, he will be facilitating a joint Missions Committee meeting comprised of the Missions Committees of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, Covenant Presbyterian Church, and Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church to enable them to cast a collaborative vision. Dr. Bakke will also be preaching on February 13 at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church. You can read more about Ray and his ministry on Dr. Bakke's » gospelcom.net bio page. We'll be posting registration information in the coming months.
What Else Can You Do?
We rely on support from people like you—people who want to make a difference in the lives of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized. People who want to engage the resources of leaders and the church in these tasks. People who believe our communities can be transformed.
You can pray, invest, recruit, connect, collaborate, create, volunteer, train or serve. To find out more about the role you could play with ABBA, write to us or call Bob Sleet at (512) 680-5007 so we can set up a time to hear how your gifts and experiences align with the needs of our current partners.
Austin Bridge Builders Alliance
Connecting, Coaching and Resourcing
© Austin Bridge Builders Alliance
5608 Parkcrest Drive, Suite 330 / Austin,Texas 78731
(512) 680-5007 info@abbaaustin.net