Church Planting - New Churches

Spiritual Warfare: Unmet Sexual Needs in a Marriage Relationship

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:09 GMT

This week we continue to answer the following question: How does God’s enemy come after His people and His leaders for the sole purpose of distracting, disrupting and derailing them from being involved in God's great mission?

As we survey Pauline literature we will discover fourteen tactical strategies that the enemy will use to come after God's people along with specific antidotes in addressing that problem. See the introduction to this series to receive an overview of this subject.

3. Unmet Sexual Needs in a Marriage Relationship

"A successful marriage is built on spiritual, emotional and sexual intimacy. To neglect any one of these could make your marriage vulnerable.” – Gary Rohrmayer

Text: I Corinthians 7:3-5 – “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

Problem: “Satan can gain inroads into the life of a married person when sexual needs are not being met.” J.Robert Clinton

Antidote: “Keep lines of communication open in a marriage relationship, concerning sexual needs.” J.Robert Clinton

Reflective Questions:

On a scale of 1 (extremely frustrated) to 10 (extremely satisfied) how would you rate your sexual relationship with your spouse?
Could you share that number openly with your spouse?
How could the enemy manipulate the frustration you are experiencing?
What area of your sexual life would he specifically attack you with temptation?
Is there someone in your life that you can share these frustrations?

Prayer: Holy Father, You are the creator of the marriage union. May Your desire for oneness be fulfilled in our emotional, spiritual and physical relationship. Merciful Father, help me to be open and receptive in my conversations with my spouse. Protect me from being rigid and defensive. Righteous Father, grant me the courage to speak truth in love to my spouse concerning our relationship at every level: emotionally, spiritually and sexually. Loving Father, let the higher values of love drive my life and not the base values of gratification control me. I come to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Next: An Unforgiving Spirit

Church Plant Website

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:51 GMT

Monk Development has partnered with Park Community Church in Chicago to give an amazing website to a church planter.

If you are a church plant that needs to establish a solid web presence and don’t have the resources or finances to make it happen, this is an opportunity for you to get a solid web design and 1 year of support and hosting with Ekklesia360.

To enter, simply leave a comment at Tim Schraeder's blog, sharing a bit about who you are, where your church is/will be, and the vision of your church.

We’ll be accepting entries now through Friday, February 26. Tim and I will pick the winner and announce them on his blog on Friday, March 5.

How They Started: Oak Leaf Church

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:30 GMT

Oak Leaf Church is a prodigy among church plants. Michael Lukaszewski started the church in Cartersille, Georgia in August 2006, and it has grown to over 1,000 people

But you need to know the back-story. Because there are conditions that make or break a new church before it starts.

Michael was a youth pastor in three different churches over 12 years in Florida and Arkansas. He heard about West Ridge’s church planting program and moved to Georgia to become part of it. Michael spent 4-5 months looking for possible locations, but West Ridge kept recommending Cartersville.

At first, Michael thought the town was too small with just 20,000 people. But he realized that NO churches were doing what he wanted to do. Cartersville was full of traditional churches. It was a sleeping spiritual giant.

The great revivalist Sam Jones grew up there. In fact, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville was built for his preaching. The iconic missionary Lottie Moon was also from Cartersville.

This town was ready for a fresh, new expression of church. It was a case of GOOD GROUND. There was a tremendous spiritual heritage, but nothing for the next generation.

Oak Leaf Church exploded from 0 to 800 in one year. Now, there's 1,000 attendees and 10 people on-staff. Since then, at least 4 planters have tried to start something similar, but they missed a critical window of opportunity. They were too late.

oakleafchurch.com
twitter.com/heretolead

This is the first in a series of posts based on my book Church in the Making (B&H, April 1) which explains what makes or breaks a new church before it starts...

1. GOOD GROUND
2. ROLLING ROCKS
3. DEEP ROOTS

The Team

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:10 GMT

In over 530 blog posts to date, I have never blogged on "the team" we work with! Of course their stories have been shared and referred to many times over the years, but never have I actually blogged about the entire group of men and women that make up our church planting team.

In the above photo, taken yesterday, six of our team are missing. Marcos was outside working on his car when the picture was taken. Mercedes was at home recuperating from an eye surgery. I don't know where Juán was. Manuel and Esperanza are out doing evangelism in the southern part of the country trying to start a new church near the Peruvian border. Fabiola couldn't be there today (she is our prayer coordinator), and Linda (my wife) was at home teaching our daughter in home school.

Linda, Barbara, and myself are all from Texas. The rest of our team are Ecuadorians. Except for Julieta, all were either won to Christ through discipleship and church planting efforts, or were trained in one of our church planting training schools.

We have been meeting every Monday afternoon for many years now. Over time, some have moved on, and others have taken their place. Approximately 80 churches have been planted to date by the individuals pictured above. When taking into account all the people trained by those in the photo, the number of church plants swells into the hundreds.

Click on the linked names below for a related story about the person(s). All of these are great stories and worth clicking on to read (at least I think so!)

Our team leader is Geovanny. He is the tall young man standing to my right. I personally do not know of a more gifted church planter/trainer and sold-out believer to Jesus Christ than this dear brother.

Barbara is the other Texas missionary here in Guayaquil, third to the left, who has served for 23 years with the IMB. She has a ministry working with women engaged in prostitution.

On the far left is Julieta. She served ten years as a church planting missionary in Asia, but is currently working as our mobilizer to mobilize Ecuadorians into missions, and in charge of our Guayas Para Cristo project.

José met Zarai (standing to the left of Barbara) in Peru last year. In Nov/09 they got married, and are now preparing to go back to the jungles of Peru to work as a newlywed couple with the Ashenika, an unreached, indigenous People Group.

Marlene is one of the most gifted evangelists I know. She has been used to disciple many people to the Lord and start new churches. Two of her disciples are Medardo and his wife Mónica. I have written many stories in the past couple of years about these two. Currently, they are working with five different house churches started in their neighborhood, and on weekends travel to the neighboring province of Manabí for a new church plant they started near the town of Paján.

Felipe, Bladimir, Pedro, and Juán are all church planters and trainers. Three of the four have begun working out in the provinces on weekends starting simple churches in areas where there is little or no evangelical work.

Marcos, along with his wife Tania (she is the one holding the little girl) are very engaged in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.

Mariana was part of the very first house church training school we did back in July 2000. She has been faithful all these years to travel every weekend out to a small village where she started a church. She continues to evangelize and disciple those in the village.

There are so many stories that could be told about each of these. All are my "heroes" and I have the greatest admiration and respect for each member of our team.

Which story linked to an individual did you like the best? I would love to share with our team some of your comments about their stories. It would thrill them more than you can imagine!

Would you take a moment to just pray over us all? Gracias!

My Next Stops

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:19 GMT

I’ve been working on my calendar today. Here’s where I’m going to be heading over the next several months:

Launching two new coaching networks here in Atlanta and on the Web
Speaking to the staff of 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia
Speaking at the Velocity Conference in Cumming, Georgia
Consulting with The Rock Church in Monroe, Washington
Speaking at the “Killing Cockroaches Tour Stop” in Seattle (Register for free!)
Consulting at Cornerstone Church in Auburn, Alabama
Attending the Exponential Conference in Orlando
Consulting at Brand New Church in Harrison, Arkansas
Speaking at The Whiteboard Sessions in Virginia Beach

I may be able to squeeze in one or two more stops between now and the end of May. The summer schedule is starting to fill up as well, so now is the time to connect if I can serve you and your church. Let me know if you’d like to talk.

Monday is for Missiology: The Eschatological Dimension of the Missional Church

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:26 GMT

Over the next few months leading up to missionSHIFT, along with introducing to you to the folks who are joining us at Ridgecrest to be a part of the missional conversation, I want to make sure that we continue to trace the roots of the missional debate historically and theologically. These posts will be a continuation of my "Meanings of Missional" series that has been on hiatus for a while. Okay, since October of 2007 (grin).

For many of you, this discussion may not interest you. Your focus is, "Let's live on mission." Fair enough-- we will actaully be talking about some practical discussion with some partners in the next few days. I don't think this practical approach is a wrong approach-- but I think that if we are to think deeply on issues of church and mission, it will require historic and theological reflection.

I believe we need to be careful not to assume that this is the first time there has been concern, for example, over the relationship between social justice, evangelism, and the Kingdom of God. We can learn a lot by looking at those who have gone before us and walked through these issues. In fact, if we don't look at this part of the conversation, we could easily make some of the same mistakes that caused the leftward shift in a theological direction during the missio dei movement in the mid- and late-20th century.

When you look at the historical trajectory of the "church and mission" conversation, it was a deeply theological discussion. We must continue to filter this discussion theologically. In fact, I would say that missional must be tied-- and I believe it is-- to something inherently theological, particularly, the missio dei. If not, it is just another descriptor in a long line of descriptors: church growth, seeker-sensitive, church health, emerging.

In previous "Meaning of Missional" posts, we looked at the nuanced discussion over the relationship of the kingdom of God, mission, and the church. Today we will look at the role of eschatology (in this case referring to the coming of the Kingdom) and its relationship to mission and the church.

In the last century, the church began to be perceived (particularly within the conciliar missions movement) differently than in previous centuries. This would pave the way for a decidedly distinctive relationship between the church and the biblical concept of the Kingdom of God. In contemporary ecclesiology, the church moved away from being identified as institution and increasingly became acknowledged as "sacrament, sign, and instrument."[1]

Gunther Gassman has shown that the broad reception of the ecclesiological use of the terms "sacrament, sign, and instrument" in ecumenical deliberation explains that this terminology is "helpful in describing the place and vocation of the church and its unity in God's plan of salvation."[2] The images of "sacrament, sign, and instrument" give articulation to the idea that the church is the only social order in the world that exists for the sake of those who are not yet members of it.[3]

The understanding of the church as sacrament, sign, and instrument also led to a new perception of the relationship between the church and the world. Missions became viewed as "God's turning to the world," representing a fundamentally new approach in theology. For centuries, a stagnant notion of the church had triumphed; the world outside the church was recognized as a antagonistic; the outside were, at most, "prospects" to be won.[4]

Put differently, according to David Bosch, the church was a world on its own and "it wasn't until after the Second World War that the essential orientation of the church toward the world was being embraced more widely in Protestantism."[5] Today, that view is widely embraced in most missiological circles (and many popular ones as well).

This idea was not first "discovered" in the modern missional movement or the missio dei movement that preceded it. At the turn of the twentieth century, New Testament scholars such as Albert Schweitzer contended that eschatology should be central to the church's mission. It wasn't until just after World War 2 (around the missio dei movement) that a climate would be created in which new eschatological thinking would be win the day.[6] But this "new eschatology" was far from homogeneous. Citing Ludwig Wiedenmann, Bosch states there were four major eschatological "schools" in German Protestantism, each of which had a noteworthy influence on missionary thinking.
1) Dialectical (Karl Barth, Karl Hartenstein, Hendrik Kraemer),
2) Existential (Rudolf Bultmann),
3) Actualized (Adolf Althaus), and
4) Salvation-historical (Oscar Cullmann, Walter Freytag).[7]
Wiedmann ascertains the first three interpretations to be paradigms of ahistorical eschatologies. Only the fourth model, the salvation-historical school, takes history sincerely, putting particular emphasis on the reign of God as both present and future.

Perhaps the most influential theologian in the salvation-historical "school" was the Lutheran theologian Oscar Cullman. Bosch says a case could be made that practically all contemporary schools of eschatology and of missionary thinking are "offshoots" of Cullman's salvation-history approach and his understanding of eschatology is the "soundest base for an understanding of the eschatological nature of missions from earlier positions."[8]

Now, evangelicals would have some robust concerns with many of the theologians and movements mentioned, but they have influenced much of evangelical thinking today. Putting names aside, perhaps it would be helpful to unpack it practically. George Eldon Ladd provides a helpful explanation in The Gospel and the Kingdom, "God's Kingdom creates the Church and works in the world through the church."

It might help to define the Kingdom of God a little further to fully consider the theology. One way to define it is that the Kingdom of God is where the will of God is done. Obviously, when Jesus the King came and lived on Earth, the Kingdom of God was here. Jesus prayed, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." The reign of God is active, allowing His will to be done.

When Jesus returned to Heaven, the church was left here on Earth, clearly not the Kingdom of God, as it was still in a fallen world, but most would say that it was a sign and instrument, even a sacrament, of the Kingdom of God. For example, when people look into the church (not the building, but the relationships and community) and they see marriages restored, people made whole, and miracles taking place, they should say, "Oh, that's what the Kingdom of God looks like." Thus, the church is a sign and an instrument of the Kingdom. It engages in Kingdom work for a Kingdom agenda. The church is the Kingdom's tool.

In order to understand the missional church, we must consider the Kingdom of God. Christians are talking much more about the Kingdom. I think that is good but not without some concerns historically and theologically.

I'll unpack this more in the coming days, but let me pose a few questions:
-How do you view the Kingdom of God and its relationship to the mission of God?
-What needs to change to have such a Kingdom focus?
-How is that important to the missional conversation today?
-Are there any dangers inherent with a Kingdom focus?

-------------------------------------------

[1] Avery Dulles, Models of the Church (Garden City, NY: Image Books, 1974), 58-70.

[2] Gunther Gassman, "The Church as Sacrament, Sign, and Instrument: The Reception of this Ecclesiological Understanding in Ecumenical Debate," Gennadios, ed., Church, Kingdom, World: The Church as Mystery and Prophetic Sign (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 1986), 13.

[3] Dietrich Bonhoffer, Letters and Papers From Prison (London: SCM Press, 1971), 382.

[4] Howard Snyder, Liberating the Church (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1983), 52.

[5] David Bosch, Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991), 502.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ludwig Wiedenmann, Mission und Eschatologie: Eine Analyse der neueren deutschen evangelischen Missionstheologie (Paderborn: Verlag Bonifacius-Druck-erei, 1965), 26-49, 55-91, 131-178, as quoted by Bosch, Transforming Mission, 502.

[8] Bosch, Transforming Mission, 504.

Missional Mondays: Introducing Linda Bergquist

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:07 GMT

Today I want to introduce you to Linda Bergquist. She will be speaking at the missionSHIFT conference this summer. We are also excited to have her voice as a part of framing the Missional Manifesto.

Linda and her husband Eric live in San Francisco, California. She is a New Church Starting Strategist and the co-author of "Church Turned Inside Out" from Leadership Network (2009).

I have known Linda (Dr. Bergquist ) for many years. When I was a professor (oh so long ago) she took several of us on a tour of the marginalized communities where God was at work in the Bay area. She has a passion for people on the edge of society and the change that the gospel brings. You can find out more about her work in San Francisco at her site Plant Churches with Us.

To introduce her to you, I asked Linda to answer a few questions about herself.

You work as a new church starting strategist in San Francisco. Tell us briefly how you came to do that work in that place. Linda: I've been involved in missional activity since the week I became a follower of Christ, and in church planting since a few months after that. Five years and four churches later, with a seminary degree in hand, my home church invited me to join their staff and help them start churches. Ten years later, the senior pastor left for the Bay Area [and I took] the church planting strategist job in San Francisco. That was fourteen years ago. What do I see that gives you hope for the church in America?
Linda: I see Dave and Brook Maturo who moved from a 4 bedroom house they owned in Florida to a small rented space in San Francisco, with no guarantee of jobs, to assist our church planting team become more effective. I see a church of poor Mongolian refugees, all new Christians, who sent the school supplies we gave them back to Mongolia where children are glad for even one pencil. I see business entrepreneur Ken McCord intentionally translating kingdom values into the workplace; notifying the utility company that his bill was too low, extending medical benefits to employees at the expense of his own salary, and caring enough to utilize more costly earth friendly processes. I see Marian Engelland planting churches, mentoring other women and running a nonprofit that serves the poor, even with twin baby girls and two other preschoolers. I see Jason Williams helping local churches collaborate with Afghan business owners to raise money to repair windows in a girl's school in Afghnistan. I see really good DNA that's worth reproducing.

You recently published "Church Turned Inside Out." Tell us about the book.

Linda: "Church Turned Inside Out" is a design book for churches. My friend, Allan Karr and I wrote it because we wanted to introduce Christian leaders to the world of design thinking. Over the decades, church became algorithmic. We discovered a formula, and a set of rules that helped us find ways to get from here to there more efficiently and more effectively. But the present algorithm is not as reliable as it once was. New information has come into the equation, and it requires a more experimental posture. Some people experiment in ways that improve the results of the present algorithm (refiners and re-aligners), and others step into the mystery and discover new ways of thinking and being in the world. Awareness of both is needed for a good design process, and both are necessary concepts to carry the church into the future.

Obviously, the word "missional" is spoken of, used by, and claimed by many groups. Instead of giving another definition for the word, can you tell the readers an example of where you and your family are seeking to live missionally?

Linda: Sometimes I tell people that in the suburbs it's easier to be nice, but in cities it's easier to be good. So many things rub against us in a dense city-- crazy driving, difficult parking, close proximity to every kind of noise and smell. It's a different pace of life. Serenity, patience, and "nice people attitudes" seem distant and even extravagant. But in cities, the decision for goodness is ever-present. Will we waste the food from our large portion meal, or cut some off before we eat, and wrap it to give to that hungry person we will surely encounter on the way home? Do we follow the trail of blood that leads down the street and into a park to see who may need help or do we ignore it? Do we acknowledge the beggar on the sidewalk who is asking for money, or do we look away because seeing is too costly? Do we treat the Russian pizza delivery driver with respect and kindness? In Russia, he was a classical musician, but here, his limited English prevents him from being well employed. Every time I treat him more like a delivery driver than a classical musician, I rob him of his identity.

