City Leaders: Dominion Principle
City spiritual leaders
In the Marriage CoMission, the term “city spiritual leaders” refers to the recognized spiritual shepherds in a community, most often clergy members, but also pillars in the community known for their wisdom and commitment to the well-being of the city.
City business and civic leaders are men and women who substantially “run” the city. The combined influence of these two groups represent the established “rule and authority” in a community – they have dominion. The City Dominion Principle recognizes the authority and responsibility that this group carries, knowing that when these leaders choose to work together in their community to achieve a common goal, the job will get done.
By positioning city marriage initiatives under the dominion of local leadership, we believe that the local City Marriage Initiative staff will have the opportunities and resources necessary to be effective and enduring catalysts for stronger marriages in that community. The Marriage CoMission in turn seeks to serve City Leaders who have responded to the call to pursue the peace and prosperity of marriage and family in their community, helping them to succeed in their strategies and implementation.
The Dominion Principle and City Marriage Initiative Boundaries: The Dominion Principle sheds some light on what the boundaries of a City Marriage Initiative are. A guideline when considering the natural boundaries of a City Marriage Initiative is to identify the City Leaders (dominion holders) in a community and the general geographic area of their influence.
The Dominion Principle and the Function of Marriage CoMission Allies: The Dominion Principle also sheds light on the role and function of individual partners in our allied force. Our partners are naturally passionate about being good stewards of the gifts, resources and influence they have been entrusted with (their dominion). Consider that the source of this passion is the created desire within us “to do good works” (Eph. 2:10). There may be times when “ego needs” or selfish ambition distract us, but we need to press forward believing in the true stewardship calling that pushes all of us. As Allies we can serve the marriage movement by recognizing, supporting and even championing the dominion of our members. For example, part of my responsibility as a partner is to look out for the dominion interests of other partners. Partners who champion one another’s stewardship responsibilities will diffuse fear and territorialism and will find more joy in the adventure.
- Jeff Fray, Chair of National Steering Committee
Next: New City for 2006
