Apr 26, 2022
In this week’s episode, Mike speaks with Tom Bassford the founder and Executive Director of Significant Matters, Inc. He pastored for 30-plus years before starting Significant Matters in 2005. He brings a unique combination of church, not-for-profit, and executive insight to his role. His experience has been in both United States and international fields and he has helped churches, businesses, city governments, and various other organizations move their charitable work and missional efforts toward more sustainable solutions.
Episode Breakdown
- 1:45 - The Origin of Significant Matters
- 7:48 - Mission 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0
- 16:05 - Re-Defining Mission
- 25:20 - How To Make A Difference Tomorrow
The Origin of Significant Matters
“Our mission is to work with individuals, churches, business-minded people, even businesses who want to create sustainable solutions for people trying to break the cycle of poverty.” Tom shares more about the origin story of Significant Matters along with the work of the organization to create another (and improved) narrative to helping people - one that breaks away from the traditional model of how many Christians do mission.
Mission 2.0
Tom breaks down the concept of “Mission 2.0” a common situation many churches find themselves in when people become bored with simply donating money. So instead, churches work to build partnerships throughout the community - stopping at the mobilization of money and volunteers. “That formula of more money and more volunteers is not solving the problem and is creating greater dependencies.” Tom and his team are now working on “Mission 3.0” which is all about structures and strategies to help people lift themselves out of poverty. By providing environments that help others lift themselves out of poverty we’re getting to the root of systemic changes, the work that will have a lasting impact.
Redefining Mission
Missions are not just for non-profits, overseas trips, and other stereotypical ways the church designs systems to help people. Mike and Tom discuss more how to provide missional opportunities in other ways - right in our local community, workplace, and friend group.
Connect with Tom Bassford
Connect With Follower Of One
Join us over in our Online Community, get social with us; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Listen to our podcast on your way to work and subscribe using your favorite podcast app!