In terms of missionSHIFT and the Missional Manifesto, what would be a great end-game in your mind for this event and process?

Linda: There have been times and places in history that mobilize great movements. For example, I love the story of the Harlem Renaissance. African American poets and preachers, artists and educators showed up in Harlem at the same time in the 1920s and 30s. Together they imagined what it might be like to be black in America some day. Communication was more difficult then, but what happened in Harlem sparked the Civil Rights Movement. Today I imagine a new, decentralized, and wonderfully diverse movement of God's people who respond to the urgent call of a missional manifesto and walk together in a revitalized kingdom direction.

Are you registered for the missionSHIFT conference? Head over to the website and sign up. I believe this will be an important and helpful gathering.

Building News!

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:29 GMT

The picture on top is our building before construction started. The one on the bottom is about one week into construction.

This whole process is so intimidating. Construction has to be complete by our opening Sunday on March 14th...please pray!

Featured on newchurches.com

Meet a Church Planter: Justin Hyde

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:21 GMT

Mission, Vision, Values of Church

We believe that the Christian faith is a call to Proclamation. Therefore, as we experience transformation through the Gospel, we are compelled to share God's story with the world, always pointing people to the sacred Scriptures as the final authority for faith and life.

We believe that the Christian faith is a call to Service. Therefore we submit our lives to Jesus as His servants and seek to imitate Jesus by serving others whom we value more highly than ourselves.

We believe that the Christian faith is a call to Community, not individualism. Therefore we embody the Gospel by living a shared life of intimacy, hospitality, and generosity as we establish a family of pilgrims on a journey of faith together.

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

My purpose and our church's purpose is to serve as a witness (martyr) for Christ's glory. We pour our lives out as witness in three primary ways: Proclamation, Service, and Community. We open our mouths to speak and proclaim God's goodness with every opportunity. We open our homes and our lives and embody the Gospel through service to our neighbors. We also live out the ramifications of the Gospel through life together which is marked by trust, intimacy, honesty, and love. Darrell Guder noted these as the Saying, Doing, and Being of our Gospel mission.

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

I am keenly aware that every breath I'm able to take in and exhale is a gift and grace from God. I have found favor with God and have been given an irreplaceable helper in my wife, Brandi. God has rewarded me richly through the birth of my three children. God has, by his grace and mercy and according to his pleasure, included me in his unstoppable work of proclaiming his goodness throughout the world. I am thankful and humbled and honored that I am able to serve in God's church. I am thankful and unworthy of the blessing of pastoring even a single soul.

Read about more Acts 29 church planters here!

John Burke on What is Really Missional

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:37 GMT

John Burke of Gateway Community Church (Austin, TX) discussed what is really missional during Verge Conference's 5th session. Here is what he said:

If your unchurched friends are not finding faith and becoming the church, you are not missional. You aren't really living on the mission of Jesus. If the world is not coming to Christ, can we really say that we are part of the Body of Christ? If we are being the Body of Christ, what would it look like? Very messy.

I think God could care less about our ministry efforts if we don't have love for people.

3 Question to Ask Yourself

Am I serving the spiritual and physical needs of my neighbors?
Everywhere Jesus went, He met people's needs. So if we call ourselves missional leaders but do not meet our neighbors' needs then we are not missional. If people think you are for them and not against them, they start to believe that God is for them not against them.
Do I point out God's work in them?
Are my unchurched neighbors now leading the church?
If you are on mission with Jesus then your friends will find Jesus and start leading the church. And that's exciting!

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Hugh Halter on the Power of Posture

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:23 GMT

Hugh Halter of Missio discussed the power of posture during Verge Conference's 5th session. Here is what he said:

Posture is about nonverbal communication. It is a powerful thing.

You must be missional and incarnational.

Christian leaders living in excess is a posture problem. Think about how often you have done things nonverbally that make people uninterested in Christ. People are interested in our words but often not in our posture.

Incarnation causes you to go in. It is the Word became flesh.

Incarnation is to be an advocate for lost people. Jesus' defense of the woman caught in adultry. You are not condoning the sin. You don't have to worry about sin because Jesus said that He already took care of that.

Incarnation wins people's hearts.

Missional and incarnational ministry is what the world needs right now.

Sponsored by: KentShaffer.com Come read and subscribe to the newly relaunched KentShaffer.com and get more insights from the writer of Church Relevance.

Meet a Church Planter: Kevin Galloway in Michigan City, IN

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:15 GMT

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I was called to help lead a large existing church into and through the deep change needed to help transform it into a missional church.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in planting your church (and/or currently facing)?

The biggest challenges faced were that of folks resisting changes to an established 30 year old church. Many of those folks ultimately left to attend churches that offered them more of what they were used to, thus making room for people coming to faith for the very first time. This addition of new believers in contrast to membership shifts and transfers has forced us to a deeper discipleship and formation praxis for new believers as well as those who have known Jesus for years.

How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

I became familiar with A29 as I have followed Mars Hill and The Resurgence on the web. The Gospel Coalition Conference in Chicago allowed me to meet and speak with Tyler Powell and other A29 pastors which led to a phone call with Scott Thomas and a subsequent trip to Seattle to meet with Scott and Tyler. They have been such a great help to me and the Countryside community already!

What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant?

First and foremost-Jesus is first. He always has been and always will be. Make sure He is first in your decision to plant. If not-it won't last. I would ask the question, "Are you confident in your calling and has this calling been affirmed?" If not, run away because this role can kill you, your marriage, and the church you are trying to lead. I would advise the young men to seek opportunities to serve under an older gospel-centered pastor previous to their "going out" to plant. The mentoring and ongoing relationship with a man like that would be invaluable in years to come.

How do you pastor your family?

My family is my ministry. I try to shepherd and disciple my wife and children through the teaching and sharing of the word, prayer, and time together. We share openly about God in our home and we share about our lives together. Our entire family is involved in the mission of the church allowing us to serve God and others together.

Church Website: Countryside Church

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

The mission of Countryside is realized in community, discipleship, and mission. We hold all three in high regard and teach everyone at Countryside to engage each one. Community is realized in church membership, small groups, and mid-sized groups that we call Interchange. Interchange is a theological learning discussion that takes place in different areas of our communities such as restaurants, pubs, coffee houses, and church buildings. These groups are led by pastors and elders. We believe that community occurs as we help each other in discipleship and as we serve together.

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

We've been through so much as we have led Countryside through deep change. In that, we have lost friends and relationships. God has provided so much strength and grace to lead us and confirm God's calling in our lives. He has surrounded us with wonderful elders and staff to partner and endure with. To be honest and not cheesy-Acts 29 is an evidence of that grace.

How can we pray for you?

Pray that we make much of Jesus in all we do....

Read more on Acts 29 Church planters here!

Five Tests A Church Planter Will Face – Part Two of Two

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:03 GMT

Continuing yesterday's post…

#3 – The Faith Test

Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God.

SO…if your vision seems “impossible,” if failure is absolutely certain unless God somehow gets involved…then I would say that you are probably on the right track.

(Please remember that there is a fine line between faith and stupidity…which is why it is SO essential to make sure you have heard from God and didn't just eat some bad pizza!)

AND…church planter…the further along you get in the process the larger the steps of faith He commands us to take. Don't EVER make the foolish assumption that one day the decisions somehow “get easier.” If we are walking with God He will always lead us to the place where we are desperate for Him!

#4 – The Commitment Test

There is a HUGE difference between a group of people who LIKE your church and then those who are actually committed to it…and sooner or later (usually better if you do it sooner) you've GOT to ask for commitment.

So many pastors are scared to do this because of a fear that they might scare some people away. Let me make you a promise…YOU WILL! BUT…as pastors and leaders in the church it is not our job to DO all of the ministry…but to train and equip the body to serve the body (see Ephesians 4:11-12.)

Too many professional church attenders are used to going somewhere where they “have their needs met” rather than being involved somewhere that allows Jesus to use them to meet the needs of others. Don't be afraid to ask for a commitment early and often…Jesus wasn't! (See John 6) Yes, He did lose some…but the ones who stayed with Him were able to see more happen and accomplish more than they ever dreamed possible. (See the entire book of Acts!)

#5 – The Focus Test

As the church grows there will be a temptation to do “more.” Questions will begin to arise such as…

“When are we going to start a mid week service?”
“When are we going to start a school?”
“When are we going to start a mens/womens/singles ministry?”
“When are we going to (FILL IN THE BLANK.”

For some reason church world has fallen for the lie that as a church grows it needs more programs and activities…which is why SO many churches get stalled out and stop growing. NOT because these programs are necessarily evil…but because they are simply not in the vision of what God wants for that particular church.

Every church planter/pastor needs to ask themselves this question, “Can God trust me with success?” BECAUSE…having success in ministry often leads to people completely losing their focus and they lead the people into being busy rather than being godly.

That is why a church planter has to KNOW what God has called him to do before he ever launches…because EVERYONE who walks in the doors of a church plant has a vision for it…and if you don't KNOW what God wants (or if your scared to say no) then your vision will get hijacked and you will eventually be the pastor of a church that you hate!

He saved you…He called you…He has equipped you and He will sustain you…so focus on HIM and do what HE says!

Stand Up ... and Get Out

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:11 GMT

Most of you know that in addition to starting a brand new church for the people who work on and live around the Las Vegas Strip, I've also been trying my hand at stand-up comedy. It began with open mic nights, and then last month I was asked to audition for a professional comedy troupe, and was chosen. Last week was my first time performing as a real comedian in a real Vegas show. Tonight will be my second.

What you don't know is that I'm also using this as an opportunity to check out the sin side of Sin City. The comedy show ends around 11:30. Every Thursday night I'm bringing a friend, and after the show we're going out to talk to ... prostitutes, drug dealers, people in nightclubs and casinos, waitresses, pimps, you name it. It will be interesting, and hopefully we'll able to ambush some people with guerrilla love. Please pray for us!

Hiring a “Chief Launch Officer”

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:45 GMT

West Ridge Church is working with other ministries to plant new churches across the world. In the coming months, we will be launching a new network to identify future church planters, train them through our school of church planting and provide financial resources to help them get started. This network will also engage existing churches to leverage the synergy of our combined experiences and to provide an ongoing relationship for church planters.

Before we can do that, though, we need to find a special person. We’re trying to find the leader who will work with us and our partner churches. This person will help us make it all happen. You might label this role the “executive director” or the “chief launch officer,” but, regardless of the title, this is a big role for a big leader. Here’s an example of what we’re looking for:

Leader – You know how to lead and empower a diverse group of people.
Connector – You desire to network with people and ministries and understand the power of “we.”
Evangelist – You are a gifted storyteller and know how to spread that story through personal and online engagement.
Strategic Thinker – You envision the steps that it takes to get from here to there.
Character – You’ve demonstrated integrity over the years in your words, relationships and actions.
Likability – You are someone others (especially me) loves to be around.
Experience – You’ve helped plant healthy, growing churches…but not necessarily as the senior pastor.

Ultimately, this person will be employed by the network. Initially, West Ridge Church will be picking up the tab. Ultimately, you will be working for the team of pastors that will make up the new network board. Initially, you will be working directly with Brian, a couple other pastors and me to get the beta version of this network shipped.

Read Seth Godin’s new book. (That’s my Amazon affiliate link.) We’re looking for a “linchpin.” This is going to be the dream role for the right “artist” with the right passions to see hundreds of new churches launched in the coming years. We want to see life change. We want communities to be transformed.

Selfishly, I’m looking for a ministry friend and partner. The two of us are going to be doing life together. If that scares you, please don’t apply. If this post makes your mind race, you may be our person. If you’re interested, shoot me a note and let’s begin the conversation.

Five Tests A Church Planter WILL Face – Part One of Two

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:46 GMT

I love being able to chat with/dream with church planters…and one of the questions often asked by them is, “What is the one thing you would have wish you had known before you started?”

My answer is simple…I wish that someone had told me that the decision to launch the church was actually going to be the easiest decision in the process, that during the next year or so I would face five critical tests that I believe every church planter goes through…and failing these tests is NOT AN OPTION if I really wanted to see the church achieve its maximum potential.

Test #1 – The Financial Test

I believe that God tests every church planter when it comes to money within the first 12-18 months. I cannot tell you the number of conversations I've had with people who have said, “Things were going great until the biggest giver in the church got upset…and now I don't know what to do because what he wants isn't the direction I feel that God is leading the church…but he gives a huge percentage of the budget.”

First of all–EVERY church planter/pastor needs to understand that GOD IS THE BIGGEST GIVER IN YOUR CHURCH! If it's God's will then it is God's bill…He knows how to take care of what belongs to Him. AND…if you sell God out and put your trust in a dude with a HUGE checkbook (and usually an ego to match) then you are nothing more than a prostitute. (Someone who is paid for a service in order to make another person feel good.)

We faced a financial test EARLY on when we started NewSpring Church. The people who were literally giving 65% of the budget and who were fully on board at the beginning began to back off as the vision of what we were going to do as a church became more and more clear. One night they asked me to come to their home, shared their feelings with me and let me know that they were no longer going to be a part of the church. (BTW…they did this in the godliest way possible, there were no hard feelings and verbal jabs on either side…and I still highly respect them to this day! AND…another btw…we hadn't even had our first official church service yet!!!)

I would be lying if I said I didn't have an “Oh crap” moment while hearing them share their hearts; however, I had made a decision early on that the vision of what God had placed in my heart was not for sale…it never has been and never will be.

Unfortunately, I've seen so many pastors fail this test because they depend on people way more than they depend on God. When your biggest desire is to keep the biggest givers in your church happy you have ceased to lead and are actually being led!

Test #2 - The Critics Test

One of the verses that has always amazed me is found in the book of Nehemiah.

Nehemiah is a guy who gets broken by God…who gets full of vision and passion…who risks everything to do a great work for God and provide help to a group of people who had all but given up. He wanted nothing more than to see the “impossible” happen and people have their hope restored…and yet some people had a problem with it! (See Nehemiah 2:10)

Dear church planter…you are foolish if you actually believe that everyone thinks that what you are doing is a good thing. SO…you had better learn early to develop thick skin and not lead through reacting to everything but rather by being proactive and moving on with what God has said…no matter what “they” say.

Your dream will be criticized…early and often. BUT…if God has set your heart on fire then DO NOT let those who have never actually done anything for Him define what they believe you can or can't do in His name!

Meet a Church Planter: Jared Ayers in Philadelphia, PA

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:20 GMT

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I had been a staff pastor in mega church settings for 8 or 9 years. For the last couple of those years, several wise mentors and friends encouraged my wife Monica and I to consider planting churches in a center city context. We spent a couple of years praying, wrestling, discerning, seeking guidance, doing research, interviewing church planters, and seeking input from others. As of the summer of '07, we had a settled sense that God was calling us to plant a church in a center city context, probably in a city in the northeast or northwest (as these are the least Christian places in the US). But we had no timeline, destination, or plan.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in planting your church (and/or currently facing)?

Money- right before moving, we had a church that was going to give us $70,000 pull out. God has been faithful, and we've moved ahead and seen the church bear fruit, but even now we operate on a shoestring budget and are in need of some more financial support.
-Transience- because of our center-city context, we see people moving around a lot. We've already lost a couple of people even in our first few months to job changes/transfers
-Family in the city- my wife is not from an urban background, so that transition has been hard for her. And most of the people who live where we're planting are single professionals and hipsters. So there are not many other families around.
-Myself- my heart is naturally an idol factory, and I am constantly prone to pride, selfishness, foolishness

How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

I have a few friends who planted with a29, and were drawn to the twin commitments to gospel and mission. The network here in Philadelphia has been nourishing while we've ventured into something, which is often isolating and lonely. The diversity of churches in the local network (center city, gentrified neighborhoods, blighted neighborhoods, blue collar neighborhoods, and Indian neighborhoods) has been a great apologetic for the unity the gospel creates.

What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant?

-pray, pray, pray
-be growing in, love, cherish, hang tightly onto the gospel
-bring your wife into the conversation, and don't force your dreams on her
-get input from wise followers of Christ who love God and love you enough to be honest with you
-the miracle of your own conversion should give you hope that God can and will save anyone he wants
-get a coach
-develop a team, invest deeply in leaders and lost people
-don't plant until you're absolutely convinced that if you do plant and it doesn't "succeed," Jesus will still be more than enough for you
-think honestly about why you're doing what you're doing

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

We try to orient our community around the gospel, expressed and embodied in neighborhoods.

Since our "home meetings" are oriented around the gospel, we try to cultivate welcome to non-Christians, honesty, confession, transformation, and multiplication.

Since they're oriented around neighborhoods, we challenge people to connect with a home meeting in their particular neighborhood, so they can worship Jesus, serve Jesus, etc. with people in their own 'hood.

How do you pastor your family?

I strive, by the grace of God, to model and teach the gospel to them. so i repent to them, we talk about the gospel together and try and integrate it more and more into the life of our family. we pray together, talk about Jesus together, etc.

we also try to practice the rest the gospel gives us together. One day a week, I cease work for us to enjoy God and each other.

Outside of the Bible, what is the most helpful book you have read for church planting?

