Sub-regional gatherings for Local Spiritual Assemblies
The North Island Bahá'í Council recently hosted a sub-regional gathering in Hamilton for a small number of Local Spiritual Assemblies. This was the first in a series of gatherings aimed at providing Assemblies with a dedicated space to learn alongside other institutions on a similar path. The Council’s report follows.
The North Island Bahá'í Council organised a gathering for a small number of Local Spiritual Assemblies on 22 February 2025 in Hamilton, Waikato cluster. The purpose of the first gathering was to explore how an Assembly can ensure that there is continued focus on the growth and development of the Faith in a cluster. Seventeen representatives from the Local Spiritual Assemblies of Hamilton, Waipa, Waikato and Western Bay of Plenty, and two representatives of the North Island Regional Bahá'í Council were in attendance. Two other Spiritual Assemblies were also invited but were unable to attend.
In reflecting afterwards, the Regional Council identified that the gathering provided a valuable opportunity for members of different Assemblies to come together, reflect on their roles, and share insights from their respective communities. It was observed that having multiple Assemblies in the same space fostered an environment of shared reflection and genuine learning. For some members in the Waikato cluster, reviewing the features of a cluster that has passed the third milestone enabled them to observe glimpses of these characteristics in their own cluster.
The session where Assemblies had the opportunity to share specifically about their functioning and experience with different strategies for growth clearly showed how these Assemblies are consciously thinking about the ongoing development of their communities. It was also noted that having representation from a third milestone cluster such as Auckland or Hawke’s Bay would be valuable for future gatherings, as their experience moving past the third milestone could enrich learning and inspire others.
Reflections from participants:
The participants generally found it helpful to have a gathering specifically for Local Spiritual Assemblies, as it offered a focused environment for reflection and learning. Many expressed that it was well-structured and they found the guidance, particularly the section on the role of the Local Spiritual Assembly, useful in deepening their understanding and appreciation of the scope of the Assembly’s role in the framework of the Plan. A significant highlight was the opportunity to hear from other Assemblies, particularly those at a similar stage, which allowed for more relatable discussion and sharing of experience. One participant noted that the gathering reflected a sense of accompaniment, and it felt like "we were learning together today.” Another participant also observed how the ‘groups of adjoining clusters’ strategy was manifested in the gathering as the clusters present are geographically adjoined. Many suggested that this gathering become an annual space to continue this process of learning alongside each other. Participants also indicated a desire for more advanced notice about future gatherings as this would allow for greater attendance.
Plans from participants:
All participants plan to study the guidance from this gathering with the Assembly members that were unable to attend. The following are some of the thoughts that those attending indicated they would take back to their respective Assemblies for consideration:
Ensure Assembly meetings incorporate longer planning meetings once a cycle.
Remain alert to new activities so they are able to quickly offer support.
Increase the community’s consciousness of cluster goals and the importance of statistics.
Have a noho (retreat) in March/April 2025.
Prioritise strategy planning, revisiting statistics and reading reality, strengthening communication with teaching teams, and developing clearer objects of learning and lines of action.
Include the cluster nucleus in the Assembly’s regular agenda and consult on the ongoing support that can be provided to the cluster nucleus.
Learn about the use of AI to enhance efficiency.
Focus on building stronger bonds of friendship with each other through a retreat.
Continue study of the spiritual health materials.
Focus on defining the vision for the third milestone and clarifying the role of the Assembly within this context.
The overall feeling of those who attended was that the gathering was inspiring and practical, offering an opportunity for members of various Assemblies to study together, to network with one another, and to share their learning related to fostering and supporting growth in their communities. There were a few requests for copies of the programme to take back to home communities.
