Communities of Practice

I've been reading and thinking about ways to utilize the new "cohort" educational learning model and corporate "communities of practice" model in the church. iComm is working to establish Communities of Practice around the "Character of the Church" and "The development and testing of facilitation strategies for use in non-traditional leadership development initiative and conventional theological education." (that second one's a mouth full...) (see November 2002  iComm Bulletin). But wouldn't it be possible to make use of this concept on a smaller scale: in the spiritual formation and discipleship programs of individual churches?

Taken from Richard McDermott's article "Knowing in Community: 10 Critical Success Factors in Building Communities of Practice," wouldn't these work for building a system for learning in the church as well? 

1. Focus on knowledge important to both the business [church] and the people.
2. Find a well-respected community member to act as coordinator.
3. Make sure people have time and encouragement to participate.
4. Build on a core value of the organization [church].
5. Involve thought leaders.
6. Create forums for thinking.
7. Maintain personal contact among community members.
8. Develope an active, passionate core group.
9. Make it easy to connect, contribute to and access the community.
10. Create real dialogue about cutting edge issues in community forums.

Information can often lead to transformation: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2