Relational networking- we challenged our launch team people to intentionally integrate their friendships with each other and the people they lived with, worked with, etc., and to pray for and seek opportunities to share the gospel.

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

-Seeing a few folks come to faith in our first few months
-God's provision in surprising and unlikely ways
-his sustaining power in our family life and marriage through this whole venture
-his provision of facilities and resources for us that we could not have anticipated

How can we pray for you?

Pray for: growth in grace and faithfulness for Monica and I; many people to be drawn to Christ here; boldness for our church in proclaiming the gospel; new connections with lost people; financial resourcing- we still need more support

Church Profile:Liberti Church

Launch Date: 3.1.09

Mission, Vision, Values of Church

We desire to be a part of a movement of the gospel in and for the city of Philadelphia.

We seek the renewal of the city of Philadelphia through the gospel by expressing:
-worship
-community
-mercy

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

We try to orient our community around the gospel, expressed and embodied in neighborhoods. Since our "home meetings" are oriented around the gospel, we try to cultivate welcome to non-Christians, honesty, confession, transformation, and multiplication.

Since they're oriented around neighborhoods, we challenge people to connect with a home meeting in their particular neighborhood, so they can worship Jesus, serve Jesus, etc. with people in their own 'hood.

Read about more Acts 29 church planters here!

Some Upcoming Seminars

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:46 GMT

Here are some upcoming places where I will ministering in the next two weeks.

Austin, TX: Verge: Missional Communities Conference (Feb. 4-6)

I'm packing for the Verge: Missional Communities Conference this morning. I will be there all day tomorrow. I'm hoping to make much of God's mission with application on how we might live it out. The conference is sold out, but you can watch it live online at the site.

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Nashville, TN: Honesty Conference (Feb. 10)

Next Wednesday, I will be speaking in the Honesty Conference in Franklin, TN with Ray Ortland, Scott Thomas, and Jamie George. I love the theme and look forward to talking about gospel-centered Christianity as compared to the works-based version so prevalent today.

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Lake Forest, CA: Radicalis (Feb. 9-12)

Last week, Rick Warren asked me to join the team at Radicalis and I am glad to do so. I will be writing more about that later.

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Lake Forest, CA: Saddleback Church (Feb. 13-14)

I will be staying over to bring the weekend messages at Saddleback Church. Please pray I make much of Jesus, the cross, and God's mission.

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Thanks for praying for me as I seek to represent Christ.

The Power of Nostalgia

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:58 GMT

My wife, and everyone else from Buffalo, New York, will tell you that Ted's has the best hot dogs in the world. Guess what? They're not. They're okay, but the reason Buffalo natives rave about them is they grew up eating them. It's the power of nostalgia.

You've got a place like that too, right?

And people who grew up going to a church probably either have a sense of bitterness towards it, or feel the power of nostalgia.

So here's the question: If you're starting a brand new church, how do you get the power of nostalgia going for you?

What is a Missional Church?

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:38 GMT

Somewhere (and I don't recall where), I was asked to state my name and define a "missional church."

Here was my response:

What Does It Mean to Be Missional? from The Resurgence on Vimeo.

For a better (and much easier to look at!) video, see this one:

What do you think? What could be said better than what I said in my spur-of-the-moment comments? (By the way, I get much more technical here.)

What is Project Management for Church Planting pt. 2

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:26 GMT

Rookies in Nascar have a yellow stripe on their bumpers. Yellow in Nascar is symbolic of caution. It tells the other drivers, “Watch out! Rookie driver.” The majority of church planters are rookies. I find that most church planters only start one church. Like rookie drivers, they are inexperienced and can have trouble navigating unfamiliar territory. For rookie drivers, a good crew chief and a good spotter are essential. The crew chief coaches the driver through the race. The spotter gets a bird's eye view and tells the driver what's coming up so that they can avoid wrecks. A project manager functions much like the spotter. They have been around church planting for a long time and can help the church planter navigate through the tough spots. They can also alert the driver to what's coming up and any red flags along the way. OK enough Nascar analogy.

The Project Manger helps the church planter create a plan that will accomplish the vision for the new church. Because the project manager has been a part of planting several churches, they have a unique insight into the planning process and what it takes to plant a healthy church. Then the project manager oversees the plan and lets the church planter know what key tasks need to be worked on when. For example, every church planter knows they need to purchase equipment. But few know when to purchase it and where to get the best deals. The role of the project manager is to understand that if the church is starting in September and the first preview service is at the end of August then equipment needs to be purchased in June, assembled at tested at the beginning of August. To do that a facility must be chosen in May and an equipment list developed. To do that the church planter must network in the community and do demographics to determine the best meeting locations. The project manager also is responsible to find the right solutions at the best prices from trusted vendors.

Remember the mission of a project manager: Keeping church planters focused on people.

Missional Manifesto: Introducing Eric Mason

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:35 GMT

Over the weeks to come, I will be introducing you to the people who will be serving as framers for the Missional Manifesto that we will discuss as a part of the missionSHIFT conference on July 12-15 in Ridgecrest, NC.

First up is Eric Mason... better known as "Mase" to his friends.

He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his wife Yvette and two sons Immanuel and Nehemiah. He is also an adjunct professor at Biblical Theological Seminary. Dr. Mason received his Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM 2000) and a Doctorate degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (DMin, May 2007).

Eric is the lead pastor and co-founder of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to the church website, the mission of Epiphany Fellowship is simple: "We want to develop disciples."

It goes on to explain:

We want to develop disciples that are able to minister in the culture and help new disciples to grow in God's word in every area of their lives and shining the truth of the person of Jesus Christ to the glory of the Triune God. We cannot stress enough the realization that this Church will not be a "Hip Hop Church," but a CHURCH.

Albeit we will be sensitive to the unique needs of those heavily influenced by that culture. The target group will be those from ages 18-44 who are unsaved or without a community of disciples of which to bond in a Theo-centric community.

We would like to see The Name of Jesus Christ Magnified by the credibility of the Church being reestablished in the world through Robust & Relevant Worship, Rich & Relevant Word, and Real & Relevant Witnesses (Eph. 2:20-21). We want to have inward depth, and be outwardly missional.

Here's a little more about Eric. You can find a series of messages Eric did about the missional church in April of 2007 and February of 2009.

Back in 2008, he spoke at "Missional Christianity... Church Beyond Boundaries: A conference addressing theological and practical challenges for the future of the missional church" at Biblical Seminary on the subject of "Missional Church Planting in an Urban Setting."

I first heard Eric speak at the Dwell Urban Church Planting Conference in New York City on the subject of "Dwelling Incarnationally." You can hear the audio here. And, Eric is speaking this week at the Desiring God conference in Minneapolis.

Eric Mason is passionate about the mission of God in world, and specifically in the urban context. He is godly and humble. I am proud to serve with him as we move in conversation toward a better articulating what it means to be a missional church-- and then encouraging one another to live mission-shaped lives.

Thought-provoking one liners from India

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:28 GMT

Indian gems from Felicity Dale´s Simply Church.

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The following are some thought-provoking one liners from the pre-conference sessions at the World House Church Conference in India. They are from talks given by the leader of a church planting movement that baptized more than 300,000 on the Day of Pentecost in 2009. Worth taking note!

Jesus never said, "Be baptized." He said, "You baptize."

You disciple--you baptize.

Jesus baptized Peter--but only his feet.

You will not see a movement without signs and wonders. Ninety five percent of our house churches have signs and wonders.

Apostolic teaching is the teaching to GO.

There are 19 commands of Jesus to be found in the New Testament. All lead to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Hospitality is the secret to precipitating a movement.

Sit and soak, and you stagnate. Eat and chat and you will multiply.

Goat prayers are "meeee" prayers. They focus on me and my needs, my family and my situation.

Use the newspaper headlines as your prayer list.

Theologians think, not from Genesis to Revelation but from genetics to evolution.

We need a problem-based theology. In our house churches we solve problems--finances, sickness etc.

It's Guerilla Time!

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:03 GMT

Vince's new book, "Guerilla Lovers" is officially out! If you're planning on buying it, would you buy it on Amazon.com today?

Thanks!

Featured on newchurches.com

A Movement or a Fad?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:00 GMT

The difference between a fad and a movement is that a movement produces long term enduring change. A fad, on the other hand, feeds off something that already exists: a cultural awareness, a disenchantment, or even a novel idea and expands on it. Through media, publishing, and viral exchange, it becomes a sensation that sells books, creates a lot of activity, makes people feel something exciting—but in the end it doesn’t produce enough substance to sustain lasting change in history.

Often, in the midst of something new, we can not tell the difference. Whether it is a fad or a movement won’t be known for many years. I am sure many thought John Wesley and what was derisively called “Methodism” was just a fad. It turned out to change the landscape of protestant Christianity (especially in North America) for all time. Anyone who is an evangelical lives beneath its shadow to this day.

In the last 10 to 15 years there have been a few tidal waves of reaction to North American evangelical Christianity: Emerging Church and its founding Emergent Village, the Organic (or Simple or House) Church movement, and of course Missional Church. There has been a lot of blog commotion recently over their demise or decline of these expressions. In each case I suggest we are worrying too much.

Guerrilla Lovers Book in Stores Today

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:03 GMT

I'm working with Vince Antonucci to help launch his book Guerrilla Lovers, which is in stores today. Vince is one of the best communicators in the church, in my opinion. Besides launching a new church in Las Vegas this spring, he's speaking at Gateway Church in Austin and NewSpring Church among dozens of other places. His speaking itinerary reads like a phone book. Here's more about the book in Vince's own words:

"Converts to What?"-- On the Need for Showing and Sharing the Love of Christ

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:24 GMT

Today, I re-start my tradition of blogging on all things missional each Monday.

To do that, I wanted to start with an article that would not normally be listed as on of my "missional" articles. I think, however, it will help frame the discussion and must be part of the focus.

Simply put, I am not interested in a "missional conversation" that does not involve men and women being redeemed, change, and transformed by the gospel. Yes, it is more than that (and I will write on that in depth over the coming week), but it must include a heart for those far from Christ. We are called to share and show the love of Christ and the beauty of the gospel-- both matter.

Here is a re-post of a blog post and an article I wrote for Catalyst Monthly. It begins by recounting a conversation I had with someone in the missional church conversation.

The article:

"We worry too much about reaching people," explained a recent "missional" convert. He explained that he had read my book and a few others and he wanted to be more about the mission of God and less about nickels, noses, and numbers. "We have to show the love of Jesus, not just tell people about him." He was a convert to missional but was not as focused on seeing converts to Christ. And he is not alone.

Converts to a Cause

I continue to see movements gaining traction among Christians that do not seem to have many converts. In other words, they have recruits to their cause, but few converts to Christ. And I am concerned. I am concerned that in the name of "fixing the Church" we are not proclaiming the Church's gospel.

You've seen it, too, among others--the emerging church wants to rethink structures; the missional folks want more social justice; the charismatic folks want more of the Spirit; Baptists want to convert the Presbyterians; the house church people want more authentic community; and the Reformed folks just want, well, I am not sure since they never seem happy.

I must confess I have an affinity with some of these groups. But, a change movement that does not produce converts is as useless as a systematic theology text at Joel Osteen's church. Even if and when the cause is important, that is not enough for the church and its mission. Central to our task is to display the glory of God through His redemptive work through the redemption of those far from Christ.

Let's Talk

An argument of sorts has arisen among some friends of mine that helps illustrate the point. Mark Driscoll, in his oh-so-subtle way, said that many in the emerging church "don't have any converts." Dan Kimball has expressed his missional misgivings about missional churches without conversions. Several defenders have responded to the critics. But, the conversation can and should be much broader than "emerging" or "missional" conversations: I have heard it in charismatic, Calvinist, Baptist, and other settings. And, there are always defenders.

But, I believe defending is not the answer. It is never a good thing to be defending our lack of converts to Christ while we are busy converting people to our cause. To me, it is the difference between complaining and creating a new (and better) way.

For example, I have been identified with the missional conversation. I believe the church can and must identify with the missio dei and refocus its agenda around the purpose of God. Yet, I don't want missional to mean attacks on mega and fast growing churches who are reaching people "wrongly," while missional churches are reaching few "rightly." (Now, take that last sentence and replace the word "missional" with the word "reformed"--still works. Now do it with "Baptist"--yep that's 3 for 3. Need I go on?)

Now, I am not willing to say that a lack of converts is a sign of unfaithfulness. But, I am willing to say that too many change movements are not seeing lost people's lives changed. And I think that is the wrong kind of change.

So, my Reformed friends, let's not only read 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John (that is, John Calvin, John MacArthur, and John Piper), let's go plant some more churches. My emerging church friends, let's take a pause from the theological rethink and head into the neighborhood and to tell someone about Jesus. My missional friends, let's speak of justice, but always tell others how God can be both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." My house church friends, let's have community, but let's be sure it is focused on redemption. My Baptist friends, let's focus more on convincing pagans than Presbyterians. And, my charismatic friends, let's focus less on getting existing believers to speak in tongues and more on using our tongue to tell others about Jesus.

Now, I know the preceding paragraph will tick some of you off--and, I am trying to be a bit edgy while making a point. But, let me suggest you be less offended at my words and more focused on Jesus' words: Go therefore and make disciples of nations.

If you are passionate about what you believe you will naturally want others to "get it" as you have. For example, you would not be a very good charismatic if you did not want me to be baptized in the Spirit. However, I think it is unhelpful that so many Reformed, emerging, missional, denominational, Baptist, house church, charismatic, and every other kind of Christian spends more energy persuading other believers than they do reaching non-believers.

So, let's continue conversations about being "missional" or whatever, but let's not do so if it distracts us from the mission. Instead let's talk about these issues but not let them distract us from our main focus--showing and sharing the love of Jesus to a desperately lost world that needs a message of hope.

Showing a Better Way

If you want to convince me (and the body of Christ) to your cause, you must show me it is a better way. You must tell and show something different. You must not just protest what is, but you must show me what should be.

Ivan Illich was once asked if the way to societal change was best through revolution or through reform. He explained it was neither--at least if you wanted long term change. Instead, he said we need to tell an "alternative story" that is so compelling it draws others to the story.

So, tell your alternative story. Show me a way that is passionate about the cause and filled with new converts to Christ. If all you have are criticisms, concerns, or new ideas, but no new converts, that hardly seems a better path or an "alternative story."

So, don't defend your lack of converts, repent of it, weep over it, and resolve to change it.

Thanks to Catalystspace.com for running the article.

If you make disciples, church happens

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:02 GMT

We are entering our third week of evening trainings for new church planters. Actually, we are discipling groups of men and women on becoming true followers of Christ, and not just "evangelical pew-sitting Christians." Currently, we are training four different groups to go out and "make disciples". It is our conviction that as you make disciples, church happens.

The following comes from a post by Gary Snowden who quotes Allan Karr, a missions professor at the Denver campus of Golden Gate Seminary at the recent Forum 121 Gathering. "If you make disciples, church happens."

Allan outlined a series of shifts needed to achieve a viable 21st Century ecclesiology and expressed them in terms of respiration, breathing in and out.

1. Breathe in - From extrabiblical traditions to biblical minimums.

2. Breathe out - From institutional church-based to Kingdom of God based ecclesiology.

3. Breathe in - From a regional focus to a neighborsphere/local community focus.

4. Breathe out - From an organizational maintenance focus to an incarnational community transformation focus.

5. Breathe in - From hierarchical structure to shared leadership.

6. Breathe out - From "going to church" to "being the church."

7. Breathe in - From a focus on a main gathering to "doing life together."

8. Breathe out - From "right belief" to living out sound biblical doctrine holistically.

9. Breathe in - From efficiency-driven strategies to collaborative relational efforts.

10. Breathe out - From strategies of the flesh to a reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Are You Ready?

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:00 GMT

You know that verse in 1 Peter that talks about being prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have? Well, I just want you to know that I totally agree with Peter (you can breathe easy now). You never know when you're going to get bamboozled!

I was sitting at my desk at work on Tuesday afternoon minding my own business. All the sudden my co-worker comes into the office, sits down and says, "Does your church follow the 10 commandments?" I nearly choked on my Diet Coke! I said, "What do you mean?" He said, "Like do you follow them as rules? Does your church stand up for them?" I began to answer when he interrupted me, "And do you drink alcohol? How do you feel about baptism for the dead? Are black people cursed because of Cain?"

Oh snap, it was on!

I tried as best as I could to answer his questions, all while praying feverishly for wisdom! He shared with me all kinds of things the Mormon church believes and wanted to know my opinion about them. He drilled me for about 20 minutes then got up, walked out, and went back to work.

He's done this kind of thing a few times before. He'll ask questions, we'll talk, and then weeks will go by before he talks about it again.

I'm super open about my relationship with God, but not pushy at all. Everyone knows we're starting a church and most people have agreed to try it when we launch. People ask me questions about our church and God; it's super cool!

In fact, Vince got together with one of my co-workers last weekend to talk about evidence for the Bible. It went as well as it could have; the guy is all about aliens and conspiracy theories so it got a little weird at points.

I don't know about you, but I often don't feel prepared. There are so many questions that I don't know the answer to and some of their questions are just plain crazy! The more I think about it, the more I feel like the answers aren't always the "goal" of the conversation. It's about giving people our attention and respecting and loving them. I don't always have answers for my co-workers, but they always come back.

