The rationale for CanDoSpirit Network is that, through an international collaboration, leaders work together, across cultures, on projects of similar interest. What is learned from these collaborative efforts provides valuable insight for congregations, mission and parachurch agencies, relief and development organizations, theological institutions, and non-traditional leadership initiatives confronting 21st century realities.

The primary commitment of CanDoSpirit Network is to facilitate interaction among leaders and to learn from leaders in their own contexts. Our commitment is to encourage and, where possible, enable members of the network to travel into one another’s contexts to enhance friendship, to learn, and to contribute. As face-to-face relationships are fostered, contact is sustained through web-based means.

The creation of CanDoSpirit Network was energized by the realization that there are now hundreds of leaders around the world who participated in two powerful learning communities. The almost 40 year time span of doctoral programs in education and intercultural studies at Michigan State University (MSU) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) means that there are now several “generations” of leaders who represent a considerable range of expertise and responsibility. These leaders, of course, have influenced a new generation of leaders who share common values and are becoming part of the network. The “ripple-effect” of this network continues to embrace other leaders who share similar concerns and experiences.

Through a generous grant from a philanthropic foundation, the vision has become reality! CanDoSpirit Network, is registered as a not-for-profit company; and though it’s founding was stimulated by the existence of an international community of leaders from MSU and TEDS, CanDoSpirit Network, is not organically linked to these schools. CanDoSpirit Network is made up of leaders who have chosen to become part of an international community of professional support and consultation. The functioning of CanDoSpirit Network is accountable to an executive board, encouraged by an advisory board, and assisted by the work of the CanDoSpirit Network Council.