The second section of the verse in 1 Peter says, "But do this with gentleness and respect..."

Once again, I agree with Peter (Ha)! What a smart guy!!!!

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Changes to IRS Application for 501c3 Exemption

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:11 GMT

The IRS form 1023 is what we use to file for a church or nonprofit's 501c3 exemption. As of January 4, 2010, there are two big changes:

The submission fee was increased to $850 (from $750)
They are creating an online submission system that will only cost $200. Only it's not ready yet.

Sign up for the IRS Newsletter to be notified when they finally get the cyber assistant up and running. If you need to file soon but can wait just a bit, you might be able to save $650. Of course, we probably shouldn't count on the IRS to do anything quickly except cash your check.

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Christian, Jew and Muslim "Trialogue"

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:15 GMT

We often hear of interfaith events and organizations, but is it possible for three very different religions to hold on to their beliefs, maintaining their differences, and still learn about one another? Bob Roberts, Pastor of Northwood Church in Keller, Texas, thinks so, and worked with local Jewish and Muslim leadership to pull off a three day "trialogue."

The Dallas Morning News covered the story and explained,

Members of NorthWood and the mosque will attend the regular worship service tonight at Temple Shalom. On Saturday afternoon, the Christians and Jews will visit the mosque. Finally, on Sunday morning, the Jews and Muslims will attend NorthWood for worship.

After each gathering, the three clergymen will answer questions about the differences and similarities of their faiths

Since Bob is a friend, I contacted him for details. i preached at Northwood a couple of months ago during their church planting focus. I stayed over at Bob's house and we talked late until the night about his engagement with Muslims around the world. So, I know his passion for Muslims and evangelism.

When I saw his most recent idea (and Bob has them regularly!), I had questions and thought you might as well. So, I shot him some questions via email. Below is the interview. Feel free to discuss below and Bob will be dropping by the comments.

First, tell us about the weekend?

The largest mosque and synagogue in DFW along with our church came together not for an inter-faith service but a multi-faith education and relationship building event. On Friday - we all went to the synagogue - had refreshments and conversation for an hour, and then and observed their worship. When it concluded me, the rabbi, and the imam took Q & A for 45 minutes. Saturday we all went to the mosque - and then Sunday they all came to the church. I'll tell you, it was strange as a pastor looking out and seeing hundreds of head coverings of hijabs, skull caps, etc., Our members worshipped with passion, clapping, raising their hands - and to see other religions interspersed through us as we worshipped was undescribeable - all I could think of was Paul in the synagogues, Mars Hill - etc., I didn't know how it would affect our worship Sunday, but for whatever reason - our worship that day was powerful simply powerful - I heard that again and again.

What did you hope to accomplish?

First, I wanted to glorify God-- by Muslims and Jews being welcomed to an evangelical church and being told clearly who Jesus is and what we believe about him, then letting them ask their hardest questions - and share the Gospel in a loving and relational way - and we did. You can listen to my sermon at glocal.net or northwoodchurch.org. YES, the rabbi and the imam shared their faith as well-- the premise was we should be able to talk honestly and openly about it.

Second, I work with people of different religions all over the world-- I don't think we in the West know how to speak of faith and treat people with respect at the same time. We can come across as arrogant, superior, and sometimes condescending because we have the truth. If we have the truth - we should be the most humble of all and the most serving of all. Keeping our young people and children isolated from other religions in an attempt to keep them in our faith - is a dangerous move in the 21st century. They will hear and know, we can help with that process and help them understand why we follow Jesus above all else, and send them out equipped, or ignore or worse villify but never explain other religions and watch them turn from Jesus because we didn't live it or explain it.

Third, I want to build bridges between Christians and other religions. I do this all over the world - it was an opportunity for me to bring my congregation to the table with me to see what I'm doing and how I do it globally and give them a pattern for how to build relationships and share the Gospel. I've been swamped by our members calling and emailing things like "I get it now". I have also been overwhelmed by Muslims and Jews thanking us and thanking me for being honest about the differences. Several want to meet with me to clear me up on the Trinity and Jesus being the "only way" which I preached - but not in an arrogant or bully way.

Fourth, I want to bring down the tension between Christians and other religions - the East and the West. The only way you do that is by building relationships. I don't want to have to bury my children, my youth in our church, our grown men and women from war. I want to be able to look them in the eye and tell them, I did all I could with all I had to prevent that. The less we know each other, the more polarizing we become and the more fearful we live. This is a way to open the door.

How is this different from liberal Protestant approaches at interfaith cooperation?

I'm not a particular fan of interfaith events. It takes all religions and tries to merge them into a "all roads lead to the same place" kind of approach as well as mixing worship to multiple gods thereby denying the truth of most views of God. At the synagogue they did their worship and we observed, at the mosque the same and at the church the same. Interfaith is mirky, it's more about feel good. It doesn't allow us to be honest about our differences. It's build on the premise of the lowest common denominators of our belief of God so we can all sit down together. How can we build relationships if we don't speak honestly to each other. I'm tired of having to be religiously politically correct. I'm also tired of the arrogance of some evangelicals who don't know how to disagree and treat others with respect.

The conflict in the world today is between the fundamentalist and conservative Christians, Muslims, and other groups - not liberal and more moderate Muslim, Christian, or Jews. Those of us who are conservative are serious about our faith, our views of God, our views of our Holy Books and we are not going to compromise them for the sake of "getting along" because we have an eternal and truth paradigm view of God. THEREFORE, since we DO NEED TO GET ALONG together in this world we have to change the platform for meeting and shift the conversation. That's what multi-faith does - it moves the platform for conversation and engagement from the least common denominators of faith - to the most irreconcileable truths and says even so, we can treat one another with respects. At one point I told the group as the rabbi, the imam and myself were talking - "We are one another's worst heretics!" It says, I believe who I believe God is and am not willing to compromise truth but in my truth there is the teaching that I should respect others, get along with them.

It does something else - most conversation between people of various religions is an intellectual debate about why my religion is right and yours is wrong. It starts from a head perspective - which is critical. But this starts from a relational perspective. If your mind is already made up about your religion and someone bashes it or disagrees with you - you're not listening. If you're my friend - you will listen. I wish you would have been with me for lunch after church Sunday. The imam, the rabbi, and myself got into heavy heavy theological discussions. We were asking the "unaskable" questions of each other. I will say, my wife did learn to cook Kosher/Halal food - and it wasn't bad!

What do you believe about Muslims and Jews who are without Christ?

I was asked several times about John 14:6 "I am the way the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by me." I was asked if I believed that - as a matter of fact a reporter asked me that, and it was the first question asked me at the synagogue - my answer. "Yes, I do believe that. I don't wish to offend you or seem arrogant or cocky or narrow. But I believe in the authority of the Bible and it says that - it's a quote from my Savior and I can't compromise on that. It's true for all religions - even Baptist! That doesn't mean I think I'm better than you - it means truth is absolute and not subjective - and wish you all believed that and I'd love to help you with that and then baptize all of you (with a big smile)." To which with a smile being returned I was told "no thankyou." I believe in Hell and Heaven and the only way to heaven is through Jesus. I was asked a lot of questions about other verses as well - what Christians believe about the second coming (one of the worst jobs we've done of helping non-Christians understand) I told them I did not have all the answers of everything God was going to do and exactly how everything would work out, that may be what you're referring to.

Why attend the worship service of other religions? Can you really worship with Muslims?

Missionaries around the world do this to understand the people they're trying to communicate with. It was an educational event. I don't view it as "satanic" or "demonic" these are people that are sincere and seeking God. Going into bars, movie theatres, and banks are probably a lot more "satanic" than anything else! I want to know how they think, etc., Paul did it in the synagogue and at Mars Hill. Those people who are seeking God the most, are the ones I want to relate to. I want to be like Paul in this regard.

Worshipping with Muslims? At first I would have said no - but worship isn't about the space it is "the hearts affection and the mind's attention" as Jordan Fowler says - so I can worship anywhere, anytime, anyplace - as long as I am right with God and my focus is directed toward God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In my car, in my study, in a mosque, in a catholic church, in a synagogue, on the side of a mountain, in an airplane - the Holy Spirit doesn't leave me when I walk in places he goes before me and guides me into those places as long as the primary focus is to glorify God.

The question is, do I focus my worship to the God of the Jew or Muslim or whatever? The answer to that is no. I believe as I stated several times the past weekend that I believe that Jesus is God in the flesh. I cannot worship if I deny who Jesus is. Jesus is greater than all religions, and all gods. If he's in my heart - I'm filled with the Holy Spirit - and "if I make my bed in hell - he is with me."

How have other Christians responded?

Lots of responses, curiosity, excitement, confusion, questions . . . . . . all of it. But overall, it has been an incredibly positive event. We are at a powerful point in history where we are connected like never before. All religions are all places and we are at a turning point in how to speak of faith globally - which is what my sermon is about at glocal.net on my blog yesterday. Our current way of communicating is not working let alone building bridges and relationships. I believe that Christianity started as a Jewish movement to Jesus - I'm convinced it will conclude as an Islamic movement to Isa (the Islamic word for Jesus).

I've had so many thank me after it was over. Some who were skeptical came up to me and said "I get it now." Others, "I can build relationships and do this." Roy Fish called and told me he was sick or he'd be there!

An interesting note Ed, the younger people in our church below 30, were so excited. Those over 40, several were nervous. We all got to the same place. I think the worldview has changed with the younger generation and its up to us that are older to build the tracks for the next generation to be able to run on. Isolation has never been a good strategy for the Gospel to spread.

How did the Muslims and Jews respond?

I never dreamed it would draw this much attention or open up the doors or relationships that have opened. I'm being introduced as "This is my evangelical friend," and after a moment of someone looking at me in horror the following, "but he is a good guy - he isn't mean to us." I was in Gaza last week - and I was taken around like a "trophy" by some, everytime being introduced, "he is an evangelical pastor - but he is ok." It has always left me with this question, "what have we done that they don't mind our view of Jesus - but they do mind us?" I'm getting lots of emails from Jews and Muslims this week asking if I would meet with them to discuss the Trinity - or to just get to know them. One Jewish lady, hearing of my wife learning to cook Kosher and Halal was very moved and has volunteered to teach all our women to cook in that way so we can eat meals at one another's homes.

You know Ed, I went into it facing criticism, and still do over it - but when I was 8 years old, I was taught as a Royal Ambassador in my Baptist Church where my dad pastored that we are all "ambassadors for Christ" and I grew up really believing that. I still believe that. I felt this weekend like God was incredibly pleased with us during the whole thing. I could have spent years trying to build a relationship with one person, but Sunday as I worshipped, I wept standing by the rabbi and the imam knowing, that I would have the privilege of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus to some people for the first time. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

What did you preach?
Colossians 1!!!! John 14:6

What do you think? Can this kind of "trialogue" be helpful in building bridges to share the gospel? Talk it out in the comments, but remember to be civil.

What is Project Management for Church Planting pt. 1

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:11 GMT

When New Life Christian Church started their first multi-site campus, Lead Pastor Brett Andrews sat down to formulate the plan. He had a compelling vision for what the new campus would look like and how they would effectively reach pre-Christians. But then came the details. Brett and his team quickly learned that there were all sorts of details that needed to happen in order for the new campus to be started. Brett was left wondering why every time a church was started were we recreating the wheel. Out of this frustration, project management was born.

When starting a new church, there are several things a church planter must do that are one time only tasks. A good example is filing all the legal paperwork (Articles of Incorporation, EIN, 501c3, etc.) Because the church planter isn't an expert in these tasks and has had no formal training it takes them a long time to figure out resulting in less time spent on evangelism and discipleship, which results in a smaller impact. Our project managers are experts in the one time only tasks for starting new churches. Our mission is simple: Keep church planters focused on people. That's why our blog might not be the most exciting, controversial, though provoking blog out there. But hopefully you find the posts will save your time and money allowing you to spend more time with people.

Talking Small Groups with Guest Rick Howerton

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:16 GMT

I'm a small groups guy. In fact, I've led conferences on 'em, led my churches to do 'em, been a small group leader myself, and been in 'em. I believe in small groups. Whether you're a church plant or well-established church, people in small communities is essential for individual spiritual growth as well as church health.

Yesterday on Twitter I wrote:

"Most likely place transformation & missional engagement will happen is in small community-- not large"

I also linked to a video on missional small communities here where I talk about small groups and their impact.

Small groups matter, but some churches are struggling with their groups because they are unaware that there are different ways of implementing them, and that how your small groups work (or don't work) will make a difference in your church. Choosing the one that is right for your church is vital.

Rick Howerton is my guest blogger today. He's been a campus minister, small groups pastor, senior pastor, and has planted a successful church, The Bridge in Spring Hill, Tennessee. As the small group specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources, Rick spends every day talking with church leaders preparing to start a small group ministry, doing small groups, or re-strategizing their small group ministry. He is also the author of multiple small group training resources and Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual.

Small Groups done right are one of the sure pathways to making disciples and growing a church. Sunday School churches are doing them alongside their traditional approach, many churches do small groups exclusively, and I'm thinking 99% of church plants are laser-like focused and will do small groups without ever considering another option. But these organic microcosms of the church have become so diverse that most church leaders are not sure what they're really discussing when a conversation about them starts up. There are at least seven different systems for doing groups and each of them has more variations on that particular theme than a Paganini Concerto.

Seven of the prevailing systems are...

1) Organic Community Groups
2) Preference of two or more group types
3) Closed Small Groups
4) Open Small Groups
5) Free Market System
6) Making Extraordinary Disciples
7) Cell Groups/Holistic Small Groups.

Choosing the right system for your church is vital. There are five criterion that you may want to consider when determining which system is best for your situation.

1) The senior pastor's primary passion. Is it Theological, Relational, Restorational, or Missional? If you get this wrong, no matter how well the groups are doing numerically, there will never be a consensus that the ministry is accomplishing what it should.

2) Is the first entry way to the church the small group? If so, choose a system that has many different kinds of groups and many groups with low expectations of group members.

3) The number of leaders required for the group ministry to be effective. If your church doesn't have enough group leaders for a given system choose an approach that demands fewer leaders.

4) What will you do with children. If you don't have a large enough congregation to have childcare for groups during meetings the children will need to be equals in the group with adults or choose an approach so that husbands watch the kids while mom attends a group meeting and moms watch kids while dad attends a group meeting. Be sure to meet the needs of your single parents too.

5) Demographics. While this isn't scientific my experience has shown me that the following groups do best with the demographic noted below. These demographics do represent the flagship church for each system.

Socioeconomics as well as the amount of education in a given demographic seemed to play a significant role in the effectiveness of each group system. The ratings on ZipWho.com at the time of the research utilized the terms below average, average, and above average. In order to find out where the community your church is in ranks, go to ZipWho.com and type in your church's zip code. When you do this you will get even more specific information including median income, cost of living index, median mortgage to income ratio, average household size, median age, etc... . If your community falls in the top 10% or the bottom 10% of a category the website will designate that fact.

1) Organic Community Groups... Income: Below Average, Education: Above Average
2) Preference of two or more group types... Income: Above Average, Education: Above Average
3) Closed Small Groups... Income: Above Average, Education: Above Average
4) Open Small Groups... Income: Above Average, Education: Above Average
5) Free Market System... Income: Above Average, Education: Above Average
6) Making Extraordinary Disciples... Income: Average, Education: Above Average
7) Cell Groups/Holistic Small Groups... Income: Below Average, Education: Below Average

I am particularly interested in a conversation on the relationship between small group types and economic / educational factors. Would love to see some interaction with Rick on that subject.

Rick is gathering some of the most notable leaders of the small group movement for a free online forum. Check out the Who, What, When Where, and How of this thing.

What: The Summit: A Convergence of Small Group Experts (a live, free interactive experience/forum for church leaders)
Who: Greg Bowman, Lyman Coleman, Bill Donahue, Carl George, Eddie Mosley, Randall Neighbor, Bill Search, Reid Smith, and Rick Howerton
When: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:30 a.m. to Noon Central Standard Time
Where: Watch from your own office or home computer or Starbucks or anyplace with an internet connection.
How to Learn More and Register: Head over to www.lifeway.com/sgsummit

In case you need Rick's assistance, his contact info is noted below.

Rick Howerton
rick.howerton@lifeway.com
www.serendipityblog.com
twitter.com/rickhowerton

Let's talk small groups with Rick as he will be interacting in the comments today.

Prayer

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:42 GMT

I’m in the middle of Beth Moore’s “Breaking Free” study. I’ve done it a ton of times and each time it hits me differently. I was reading today about prayer and was really convicted about my lack of prayer. Here’s what she said...

“Prayer matters. The Spirit of God released through our prayers and the prayers of others turn cowards into conquerors, chaos into calm, cries into comfort. The enemy knows the power of prayer. He’s been watching it furiously for thousands of years. In preparation for this lesson, I searched for all the uses of the word pray in its various forms from Genesis to Revelation. I nearly wept as I saw hundred of references.

Abraham prayed…Isaac prayed…Jacob prayed…Moses left Pharaoh and prayed…So Moses prayed for the people…Manoah prayed to the Lord…Samson prayed…Hannah wept much and prayed…So David prayed…Elijah stepped forward and prayed…Elisha prayed, “O, Lord”…After Job had prayed for his friends…Hezekiah prayed to the Lord…Daniel got down on his knees and prayed…From inside the fish Jonah prayed…Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed…Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed.

If Christ sought to have the divine life strengthened in Him through solitary times of intimacy with the Father, how much more should I? I am hopeless to live victorious life without prayer.”

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Our Enemy's Tactics: Sexual Temptation & Substance Abuse

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:01 GMT

2. Sexual Temptations, Abuse of Christian Liberty & Addictions

"Sexual temptations are lurking around every corner in our lives today! Resisting the temptation to gratify the flesh is a full-time job." - Gary Rohrmayer

Text: I Corinthians 5:5 – “When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?”

I Corinthians 6:12-20 - "Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food"—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh."But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Problem: "Satan can destroy a life by controlling a person through immoral sexual addiction along with other additive substances such as food, alcohol, medication, etc." J.Robert Clinton

Antidote: "Avoid situations that can lead to sexual addiction and frequently ask the question 'Am I being controlled by these substances, sexual impulses or the Spirit of God?'" J.Robert Clinton

Reflective Questions:

If the enemy of God were to attack one area of your life do you know what area he would try to exploit?
What are you actively doing to release the stress build up in your life?
Are your actively crossing a moral line in your thought life? (Mathew 6:27-30)
When is the last time you did a rigorous spiritual inventory of your life?
Have you ever said “I really need...” or “I really deserve...”?
Have you ever attempted a “spiritual fast” to break “bonds of wickedness” in your life? (Isaiah 58:6)

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I praise You for not only redeeming my soul but for redeeming my body as well. Through the death and resurrection of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, my body is now a temple for Your Holy Spirit to reside. Holy Father, grant me the courage to deal with sin in my flesh and in the church rigorously. Righteous Father through the power of the resurrection help me to seek want is beneficial and not what is simply permissible. Loving Father, I surrender my desires and sexual impulses to You as I seek to honor You with my body. Father, I desire to treat my relationships with the opposite sex with caution, care and in an honorable way. Heavenly Father You are my master and I desire to be controlled by You and Your desires alone. I come to You in the strong name of Jesus, Amen

Next: Unmet sexual needs within a marital relationship

How to Keep the Momentum Going

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:16 GMT

Shannon O'Dell writes: Momentum is a powerful adversary for any organization. As a leader you will either FEEL momentum or FUEL momentum. You have only a moment with momentum, unless you can learn to sustain it. Every opportunity in life (notice there is an IF in the middle of Life) is a moment for potential growth, energy, winning and excitement. You must attack the opportunity, then go 100% after sustaining it.

Shannon suggests 5 things to help sustain momentum...

#1 Character
Who you are in the dark is what will kill or fuel your momentum. As a leader you will be hammered during momentum. Derailment is found when the leader bombs morally, maritally or mentally. So put up the guard against secret sin. Character defects HALT momentum. By the way there is no “secret sin”, God is watching (ouch). It is not how high you can jump that really matters, it’s how you land.
Acts 9:22 “His momentum was up now and he plowed straight into the opposition”

#2 Consistency
Stick with what brought you the momentum. For Brand New Church, it is reaching the lost, the last and the least…not reaching the saved. Many churches do a great job reaching the saved and we need them, but within our local body momentum is built in reaching the lost. Matthew 4:23 “People brought anybody with an ailment, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all. More and more people came, the momentum gathering.” Everything we do must be consistently around developing moments of significant life change. Things won’t look the same and you will not use the same methods every time, but the purpose and goal must be the same.

#3 Catch It
Your best friend is Momentum, but it can be your worst enemy. You can ride it like a wave, but you must know how to catch the wave or it will pummel you into the reef.

There are two more than Shannon writes about. To read about them, you'll need to visit his blog, Breaking all the Rurals, right here!

What do you think? What have you done in YOUR ministry that enabled you to KEEP momentum going?

How to “Re-Plant” a Church

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:58 GMT

Listen and watch as Dustin Neeley and Jason Martin from Acts29 talk about how to 're-plant' a church.

What do you think? Have you ever tried a re-plant or a re-start? What bits of advice would YOU give?

Todd

Tips for Writing a Press Release

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:00 GMT

Free publicity is available via the press if you let them know what's going on at your new church. Every press release submitted to the media won't go to print, however, mostly due to poor composition or incomplete information. If you're going to submit a press release, do it right!

Do's and Don'ts

Brad Haugaard offers us press release do's and don'ts at his Church PR website. He appears to be a former journalist, so you'll get an insider's perspective.

A Ready-Made Outline

The folks over at Internet Evangelism Day have put together a great article about writing press releases. It even includes a basic outline to follow so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Check It Before You Send It

Lastly, before you submit it, don't forget to run your press release through HubSpot's free Press Release Grader. You'll get constructive feedback to make sure your press release is the best it can be. That can only increase your chances of being published.

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Missing the Missional Mark

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:15 GMT

In September Brent Thomas, pastor of Church of the Cross in Peoria, AZ, took issue with a 9 Marks review of Jim Belcher's Book, Deep Church. Brent saw the review by Greg Gilbert as not only "snarky," but also unfair. In fact Gilbert's review actually received a response from Belcher himself on Trevin Wax's blog. There Belcher explained how Gilbert had somehow missed the point of his book. In his blog post Brent wondered if there was something of a growing rift within Reformed Evangelicalism related to the issue of the "missional church."

Just last week Brent's suspicions seem to have been confirmed through another 9 Marks publication by Jonathan Leeman. Leeman's article, "Is the God of the Missional Gospel Too Small" is troubling in that he argues missional thinkers place a heavy emphasis on social justice that moves the church away from a proper emphasis on the gospel. Brent explained,

Throughout his piece, Leeman equates "missional" with a focus primarily on "social justice." I don't know any Reformed, missional believers who make this equation, and I know many Reformed Evangelicals who would indeed call themselves "missional." Nowhere does he admit that he is speaking of a specific subset of the use of the word "missional" in the larger Reformed, Evangelical world. I just wish that Leeman had pointed out, just once, that he is, in fact, using the word in severely different ways than most people. I'm sure that conservative believers like Ed Stetzer, Mark Driscoll, and Tim Keller take issue with Leeman's equation of missional = focus primarily on social justice = new liberalism but nowhere does Leeman acknowledge that such conservative believers use the word "missional" in very, very different ways.

(Leeman wrote a generally helpful article a few years back on "What in the world is a Missional Church?")

I share Brent's concern. Clearly there is a misunderstanding at some level. Either men like Leeman are not putting much effort into understanding missional thinkers, or some missional thinkers are not being clear enough. My guess is, guys like Leeman can try harder, and some missional thinkers could be more clear.

Of course the truth is, there are different streams of missional thinkers, just as there are different streams of Presbyterians (or Baptists, or Calvinists, or charismatics). To say that one is missional doesn't necessarily imply anything other than a recognition that all believers and churches are sent by God on mission. Of course, we need to be clear about what that mission is. I have written on that extensively right here on the blog in my "Meanings of Missional" series. Yet Leeman seems to believe that "missional" necessitates some baggage.

He argues that the missional emphasis leads to a social-justice emphasis which is the first step toward liberalism. He then attempts to connect "a small view of God," "an inconsequential view of Hell," "a de-emphasis on conversion," and a "reductionistic Biblical storyline" to the missional crowd. This is obviously not true of many of the well-known missional thinkers out there.

Tim Keller is a well-known pastor/theologian who has been speaking and writing on the subject of the missional church for some time. He certainly doesn't fit the description given by Leeman. Tim not only preaches the reality of Hell, he teaches his church members why it matters, and gives advice on how to help non-Christians better understand the terrifying reality and appropriateness of Hell.

As for me (my name tends to come up a fair bit when the subject of "missional" is tossed around), I believe in a big God, an eternal Hell, the need for the new birth, and that we need to be clear about priorities in the church.

Although this particular dust-up is focused on the Reformed world, the issue is bigger than the Calvinist corner. Evangelicals have embraced all things missional-- sometimes as a genuine shift and sometimes as just updated jargon. But, there is much confusion and a need for clarity.

A few of us have talked and we are going to try to forge something of a definition-- at least for how we use the term. As part of that, later this year, July 12-14, I'm partnering with a few others to launch a new conference called missionSHIFT that I believe will help us with the discussion.

As a part of this conference, we are prayerful that a helpful statement can be forged on what it means to be missional. Several leaders in the missional church conversation (Keller, Hirsch, and others to be announced), who write about all-things missional, have already agreed to be Framers for the statement and some of the Framers will be at the conference for discussion and dialogue.

The intention of "The Missional Manifesto" is to allow the Scriptures to guide our understanding and involvement in the mission of God as it applies to the whole of life and doctrine. The document will strive to show how "missional" intersects with truths about the gospel, the local church, evangelism, missions, social justice, and contextualization, among other things.

The intent would be to say, "This is what we mean when we talk about being missional." It is not our intent (or within our ability) to say this is what everyone should think or say about the term. Words mean different things to different people (for example, "grace," "justice," and "gospel" all have different meanings to different groups). However, it is our hope that it will help us be clearer and more mission-shaped in our own thinking and practice.

Finally, every Monday I will be blogging about all things missional. It is my hope that we can clear up some of the erroneous perceptions among conservative evangelicals and speak into the movement that does need a missional turn, but also a robust biblical theology. We need a gospel-centered, mission-focused church to be faithful to God's agenda in the world.

More soon...

Sunday is for Seminars

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:14 GMT

I will be hitting the road at the end this week for a few days. I hope to see you there or, if not, I ask for you to be praying for me and these events.

Here are some upcoming stops this week:

The Conclave Conference in Chattanooga, TN (January 29, 2010)
Conclave, a training event for youth pastors.

Here is some information about the conference:

Conclave is the ultimate Youth Ministry training and worship event in the Southeast for your entire Youth Ministry Team. Send your youth minister, adult leaders, youth minister's spouse, and your core student leaders (grades 9-12) to Conclave 2010 for 3 powerful days full of Authentic Worship, Relevant Training, Honest Conversation, and Personal Encouragement that will help jump-start your student ministry for the new year. There will also be over 60 Breakout Seminars, a student leader tract called "The Core" for your developing leaders (grades 9-12), and over 125 Exhibitors ready to enhance your student ministry in new and exciting ways!

The keynotes for the conference are Clayton King, Ergun Caner, and me. And, Ergun is stalking me. Why do I say that? Well... we are both speaking in Jacksonville, FL immediately after Conclave. (We texted a bit last night and I also will be at Liberty University March 3, speaking at convocation and then speaking at the campus church service that Ergun leads each week.)

Anyway, on to Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Pastors Conference (January 30, 2010)
The Jacksonville Pastors Conference has a long and powerful history in my denomination. Their theme this year is navigating ministry in uncharted waters. I have been impressed at how they work so hard to serve pastors. Their website includes this section:

The opportunity for a one-on-one counseling session through our Counseling Ministry and Pastoral staff, available for free upon request

FREE child care (birth - Kindergarten) to provide ministry families an opportunity to rest and re-energize

Financial assistance for those who cannot afford to attend the conference. We offer scholarships as well as free housing to ensure that if a pastor is facing financial difficulties we have an opportunity to help and bless him in his ministry

I think it is great to see a conference where the hosts love and serve pastors like they do in Jacksonville.

Finally, I am heading to Johnson Ferry in Atlanta (without Ergun Caner!).

Marietta at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (January 31, 2010)
I will be preaching all the Sunday morning services at Johnson Ferry and then leading their leadership training that evening. Then, I am staying over for their staff retreat the next day to talk about how they might be missional in their unique context and situation.

See you on the road... thanks for praying.

When our theology gets in the way of obeying what Jesus said to do

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 07:44 GMT

Tuesday-Friday of this past week we began Week #1 of a 12 week training for starting house/simple churches. We are training 4 groups of "70". These are then responsible for training five others as they themselves begin to plant their initial house church. Busy week!

Yesterday, Saturday, I drove to a neighboring province to train legacy church pastors and leaders in our COSECHA (Harvest) evangelism, discipleship, and church planting materials.

COSECHA is based upon Jesus instructions given to the 70 in Luke 10:1-9. We literally take each of the commands and seek to implement them in starting new "kingdom outposts" (house churches).

Beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers...
Go...I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves...
Carry no purse...
Greet no one on the way...
Say, 'peace be to this house'...
Do not keep moving from house to house...
Eat what is set before you...
Heal the sick...
Say to them, 'the kingdom of God has come near to you'.

Pretty straighforward commands, right?

In verse 9 Jesus commands, 'heal those...who are sick' and say to them, 'the kingdom of God has come near to you.'

After my teaching on how to implement these two commands, a pastor stood, and took it upon himself to interpret Jesus words for us. He felt Jesus instructions needed to be clarified. What did Jesus actually mean by 'heal those who are sick'?

First, these words were addressed to the 70, not to us today.
Second, 'heal the sick' means heal their soul by preaching the Gospel to them.
Third, why waste time healing, when they'll just get sick again?

Up to the time of that pastor's well-meaning intervention, people had been excited, motivated, and eager to get out and, in faith, implement Jesus words. After the pastor's explanation, people were staring at the floor, doubtful, and no one knew what to say.

When the microphone was given back to me, I responded, kindly, but firmly, "brother, the argument is not with me, but with Jesus. He is the one who instructed this command. If you have a disagreement with his telling us to heal the sick, please take your case and argue it out with Jesus."

I may not fully understand some of Jesus words, but to take clear, imperative instructions, and seek to reinterpret, negate, and dismiss them is simply bewildering to me.

Is it any wonder so many churches continue to struggle, seeing only a handful of new converts per year, and live powerless, sub-normal Christian lives?

Not only do we disobey, we don't even believe Jesus words!

Do we really think our ways are better than the Master's? Do we know better than Him? If our ways are so great, where is the harvest? Where are the results? Where's the beef? (as the old Wendy's commercial used to say.)

The point of all the above?

It almost seems as if we first come up with our theology, and then have to make Scripture fit that theology. When Jesus words do not align themselves our theology, we are forced to reinterpret and reword them until they do fit our theology.

What is your take on this? Does our theology too often get in the way of obeying what Jesus said for us to do?

Will Your Church Take a Special Offering for Haiti?

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:35 GMT

One thing we have never done at Mars Hill Church is take a special offering. However, that will change this Sunday when we take a second offering for the mission of Churches Helping Churches in Haiti.

Many pastors have been contacting us, saying that they too want to take a special offering this Sunday. We rejoice in your willingness to help those who are suffering so greatly. I would like to specifically invite my brothers in Acts 29 and our pastor friends at The Resurgence to do the same.

For those of you who, like us at Mars Hill, have not ever taken a special offering, the following tips were coaching points Pastor James MacDonald gave me on our return flight from Haiti.

Why You Should Take a Special Offering

It is biblical. Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

If you want the people in your church to be generous, then be an example for them by being a generous pastor. If your church does not give regularly and generously to such things as mercy ministries and church planting, then it is hypocritical to ask your people to be generous.

As ministry leaders, we need to give voice and bring clarity to the tragedies that people are processing through the news. By instructing our people biblically on how we intend to help, and then inviting them to participate at whatever level they are able, we guide them in working to help with what breaks their hearts rather than simply grieving it. God ignites a passion within a leader, who then takes that torch of passion into their church and sets their people aflame for the cause. Simply put, people follow the passion of their leader.

for use in your church: [Hi-res DVD ISO download here] [720p MV4 download here]

How to Take Your Special Offering

Notify your entire church of the special offering at least a few days before the service. Such thing as email, the church Web site, church blog, and social networking tools (e.g., The City, Facebook, Twitter) should be used to notify people in advance so they come prepared to give generously.

Keep your first offering in its usual place.

Put your second offering at the end of the service. Begin by inviting the ushers forward and allowing them to stand. This will provide time for people to prepare their offering. Use this opportunity to show multi-media to inform your people. If you like, you are welcome to use any of the photos, videos, blogs, and so on that we have provided at www.ChurchesHelpingChurches.com. When the offering is being taken, it is generally not a time for corporate singing, but rather a time for the performance of a special musical piece while the people are led in prayer by their pastor for the needs in Haiti.

Harvest Bible Chapel gave the firstfruits of the mission of Churches Helping Churches. Their people gave generously and were very joyful at the opportunity to give. As I witnessed their offering, I could see that the Holy Spirit had moved their hearts to give generously and their church leadership served them well by helping them to be obedient to God’s call.

When your church takes its special offering, you can forward the money to www.ChurchesHelpingChurches.com in one of two ways:

You can add up your church’s entire special offering and simply make one contribution through PayPal on the Web site.

You can mail one check on behalf of your church to:

Churches Helping Churches
P.O. Box 6558
Elgin, IL 60121-6558

Lastly, we hate that we even need to say this, but in our day it is a legitimate concern. Neither Pastor James MacDonald nor myself will receive any monies from Churches Helping Churches, as we serve in this ministry on a volunteer basis.

[hi-res m4v download version here]

[hi-res M4v download version here]

Best Blogs of the Week

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:00 GMT

Each week we read through hundreds of blogs by dozens of authors so you don’t have to. Here are our favorites this week:

How Do You Handle Criticism?

by Craig Groeschel
Criticism is inevitable. So how are you going to deal with it?
Seven Differences Between a Coach and a Critic – Part One, Part Two, Part Three

by Perry Noble
A thought-provoking contrast that should lighten your burden when struggling against vocal critics.
More Horrendous than You Can Possibly Imagine

by Mark Driscoll
Mark describes the chaos of Haiti and how you can help.
Two Kinds of Wins and Why You Need Both

by Will Mancini
Will talks about the difference between felt need wins and culture shaping wins.
Leadership Lesson from Brett Favre

by Mark Batterson
The title says it all.
8 Steps to a Boring Church…

by Tom Elmoor
Tom, pastor of a new church plant, describes in detail how to have a boring church.
CrowdSourcing

by Aaron Loy
In a 3-week long contest, they had roughly 70 designers submit over 200 designs, a number of which they would have been delighted to have as their logo.

Will Your Church Take a Special Offering for Haiti? Please retweet, share, and pass on.

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:01 GMT

Download this video for use at your church this weekend
or download the DVD ISO

Download this video for use at your church

For those of you who, like us at Mars Hill, have not ever taken a special offering, the following tips were coaching points Pastor James MacDonald gave me on our return flight from Haiti.

Why You Should Take a Special Offering

It is biblical. Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
If you want the people in your church to be generous, then be an example for them by being a generous pastor. If your church does not give regularly and generously to such things as mercy ministries and church planting, then it is hypocritical to ask your people to be generous.
As ministry leaders, we need to give voice and bring clarity to the tragedies that people are processing through the news. By instructing our people biblically on how we intend to help, and then inviting them to participate at whatever level they are able, we guide them in working to help with what breaks their hearts rather than simply grieving it. God ignites a passion within a leader, who then takes that torch of passion into their church and sets their people aflame for the cause. Simply put, people follow the passion of their leader.

How to Take Your Special Offering

Notify your entire church of the special offering at least a few days before the service. Such thing as email, the church Web site, church blog, and social networking tools (e.g., The City, Facebook, Twitter) should be used to notify people in advance so they come prepared to give generously.
Keep your first offering in its usual place.
Put your second offering at the end of the service. Begin by inviting the ushers forward and allowing them to stand. This will provide time for people to prepare their offering. Use this opportunity to show multi-media to inform your people. If you like, you are welcome to use any of the photos, videos, blogs, and so on that we have provided at www.ChurchesHelpingChurches.com. When the offering is being taken, it is generally not a time for corporate singing, but rather a time for the performance of a special musical piece while the people are led in prayer by their pastor for the needs in Haiti.

When your church takes its special offering, you can forward the money to ChurchesHelpingChurches.com in one of two ways:

You can add up your church’s entire special offering and simply make one contribution through PayPal on the Web site.
You can mail one check on behalf of your church to
Churches Helping Churches
P.O. Box 6558
Elgin, IL 60121-6558
Lastly, we hate that we even need to say this, but in our day it is a legitimate concern. Neither Pastor James MacDonald nor myself will receive any monies from Churches Helping Churches, as we serve in this ministry on a volunteer basis.

Download this video for use at your church

Our Enemy's Tactics - Part 1 - Relational Viruses

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:45 GMT

Over the next couple of months we are setting out to answer the following question: How does God’s enemy come after His people and His leaders for the sole purpose of distracting, disrupting and derailing them from being involved in God's great mission?

1. Relational Viruses or Relational Strife

"Suspicion is like a cankerworm that slowly eats away at relationships."

Text: Romans 16:17-20 – “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (NIV)

Problem: "Satan upsets Christians’ inner life attitudes, taking away peace due to divisions in the church." J.Robert Clinton

Antidote: "Strive for unity and maintain inward peace, as God works through your relationships. Learn to speak the truth in love. Look behind the divisions. Surround yourself with people of spiritual wisdom and discernment." J.Robert Clinton

Reflective Questions:

Who in your church are you having negative thoughts about? Members? Leaders? Staff?
Are these negative thoughts based in reality, rumor, personal bias, or cultural prejudice?
Are these negative thoughts being generated out of some sense of insecurity on your part?
What are specific action steps that you can take to change these negative thoughts and feelings into peaceful thoughts and feelings?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the inner strength and mental toughness to fight for the unity of the church, relational harmony and the progress of the gospel. Help me to live securely in Christ who is greater than my insecurities. May I continue to walk in the spiritual blessings that Jesus Christ has achieved for me through His death, resurrection and defeat of the evil one. Grant me the ability to admit when I am wrong, speak the truth with love and promote peace even when it involves personal sacrifice. Grant me the courage to take positive steps towards protecting my relationships with my spouse, my children, my partners in the gospel and within the church. Father of Peace we rejoice in your victory over the father of lies. Amen.

Next: Sexual Immorality & Addictions

Utilizing Google Apps for Church Planting

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:55 GMT

At Passion 4 Planting we set up all of our church planters on Google Apps. It's free and its a great solution for email, document storage, calendars, and a whole lot more. All you need is a URL to get started and you can be up an running in no time. There is a little tech involved so I've include a Guide to Setting Up Google Apps. The guide is written assuming the URL was purchased from GoDaddy. If you purchased from a different domain registrar, don't worry. Google has instructions for several different ones.

Once you have completed your 501(c)3, you can apply for a free upgrade to the education edition of Google Apps. The biggest advantage over the standard version is that you get 24/7 support from Google for free. Thank you Google. To apply for the education upgrade follow the instructions provided by Google. The online form only takes about five minutes to fill out.

Using the Super Bowl as an Outreach Opportunity

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:47 GMT

This is a popular event to tie to an outreach opportunity, especially when trying to connect with men. Did you know, though, that the NFL has been aggressive with protecting their copyrights against churches?

Here are 3 basic rules for a Super Bowl party that the Church Law Group has put together there's no penalty flag thrown on your event:

featured on newchurches.com

What A Roller Coaster Year!

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:25 GMT

On Saturday we celebrated our one year anniversary in Vegas. I can't believe a year has gone by. So much has changed in 12 months. God has done some amazing things and it's been so cool to be here to see it all. It's been such a roller coaster year!

On Saturday we got the final approval for the building we're hoping to lease. Never in a million years did I think Verve would have a building. The only time Vince has worked in a church with a building was when he did his internship in 1994. We've always been part of "portable" churches. The thought of actually having our own space is exciting and a little overwhelming!

Vince signed the lease today and got the key. Thank you SO much for praying for this and for financially supporting us. We appreciate it so much!

As I look back on this year I am overwhelmed and awed that God has chosen us to start this church. As hard as this year has been, I KNOW God has called us here and I am so thankful!

P.S. Thanks for praying for Marissa's EEG. Everything came out normal. Dawson had a CT Scan today for his migraines. I'll keep you posted on the results.

Featured on newchurches.com

House churches as sending centers

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:45 GMT

House churches are not permanent structures. They were never intended to be ongoing "home versions" of church. The idea that "church" is something solid, permanent, or institutional, is more what we have fashioned the church into becoming over the centuries, but not what is described in the book of Acts.

Felicity Dale over at Simply Church shares more from the World House Church Summit held in New Delhi, India, November 2009. In particular, I am interested in what she shares about house churches not multiplying if they become permanent structures.

House churches should be neither independent, nor permanent. If they are they will not multiply, but will only have shifted people from the pew to the sofa. Instead, they should be an interdependent network. Each house church is a debriefing center and a sending center that sends people out.

A starfish has no brain or head. If you cut off the arm of a starfish, it will grow into a new starfish. A house church does not require a CEO or a commander. Any of the people in it can multiply it out. The leader is more of a facilitator that cares for the household...

...Church planting is a process. Jesus stayed a few days in Samaria (John 4). Philip, the evangelist, preached the gospel powerfully there and many sick people were healed and baptized (Acts 8:4-13). Then Peter and John (apostles) came and worked with them too (Acts 8:14-25). Different people used their different giftings to see the church there come to maturity (Acts 9:31).

I have to confess that it has taken us 10 years to understand what Felicity shares above. Most of the church planting types I relate to are focused on starting churches. Once we have something up and going, we think, "Great, let's now look around and see who else we might train who might start another one." We have this mindset of permanency. If the house church continues to meet regularly, it is good. If it dissolves after a few months, that is bad. Or is it?

As I reflect upon this, nearly every single church plant connected to our house church network that I can think of, resulted from Christ followers not staying in their home assemblies. Instead, these laborers were discipled, and then sent out to make more disciples. When we make new disciples, churches are planted. The longer we stay together, the more comfortable we get with one another. Soon we want this to go on forever. We want our kids to experience the same we have experienced. We inevitably start organizing, programming, and hiring people to do what we do not have the time to do. Soon, we become the focus of ministry. What we have set into motion begins to define who we are. Before long, 10-20% are the ones engaging in some level of church ministry, while the rest become consumers. Is this what Christ really intended for His Church?

What if the church is something meant to be less permanent, and more fluid? What if we understand Christ's declaration, "I will build my church", to be about his Universal Church (all the saints throughout history), and not the building of local church assemblies? In reality, we are the ones out there trying to build His church. We are the ones trying to do Christ's job for him! Rather than equipping/sending centers; we have organized, programmed, and structured our churches to the point that permanency is what is seen as normal; when in reality, from the viewpoint of Acts, quite abnormal.

Part of the problem is that we have it in our heads that church--whether gathering in a house or a temple--is something solid that must visibly survive if it is to retain its value . In Acts we see the church as more fluid, more about "seeking first the Kingdom"--not the local ekklesia. The above Acts scriptures indicate a church-on-the-move. She is more about being the church in a lost world, and less about going to an organized, programmed, structured place.

I wonder what would happen if there was some way we could reboot our understanding of Jesus and His Church to be more in line with the concept of debriefing and sending centers, and less as permanent structures? Are permanent structures less able to multiply than those which are fluid? What do you think?

Recent blog posts relevant to church planters

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:31 GMT

Here's the best of the recent blog posts we've seen:

Using Email Templates to Say “No” with Grace

Leading with Purpose by Michael Hyatt
Michael shared how to save time and “face” with email templates.
I just don't have that many friends…

Gregsurratt.org by Greg Surratt
Greg talks through shifting from a personal Facebook page to a Public (Fan) Page. A must read for pastors who feel like Facebook is taking every waking hour.
Surround Yourself With Mighty Men

The Batterson Blog – Thoughts on Life and Leadership by Mark Batterson
Mark explains why church planters and leaders should be like King David and surround themselves with mighty men.
Primal Trailer

Thoughts on Life and Leadership by Mark Batterson
Mark makes available everything you need to do a series on Primal, including intro video!
Free Sermons: 2010 Message Series Predictions

Third Place Consulting by Michael Trent
Ideas for sermon in 2010
Book Review: IF GOD IS GOOD

By Rob Ketterling
A quick review of “If God is Good” by Randy Alcorn

Who Will Help the Churches in Haiti?

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:17 GMT

Who Will Help the Churches in Haiti?

The images streaming in from Haiti are disturbing. We feel pity, sorrow and a sense of helplessness at the extent of their plight. The waves of humanitarian aid are washing ashore in Haiti and beginning to meet this massive need but little if any of this medicine will soothe the sores of the suffering church. The country will be rebuilt in time, but so little of that aid will go to the pastors and congregations who are decimated and broken.

Who is helping the Haitian churches and the pastors? While so many agencies will be focused on the immediate social needs, the local communities of faith are devastated as well. These local bodies of Christ can also contribute toward meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of the local people who are burying their family members and are seeking comfort, counsel and guidance.

Churches Helping Churches, initiated by Mark Driscoll and James MacDonald is calling on the North American church to help restore the ravaged church in Haiti. MacDonald writes, “Without question the priority of the ‘church helping the church’ is commanded by Paul in scripture and modeled by Paul in his crisis care for the Corinthians and the church in Jerusalem. If Paul were alive today there is no doubt his first concern as a church planter and leader in the body of Christ would be for the family of God in Haiti.”

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10

Mark and James are going to Haiti early next week to see the needs first hand and assess what can be done to meet the needs of the church in the toughest areas. They will take a team to help them capture this story so they can report on the hope the North American church can bring. They hope to get some great stories on video about what God is doing in Haiti to help encourage God’s people around the world to be generous and help those in need. They are seeking to provide great photos and other video footage to give away online, to give to Christian agencies who could use it to help expose the need of the church, and to give to mainstream media outlets showing the difference the church and God’s people are making.

Acts 29 Network is asking you to consider helping the churches in Haiti so they can continue to contribute in the recovery when other agencies have moved on from the devastated land. Please ask the members of your congregation to contribute financially this week or next to unite as Churches Helping Churches.

Donations can be directed to the following website:

How To Respond When A New Church Comes To Town

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:39 GMT

This video was sent to us from Pastor Jeff Moore and First Presbyterian Church in Aurora, Illinois for us to play at the grand opening of our newest campus in the same town. I would love for every church leader and every pastor to watch this video. This is exactly how a church should respond when they find out a new church is being started in their town. They welcomed us with enthusiasm! They were not threatened. They were not worried about some of their people leaving. They didn't respond with a scarcity mindset. They responded with a kingdom vision and welcomed us. And it wasn't just First Presbyterian. We got encouragement from other church leaders in Aurora such as Randy Schoof of the Warehouse Church and my good friend Scott Hodge of The Orchard. I know there were more so I will be editing this post and adding their names. I just want to say thanks and let these churches know their response is totally inspiring and a great example how to respond when a new church comes to town!

Meet a Church Planter: Jerry Funston in Ohio

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:01 GMT

Meet Jerry and Megan Funston! They planted The Journey Fellowship in Sunbury, Ohio, last spring, out of the ashes of another church. We are excited to have them join our Network and hope you will be in prayer for them and their new church.

Acts 29: Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church.

The Journey is actually a replant. Shortly after arriving at a 3 year old church plant as the second staff person, the lead/planting pastor failed morally, devastating the church.

After praying for a period of time with my wife we felt called to take the failed church plant and start over in a new and healthy way.

Acts 29: What were the biggest challenges you faced in planting your church (and/or currently facing)?

Replanting is hard, in many ways the stink of failure has to be aired out and eradicated. Helping people see that the Gospel is the key as opposed to the latest fad or marketing technique. We have also faced a real need to effectively separate from the broken, failed church, this is an ongoing challenge.

Read Jerry and The Journey Fellowship's full profile. To read more about Acts 29 church planters, check our our profile section.

To hear more about church replanting or revitalization, check out this interview with Acts 29 Church Planter, Jason Martin, as well as this interview with Acts 29 Church Planter, Matt Adair.

Pros and Cons

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:36 GMT

When I was pregnant with my first child, Dawson, I was really sick. Not your average run-of-the-mill- pregnancy sick, but throw-up-literally-every-5-minutes-of-every-hour-of-everyday-for-the-first-16-weeks kind of sick. I had to be hospitalized multiple times. I had to wear a backpack full of milkshake-fluid that fed me through a tube that was attached to my heart through a PIC line. The only relief I got from throwing up was by taking a chemotherapy drug, but that didn’t start working until after my 16th week.

As if the pregnancy wasn’t bad enough, the delivery was awful too. Dawson came out blue, with the umbilical cord wrapped around his head. I had third degree lacerations. They thought Dawson had a heart condition (which he didn’t) and kept him in NICU for several days. Once we finally got home I started getting terribly sick and was readmitted to the hospital. After almost dying, they realized they left part of the placenta inside me. Oops…

When the decision came to have another child we were warned that it would just as bad, if not worse. They weren’t kidding.

The puking started, the PIC line was inserted, hospitalizations occurred, etc. If I thought I was miserable with Dawson, I was twice as miserable with Marissa. The vomiting was twice as bad and to top it off I got a yeast infection in my PIC line, which caused me to be re-hospitalized and for the rest of my pregnancy I had to see an Infectious Disease Control doctor every week. Good times…

Even the delivery was worse than Dawson’s; I had one push to get Marissa out or she literally would have died. At least I didn’t have any lacerations!

When I share this story with people they always say something like, “WHY did you have another child? You knew it was going to be horrible. You are insane!” Honestly it wasn’t really much of a decision for us. We knew we wanted to have another child; we knew the pros and cons and made the choice to endure the horrible times because the amazing times would far outweigh them. And I’m so glad that we made that decision because I can’t imagine my life without Marissa. Was it worth the pain? Of course!

Deciding to plant a church is a lot like deciding to have a baby. It’s a major decision with plenty of pros and cons. When we planted Forefront it was pretty much a no-brainer. We thought, “Of course we will start a new church!” Much like my first pregnancy, we didn’t know what was in store for us. It was incredibly difficult. Sometimes I felt like throwing up every 5 minutes! It was stressful, exhausting and depressing at times. But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. Was it worth the pain? Of course!

When we started feeling like God was telling us to start another church it wasn’t such an easy decision. We knew that it would be just as bad, if not worse, especially given the fact that it would happen in Sin City. We thought, “Do we really want to start a new church again?” But, like with my second pregnancy, we knew what we were in store for and made the decision to go ahead anyway. We made the choice to endure the horrible times because the amazing times would far outweigh them. I’m going to be perfectly honest with you…it’s been really difficult this time around. But, do you think it will it be worth the pain? Of course! (I hope)!

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Long Live Organic Church!

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:00 GMT

The organic church has been a frequent topic of discussion on this blog. And Leadership journal has featured articles and interviews from Alan Hirsch, Neil Cole, and Frank Viola. Like us, Mark Galli has an appreciation for the efforts and perspective of this movement. But what happens when the organic church starts to wilt? Galli, senior managing editor of Christianity Today, wrote the following article to encourage and caution the movement. The full text can be read on CT's website. Along with responses from Neil Cole and Frank Viola.

I love the work that Neil Cole is doing—and Alan Hirsch (The Forgotten Ways), Bob Roberts (Transformation: How Glocal Churches Transform Lives and the World), Frank Viola (Finding Organic Church), and many, many others.

In one form or another, they are champions of "organic church." The term is fluid, but it contains at least three ingredients: Frustration with the-church-as-we-know-it, a focus on people (vs. programs) and mission (vs. institutional maintenance), and a vision to transform the world.

As Neil Cole put it in his book Organic Church, "It is not enough to fill our churches; we must transform our world." He puts it similarly in his latest effort, Church 3.0. The book is ostensibly about how to shift from program-driven and clergy-led institutions to churches that are "relational, simple, intimate, and viral." Still, says Cole, "Changing the church is not the idea of this book … . The only reason to shift from Church 2.0 to Church 3.0 is to change the world."

I love the passion. And the prophetic word to institutionalism (believe me, I know the evils of institutionalism: I'm an Anglican!). And the vision to make Christ's love and grace known to the four corners of the planet.

What I worry about is the coming crash of organic church.

On The VERGE.

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:22 GMT

I got a chance to talk with Matt Carter, the Lead Pastor of Austin Stone when he interviewed me for a Verge podcast on the topic of gospel-centered missional communities. If you are interested, click on the logo and then underneath my pic is a place where you can listen to our conversation.

I am convinced that the new tomorrow for prevailing churches of all kinds (mega, multi-site and incarnational) will be through empowering lay people to lead creative gospel-centered missional communities. Verge is a missional community conference that will feature a terrific group of speakers including Francis Chan, Alan Hirsch, Matt Carter, Dave Gibbons, Neil Cole, Hugh Halter, John Burke and myself. I personally don't think we need more church leadership conferences, but we do need one on this topic!

My thoughts on the new IMB global objectives (KRAs)

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:57 GMT

The new International Mission Board (IMB) global mission objectives, or KRA's* are great objectives. Three broad challenges. All worthy of our best efforts, energy, time, and sacrifice.

1. Engaging and reaching the UPGs*, UUPGs**, and UUUPGs.***

2. Engaging and reaching the unreached megacities.

3. Mobilizing America's partners to the Great Commission task.

My concern, though, lies in what is not stated. It is in the "fine print" of how some of the key words are being defined where my concerns lie (see my related blog post People or Unreached People Groups?).

I am certainly all for engaging and reaching the "unreached people groups" of our region and the world. But when "unreached" is defined as 2% or less, something within my missionary heart also cries out for the millions who are supposedly "reached" but are on their way to hell! Who decides when 2.1% of a people group has been engaged, they are "reached" and time to move on? Why not 3%, or 10%, or 25%?

The same hold true for the 2nd KRA of engaging and reaching the unreached megacities. Which passage in the N.T. guides us in our definition of "unreached megacities" as cities with populations greater than 5-million and 2% or less evangelized?

The detail in our 3rd KRA is the subjective "partners". Who are we defining as those partners? Are America's Partners...

1) Like-minded Baptists coming from anywhere in the Americas?
2) Any great Commission Christian (GCC) in the Body of Christ?
3) Both #1 and #2?

If #3, great! But for the moment, the parameters around the term "partners" are still not clear to me. Do the former "New Directions" guidelines for partners still apply, or are there new definitions now in place? I just don't know.

What I would like to see lifted from the first two KRAs are the unnecessary definitions that have been tacked on to the terms "unreached" and "megacities".

With these definition of terms, Guayaquil's 7% evangelical population is a "reached" city. But when 93 souls out of every 100 are on their way to a Christless eternity, how does this reconcile with Jesus own teaching on the matter? (See Luke 15 of the Good Shepherd leaving the 99 to find the one lost sheep.)

Some might argue that unless we put definitions to these terms, the 2% or less evangelized people groups will continue to be ignored, lost in the shuffle. But are we to disengage from the millions--in our particular case, 6 million plus--to engage the remaining American UPGs, or UUPGs, with populations often numbering only a few thousand?

My experience has shown the best way to engage UPGs is mobilizing our partners from within the greater than 2% Evangelical population centers. It seems, more than ever, we need strong apostolic presence in the "reached" cities of the Americas if, for not other reason, to make sure all three KRAs are given priority attention.

In summary, it is not the wording of our KRA's that concerns me, but the unnecessary definitions that have been attached to the terms.

The most likely scenario for truly engaging the 2% or less UPGs, UUPGs, UUUPGs and Megacities has less to do with defining percentages as criteria for missionary presence, and more with placing genuine apostolically/prophetically gifted workers in key "reached" centers. There, from a strategic field position mobilize, connect, partner, train, engage, and support coordinated CPM efforts to make disciples of the nations, and bring in the final Great Harvest.

What do you think? How do you see and understand the IMB's Global Objectives (KRAs)? Can you answer any of my questions? Your thoughts are welcome.

-----------------------
*UPG=unreached people groups (2% or less evangelical Christian)
**UUPG=unengaged unreached people groups
***UUUPG=uncontacted unengaged unreached people groups
KRA=key result areas
CPM=church planting movement

The Hansen Report: Valuing Visitation

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:00 GMT

In the hierarchy of church problems, most pastors wouldn’t mind figuring out how to handle a congregation that has grown so rapidly that they can no longer get to know everyone personally. The multisite church boom has met this very challenge by leveraging the best teachers with new technology to reach mass audiences at low costs. Motivated by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, pastors understand the number of new professions of faith as a sign of God’s blessing. There appears to be little downside to adding new church sites. There is little of the personal risk and exorbitant cost of church planting. In fact, there are few arguments against multiple sites that can’t also be made against multiple services in one church building. And most medium and large-sized churches crossed that line without much consternation some time ago. So if people don’t mind watching a pastor on television, what’s holding us back?

Maybe some people really do mind. A recent report on multisite churches by Cathy Lynn Grossman in USA Today revealed some concern about the growing disconnect between pastors and their large congregations.

New Jersey in the House!

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:59 GMT

I’m in New Jersey for my sister’s baby shower. She’s a few months shy of 40 and ready to pop with my niece. She has two boys from her first marriage. I haven’t seen her since her wedding last Valentine’s Day. My nephews are 7 and 9; I can’t believe how much they have grown in a year.

Being here is making me sad because it’s reminding me that the decision to move to Las Vegas is not without its consequences. When we lived in Virginia Beach I would see my sister 2-3 times a year. Now that I’m on the other side of the country, the times we see each other are few and far between. Knowing that my nieces and nephews are growing and changing and I’m only going to see them once a year saddens me. Knowing that my kids won’t ever have the chance to be close to their cousins makes me want to cry, especially because none of my family are Christians.

Don’t get me wrong; it’s not like we lived in the same town or even state. It’s just that it was a lot easier and cheaper to see each other.

So here’s my question for you: How do you connect with family who live far away from you? Do you have any advice or creative ideas to share? I’m sure I’m not the only one, so any wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

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Africa Mission Update

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 07:34 GMT

Mike Gunn, Acts 29's International Field Director sent this update from Africa this morning and I wanted to share the blessings with you.

Scott

The Nairobi Church Planting Foundations [boot camp] went well! We didn't have as many as expected due to a transportation strike, but we had 25-30 planters come (Many of whom walked miles and slept on the church floor). We spent the whole day yesterday assessing dudes and travelling to their ministries, including going to the Masai tribe. It was pretty amazing!

Dave [Fandy] and I believe we have 3-4 solid guys to work with and possibly one catalytic leader to begin a network. He's planning on starting a reformed bible college, which he would love us to teach in and help create the church planting curriculum, which we will be doing w/Arjuna [in India] too.

We're in the Congo now and will be teaching 60-70 church planters in Gabriel's bible college.

Hope all is well. Just a quick update.

Mike

GCA Church Planting Conference

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:51 GMT

I'm going to be presenting two sessions with Timmy Brister at the GCA Church Planting Conference January 26-28th 2010 in Orlando. If you are a church planter, this is a highly valuable conference to attend.

Planting in a Post Christian World: The culture is changing and therefore there new methods of church planting are required. This session will help you learn how to effectively minister in a post-Christian context. Come learn the key values of this Post-Christian generation, the idols that enslave them and effective ways to communicate the eternal and unchanging gospel message.

The Internet and the Sovereignty of God: God has used major technological and cultural shifts to bring sweeping change. As our culture moves increasingly online, this session will help your church effectively use the internet to be missionaries to unbelievers, gather the unchurched and connect with your community. Come learn how to use this powerful tool to change the community in which you are called to plant a church.

Spiritual Dependency: Prayer - Part 1

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:25 GMT

Over the next couple of months I am going to write a number of posts on spiritual dependency that will work in harmony with those I am writing on spiritual warfare.

One of the values I have sought to live as well as promote thoughout our movement of churches is: We are prayer warriors who advance on our knees!

A book that made an impact on my prayer life this summer was Dutch Sheets’, "Watchman Prayer." In this book he gives an excellent explanation of the mysterious partnership we have with God through prayer.

He writes, "This is the God and family synergistically working together for the good in the earth. Second Corinthians 6:1 says, ‘And working together with Him’. Working together is the word sunergeo, from which we get the English word ‘synergism’ or ‘synergy’. Synergism is the combined action of two or more which have a greater total effect than the sum of their individual effects. I’ve been told that a rope made of three strands woven together is 100 times stronger than one strand. That’s synergism. Can you imagine God saying there is a synergistic effect when we work together with Him? All the multiplication of power must come from His strand."

He continues by telling a story reported by Rusty Stevens of Virginia Beach, Virginia. "As I feverishly pushed the lawn mower around the yard, I wondered if I’d finish before dinner. Mikey, our six year old, walked up and without even asking, stepped in front of me and placed his hands on the mower handle. Knowing that he wanted to help me, I quit pushing.

The mower quickly slowed to a stop. Chuckling inwardly at his struggles, I resisted the urge to say, ‘Get out of here, kid. You’re in my way’, and said instead, ‘Here, Son. I’ll help you.’ As I resumed pushing, I bowed my back and leaned forward, and walked spread-legged to avoid colliding with Mikey. The grass cutting continued, but more slowly, and less efficiently than before, because Mikey was ‘helping’ me.

Suddenly, tears came to my eyes as it hit me: This is the way my heavenly Father allows me to ‘help’ him build his kingdom! I pictured my heavenly Father at work seeking, saving and transforming the lost, and there I was with my weak hands ‘helping’. He chooses to stoop gracefully to allow me to co-labor with Him."

We desire to see a spirit-filled synergy at work amongst our churches…but first we must see a synergy take place within our relationship with God. May we be a movement of prayer warriors who advance on our knees.

Check out more prayer resources on Inspirational Prayer Quotes

Free Church Planting Webinar - Designing Your Worship Service

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:15 GMT

Mark Your Calendars!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 2 pm Central (3 pm Eastern/12 pm Pacific)

Over 400 people have signed up for these free Church Planting webinars and the response has been encouraging.

Join us for Part 5 of the FirstSteps webinar series with Gary Rohrmayer as he provides a deeper look at another critical step of planting a missional church: Designing Your Worship Service and Initial Ministries. We will be providing insights on:

Eight Basic Elements of a Public Worship Service
"Response Filter" Principle
First Impressions
Childrens Ministry Insights

Learn More About the FirstSteps Network

FirstSteps for Planting a Missional Church

EEG Update

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:24 GMT

Marissa's EEG was this morning. Thank you so much to those of you who prayed. She did great and stayed awake just like she was supposed to. We have an appointment in two weeks to get the results.

We're not sure when Dawson's CT Scan is. We're waiting for the office to call us for an appointment. I'll keep you posted!

I'm headed to New Jersey tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing my sister and parents. I'm not looking forward to the weather...BURR!!!!

Vince has a new book called, "Guerrilla Lovers" that's being released February 1st. We got a copy today! I am so proud of him. I promise I'm not being biased, but it's amazing; it's hard to believe but it's even better than his first book. I'm so excited for you guys to read it and see what God does in your life!

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An EE What?

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:09 GMT

Look at me...it's been 2 days since I last blogged. So far so good on my New Year's resolution!

Right before Thanksgiving Marissa had a seizure at school. Nothing like this has ever happened to her before. She was in the playground and "fainted" twice, hitting her head on the concrete. After an evaluation at the neurologist they ordered her to have an EEG. Basically it's like an EKG, but for the brain instead of the heart.

Her EEG is tomorrow morning. Here's the problem: The test has to be done while the child is sleep deprived. So she has to stay awake until midnight tonight and has to wake up at 5am tomorrow morning. Her test isn't until 9:30am and she's not allowed to fall asleep before then. Please pray for her. Not only for help to stay awake, but for the results.

I took Dawson to the doctor this morning. He has been having migraines. They've been going on for over a year, but are getting progressively worse and more frequent. The doctor ordered him to have a CT Scan. He said he wanted to rule out a brain tumor. What in the world? Do you want me to have a panic attack?

Fear is something that I've struggled with my entire life. For instance, as a child I wouldn't sleep at people's houses because I was afraid my family would be killed while I was away. The older I got the more the fear increased. Adding a husband and kids to the mix nearly put me over the edge. It's been a long journey, but He has given me freedom from paralyzing fear. God has done amazing work in this area of my life.

So when my kids' health is at stake, like it is now, I have a choice to make. I can get freaked out, let my mind spin wildly out of control and fall into a pit of depression...or I can trust God. This time I've made the right choice. I'm choosing to believe that God is in control. I'm not allowing the "what ifs" to steal my peace and contentment.

Acknowledging my tendencies towards fear is crucial to victory in my life. I can easily go from "fine" to "horrible." I've got to stay close to God and constantly make the right choices about my thoughts. I don't always succeed, but thankfully those times are less and less common.

So while you're praying for my kids (thank you) would you also pray for me, that fear doesn't take over and consume me. Thanks!

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Happy New Year!

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:14 GMT

Happy New Year! One of my resolutions this year is to blog more consistently. Hopefully I'll follow through, but I can't make any promises. On New Year's Eve my friend made the decision to give up drinking soda. By 10:45am on New Year's Day, she gave up! It was a classic moment that I'm glad I got to witness.

My life has gone crazy! December was an insane month and I'm so glad it's over. My kids have been off from school since Thanksgiving. They go to a year-round school so they get three 1-month breaks instead of a long summer break. Poor Vince has been stuck working at home with them because I'm working at the gym. They finally go back to school tomorrow.

This was my first Thanksgiving and Christmas where we didn't spend time with my family...talk about depressing! My parents visited in December, which was awesome, but I didn't get to see my brother and sister and their families. My kids missed spending the holidays at Grandma and Grandpa's with their cousins, which broke my heart.

I'm going to my sister's house in New Jersey later this week for her baby shower. I'm not looking forward to the snow, but am looking forward to seeing my pregnant sister! For once she will weigh more than me! Ha!

Things with the church are going good. We've added more people to our launch team and are getting ready for our opening day. We're still getting some quotes on build-out expenses for the building, but everything is looking good. We've added a Children's Minister who is amazing; God is so awesome!

One of my best friends has moved into our house with her husband and three kids. Juli is like a breath of fresh air for me. Her husband Chuck was on staff with Vince at Forefront. He's trying to raise support so he can work full-time for Verve. If you or your church have some extra money and would like to help him reach his goal, let me know!

So there are 9 of us plus one annoying dog living at my house. Things are going great, with the exception of the relationship between the annoying dog and the twins. Noah and Samuel are 4 and were adopted from Haiti. They've been in the States for a little over a year. Unfortunately, they are terrified of animals and Kuma is causing a lot of stress for them. If you have any suggestions I will take them! Some prayers wouldn't hurt either!!!!

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Spiritual Warfare: Are We Ready for 2010?

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:35 GMT

As we move into this new year and launch another major expansion effort throughout the USA with our Ignite a Church Campaign 2010-2015, along with me moving into my new post March 1, 2010 as the District Executive Minister of Converge MidAmerica, it is always good to remember that with new things comes new attacks and counter-attacks from God's enemy.

Argentinean leader Ed Silvoso said, “The Church in the West today presents too easy a target for Satan. We do not believe we are at war. We do not know where the battleground is located, and, in spite of our weapons, they are neither loaded nor aimed at the right target. We are unaware of how vulnerable we are. We are better fitted for a parade that for an amphibious landing.”

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth, “…in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes” (II Corinthians 2:11). Paul, as a spiritual leader, acknowledges to this troubled church that he knows the plans, thoughts and cunning of the evil one. In the context of this verse he reveals that one of the tactics of the enemy is an unforgiving spirit which provides an entry point for the enemy's influence in the church's life. I also would suggest that in this statement he is presuming that we can know them (the enemy’s tactics) and not be outwitted by them for they are well documented throughout the pages of Scripture. Scripture reveals to us the reasons for Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19); the tactics he used in his temptation of Adam & Eve (Genesis 3:1-10) and his devices to tempted our Savior (Matthew 4). We see throughout the pages of Scripture Satan’s defeat (Hebrews 2:12-14) and his ultimate demise (Revelation 20:10). Serious spiritual leaders should be fully aware of these counter-attacks on His leaders and His church. Ignorance of the enemy's tactics is one of the downfalls that many leaders face and ultimately leads to ones disengagement in God’s redemptive work in the world.

In Robert Clinton’s Commentary on 1 & 2 Corinthians: Problematic Apostolic Leadership, he writes several excellent articles on spiritual warfare. In one article entitled, “Spiritual Warfare—Satan’s Tactics” he offers a simple listing of times when Paul refers to Satan or the Devil and or demonic work. I have found these references very instructive and illuminating and they serve as the foundation of 14 devotional thoughts I am writing for spiritual leaders to increase our awareness of spiritual warfare. Clinton states that, “There are over 89 passages in scripture that deal with or mention the Devil or Satan, along with others that discuss demonic influence.” Over the next couple of months our focus will be on the 14 Pauline passages, but they all must be taken in context of the whole of Scripture.

Here are the 14 passages we will be examining:

My prayer is that we as a missional leaders will start off the New Year building up our spiritual muscles; refocusing our spiritual dependence and receiving God's spiritual discernment. Missional advancement always engages missional resistance (Matthew 16:18-19).

Seasons of Church Life

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:00 GMT

Churches go through critical seasons of their life that largely determine both their longevity and health. Seeing, accepting, and navigating these seasons is incredibly important for the ongoing forward progress of the gospel.

Gestation

In this phase, God calls a leader (or leaders) to begin a new church and begins to clarify the specifics of their vision. An initial core of people is gathered, a meeting location is secured, some ministries begin to form, and funding is acquired.

Birth

In this season, the church goes from being a concept to a reality, opens itself up to invite in the greater community, and focuses its attention on evangelism, growth, and implementation of new systems and leaders.

Infancy

In this season, the attendance settles into a somewhat stabilized pattern, longer-range planning begins, new programs are added, and administrative structures grow to prepare for numerical growth and evolving vision.

Adolescence

In this season, church attendees begin rising up into positions of greater leadership, church government begins to form, and church attendance and financial giving begin to increase.

Maturity

In this season, additional staff is added, the church gains confidence that it now has sufficient stability to exist indefinitely, church government and leadership are solidified, church attendance and giving become strong, and the church is now independent and able to self-govern and self-finance. It is also common for churches in this season to purchase their own facility.

Parenting

In this season, which ideally would be during the first year of the plant, the church is ready to reproduce itself by giving leadership and monies for the purpose of starting another gestation phase and repeating the church planting cycle. This results in the birth of a new congregation, likely in connection with other church planting churches networking together for the cause of church planting. The unique element here is that the church(es) sponsoring the new church plant have a vested interest in praying for and holding accountable the new work since they have directly sacrificed for it.

Grandparenting

In this season, a church has planted enough churches that it begins to see third and fourth generation church plants birthed.

Death

In this season, a church is unhealthy and does not see conversion growth or attract young leaders. It thus faces a critical decision between two options. One, the church can deny its impending death, which may be many years out, sell off its assets such as land to prolong its death, redefine its mission to defend its death, and simply hold on as it slowly and painfully dies, often rewriting the best years of its history so as to feel significant and successful. Or two, the church can embrace its impending death as an opportunity to resurrect.

Resurrection

In this season, a church knows it is dying, or at least that it is not as healthy and fruitful as it should be, and humbly decides to shut down its organization and replant the church. This can be done by hiring a new entrepreneurial pastor to start over with the assets and with the freedom to kill programs, prune problem people, and decide whether to upgrade the facility, which is usually suffering from deferred maintenance, or sell it to use the money for a more strategic facility.

This can also be done by giving the facility and assets to a church planter or a growing church, which requires the dying church to be more concerned about the name of Jesus than its own name, and the Kingdom over its church. Those churches that have this humility and wisdom should be cheered as model churches for the majority of American churches that have plateaued or are declining and need to have a vision for a faithful and fruitful future.

A Day With Dr. Don

Get all the audio and video content from D.A. Carson's lectures at Mars Hill Church in December 2008. Read More.

My favorite books for 2009

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:22 GMT

Not all the following were written or published in 2009, but are some of the best books that I got around to reading this past year. Several of these were listened to as audio books, others as Kindle downloads, but all are well worth the time and effort.

Most Helpful: I can't say enough about John Eldredge's Walking With God. The Lord brought this book into my life at the precise moment I was needing to read its content. If I was forced to choose just one book to recommend that everyone read, this would be the one.

Most Challenging: The Starfish Manifesto by Wolfgang Simson gets my vote for the most stretching and important reads of 2009. Nearly every page of my Kindle copy is highlighted with thoughts and ideas that need further reflection. Since my previous post was a review of the book, I won't say anymore about it here, but would encourage you to read what I have written below for some of the reasons why I think this is one of the most important books of the year.

Most thought-provoking: A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian McLaren. The sub-title sums up what this intriguing book is all about: Why I Am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant, Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative, Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Depressed-yet-Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished CHRISTIAN. A lot to chew on and think about.

Most Amazing Read: There's A Sheep in My Bathtub: Birth of a Mongolian Church Planting Movement, by Brian Hogan. My wife and I met the author back in October at the Antioch Gathering, and heard a summary of the book around the breakfast table one morning. One of the first things we did when we got back home was download the Kindle version of this incredibly uplifting story. You will laugh, cry, and be grossed out all within a single sitting. Do these things really happen? They do on the mission field! Be sure and read my wife's blog review of the book here. If you are even slightly interested in CPM, church planting, cross-cultural missionary life, this is one book you will have to put on your list for 2010!

Best Fictional Novel: World Without End by Ken Follett. I downloaded the audio version and listened to all 45-hours while walking in the mornings over a span of several weeks. The book could easily have been edited down to half of what it actually is and not lost its appeal. However, I enjoyed every minute of the fascinating lives of the characters in this Middle Ages saga taking place in England. My only regret about "World Without End" is when it finally did end!

Best Story: Right up there with Ken Follett is my other favorite story teller, Jeffrey Archer. His Prisoner at Birth is a modern version of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. I really enjoyed this well written and crafted tale, and can't imagine anyone not liking this great story.

Best Contemporary Thinking on Leadership: Tribes: We Need You To Lead Us, by Seth Godin. While a secular business-type book, the applications and implications are manifold for anyone in leadership. Seth is one guy who definitely thinks "out of the box" and challenges the way most things are seen and done in today's world. This was an eye-opening book on many levels and turned me into a daily reader of Seth's blog.

Best Book On Simple/House/Organic Church: The Rabbit and the Elephant: Why Small is the New Big for Today's Church, by Tony & Felicity Dale and George Barna. This is a practical and excellent addition to the growing number of really fine house/simple church books coming off the presses. For more on this title, read my blog review of the book here.

Most Prophetic: Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile, by Rob Bell. Much like Simson's "The Starfish Manifesto", Bell calls into question "things as they really are" and "shining the light of Kingdom truth on where we are headed as a nation." As one commenter puts it, "this book will challenge you to reflect on your own faith and ask yourself hard questions about your day to day opinions" of things and what our response should be as Followers of Christ.

Most Inspiring: I found Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations...One School at a Time to be a most insightful book. If you have ever doubted whether ordinary people can really make a difference in today's world, Greg Mortenson's story is living proof. While there is very little spoken in the book about religion or faith, there is more Christianity within its pages than most follower's of Christ even bother to think about, let alone live. If I had my way, I would make this obligatory reading for all missionaries and church planters.

Best Biography: Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility, by Charles Swindoll. Using available Scriptural passages and weaving them into the times, places, cultures and peoples of the day, Swindoll really brings Elijah's story to life. This is the first of Swindoll's "Great Lives" series that I have read. I am now eager to tackle some of the others like Job, Joseph, Paul, Moses, and Esther.

Most Moving: A powerful and magnificently well-written follow up to "The Kite Runner" is Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns. A sad, but moving story about the hardships of women in Afghanistan. Both of Hosseini's books open up the rich history and culture of the Afghan people. However, they are not easy reads. The author does not spare us from the horror and tragedy lived by a people we know so little about in the West. Reading Hosseini reminds me of Bob Pierce's words, “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.” The book easily rates 5-stars, but beware--it will break your heart.

Best Classic Literature: With the global tendency to move towards socialism, George Orwell's "Anima l Farm" and "1984" are both worth rereading. Do we really want to keep moving in these directions? Have we learned nothing from history? If you have any lingering doubts, go ahead and pick up either one of these classics.

Most shocking: The book everybody is reading, but nobody admits! Quite simply, this is an embarrassing book. It is about the hard-to-believe, insider experiences of Wade Burleson and what he learned about Hardball Religion: Feeling the Fury of Fundamentalism. If the stories and allegations in this book are true, why include it on my 2009 favorites? The subject matter is certainly not even close to being in the same league as the other titles above. The reason I think it is an important book, and should be widely read, is that fundamentalism of the kind outlined in this book needs to be exposed, confronted, and dealt with. If this kind of activity continues unchecked within the SBC, it will ultimately lead to Baptists being a small, insignificant body of believers, and minor players in the global missionary movement. It is precisely for the reasons so vividly described in "Hardball Religion", that books like "Starfish Manifesto," "Jesus Wants to Save Christians," "1984," "Animal Farm," "A Thousand Splendid Suns," "Tribes," "Walking With God," "There's a Sheep in my Bathtub," and "A Generous Orthodoxy" are must read books. Each one of these titles refutes in myriad ways why we must resist hardball religion and the fury of fundamentalism.

Have you read any of the above? What was your take on them? If your favorite 2009 read isn't on my list, please share in the COMMENTS what you found worthwhile reading. I still have several good books on my shelf and in our Kindle that I simply haven't gotten around to yet. I guess they'll have to show up on the 2010 favorites list!

Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:39 GMT

I was honored to receive an advanced copy of "Primal" by Pastor Mark Batterson. Pastor Mark is the founding and senior Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. If you're not familiar with his story I encourage you to read up about him and see what God is doing in both his life and the life of his church. Additionally you can check out some of his sermons here.

A little disclosure. I'm a fan of Pastor Mark Batterson. A few years ago when I was leading a church plant in Virginia Beach I was honored to sit in on a staff meeting with the team of NCC. During that time I observed a high-caliber team who have a deep respect and love for their Pastor. I also noticed a Pastor who leads with humility and wisdom.

A few years ago I went to a conference NCC hosted called "Buzz" (day 1, day 2). From there I have kept an eye on NCC and read two other books by Pastor Batterson, "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" and "Wild Goose Chase". Both of these books provide inspiration and insight worthy of your time. I also happen to own Pastor Mark's "ID: The True You" so I'm familiar with his work.

Primal is essentially a book written to awaken within the believer a passion to get back to the very essence of our faith. Through fascinating storytelling the reader gets to engage in a lifetime of adventures all the while uncovering deep spiritual truths. From joining Pastor Mark as he explores ancient ruins to hiking the rim of the Grand Canyon, this book is full of amazing tales of personal achievement and adventure.

The premise is that in Christianity there is a deep and primary truth to which we must return. That truth, a truth we often forget, is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

If you are a follower of Jesus there is no doubt that you have explored this verse but like many you may have come to an uncertain conclusion on how "exactly" I can love God with my heart, soul, mind and strength. Primal should be your primary read!

One of the attributes God has given to Pastor Batterson is an ability to stretch our mind by pointing to God's creation in scientific terms while simultaneously pulling in compelling stories. For me, his writing style is a one-two punch on my left and right brains to keep me engaged throughout the reading of this work.

Finally, as a Pastor I've decided to take principles and concepts from this book and use it in our first series of 2010 at Captivate Church. We will re-brand the series but we are going to point people to pick up a copy of Pastor Mark Batterson's compelling work, Primal. I want to encourage you to get yourself a copy this weekend and read it sometime in January before your calendar begins to complicate your new year. Thanks Pastor Batterson for putting out great work for us to chew on in the new year.

Let's all get back to the core of our faith in 2010 and show the world this God to whom we give our entire being.

Christmas Learning Tracks

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:54 GMT

During the Christmas holidays, you may find yourself with some more time to be able to listen to sermons that you wouldn't otherwise have. So while you are traveling, taking some time off, or just relaxing - here are some listening tracks covering the three key elements of Acts 29's values: The Man, The Mission, and The Message.

Also, check out "A Good Soldier," a video by Mark Driscoll briefly eplaining these three key elements of Acts 29's values.

The Man (Total Running Time: 5 hours 50 minutes) The Calling of the Planter - Mark Driscoll The Biblical Mandate on the Man - Scott Thomas The Ox: Qualifications of a Church Planter - Mark Driscoll Am I a Church Planter? - Scott Thomas The Man - Mark Driscoll

The Mission (Total Running Time: 5 hours 20 mins) Great Commission Call to Plant Churches - Scott Thomas Leading the Mission in the Church - Darrin Patrick Biblical Missiology - Jeff Vanderstelt Spirit Led Missions: Following the Luke-Acts Paradigm - Mark Driscoll Breaking the Missional Code - Ed Stetzer

The Message (Total Running Time: 5 hours) The Call to Preach - Matt Chandler The Call to Proclaim the Gospel - PJ Smyth Speaking Past Demons: Christian Preaching as Expository Exorcism - Dr. Russell Moore The Enduring Gospel - Matt Chandler Christ Centered Preaching - Bryan Chapell

We pray that each of you have a Merry Christmas and that Jesus receives glory as we celebrate His incarnation during this season!

Advice from Acts 29 Pastor Steve Treichler

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:40 GMT

Steve Treichler of Hope Community Church in Minneapolis, MN was interviewed at our Louisville Boot Camp last month. Here he gives some advice to church planters in the areas of preparing to preach and being a one woman man.

For more advice on preparing to preach, check out clips from Darrin Patrick here.

For more on being a one woman man, as well as the other qualifications of a church planter, listen to Mark Driscoll's The Ox - Qualifications of an Acts 29 Church Planter here.

Meet a Church Planter: Ryan Stanley in Dayton, OH

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:03 GMT

Acts 29: Tell us about your calling to plant.

Ryan: Was part of a church plant in college (part of leadership team when we planted), went to seminary and was part of Sojourn in Louisville. After seminary started to feel that church planting is what God wanted for us, continued to pray through it, finally felt that the Lord was saying "Its time!" So talked with a friend Dave Dorr, about planting a church, got involved w/ A29, got assessed, extremely helpful. Helped Dave plant a church in West Chester, OH. Continued to feel that God wanted me to plant another church, so we came back to centerville and started Mercy Hill.

Acts 29: How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

Ryan: Heard of A29 originally from Daniel Montgomery while at Sojourn. Biggest benefits has been the wisdom and friendships of the other guys. And getting the deep wisdom and great friendship from this guy named Tyler Powell.

Acts 29: What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant?

Ryan: If you are considering planting for any other reason then you have a deep longing to see people come to know Jesus, go into another line of work.
Pray a lot and then pray more.

To read more about Ryan and Mercy Hill Church, see their full profile. And, read about more Acts 29 church planters here!

Exponential 2010

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:58 GMT

We want to take this time to recommend to you the upcoming Exponential conference happening April 19-22, 2010 in Orlando, FL. This conference will be 4 days packed with 60 difference speakers talking on the issues of the church and church planting.

Here are a couple of reasons to consider attending:

The Exponential Conference features some great speakers: Some of the speakers will include Acts 29's own: Scott Thomas, Darrin Patrick, Matt Chandler, and Matt Carter. You will also have the chance to listen to people like Ed Stetzer, Francis Chan, Larry Osbourne, Billy Hornsby, Louis Giglio, and Alan Hirsch. You can see the list of speakers at here.

There’s something about church planters gathering. We experience this regularly at our Acts 29 Boot Camps. In fact, we think one of the primary reasons to attend one of our boot camps is that it's not just about content, but also about relationships. It is good for us to come and learn, but we also need to meet and network with other church planters as well. It is also beneficial for us to connect with church planters who are working for the Gospel outside of our Network as well. Some of the church planting organizations that are represented at Exponential are: New Thing Network, Association of Related Churches (ARC), Stadia New Church Strategies, GlocalNet, Vision 360, and Acts 29 Network. See all of the Exponential Alliance Members here.

Meet a Church Planter: Eric Roseberry in Lafayette, IN

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:49 GMT

Acts 29: Tell us about your calling to plant.

Eric: From the time I was in college my wife and I felt called to church planting. At that point we began to pray that God would give us wisdom and calling as to when and where. Last February through a series of prayer and spiritual counsel we decided that it was the right time, and that Lafayette was definitely the place.

Acts 29: How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

Eric: We were introduced to Acts 29 by listening to Pastor Mark weekly in college. For me, as a younger guy, it has been invaluable to have so many planters around me for advice and encouragement. There are so many land mines that I've avoided by having men in the network genuinely interested in our plant.

Acts 29: What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant?

Eric: 1. Pray for wisdom 2. Make sure your wife is 100% on board 3. If you can imagine doing anything else with your life it might not be time. Most guys I know that have planted and done it well wouldn't be happy doing anything else.

To read more about Eric and City of God Church, see their full profile. And, read about more Acts 29 church planters here!

Monday News & Links (Dec 7)

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:09 GMT

b21 Podcast: Interview with Acts29 Network Director Scott Thomas

Recenty, Jonathan Akin and Ronnie Parrott had the opportunity to sit down with Scott Thomas, Director of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network and one of the pastors at Mars Hill Church.

Australia’s first Acts 29 boot camp: An Aussie review

Ben Pfahlert writes: "I'm sitting on a plane at Brisbane airport. I've just spent two days at the first Australian Acts 29 Church Planters boot camp. I went because I was tired of hearing about Acts 29 (and Mars Hill Church and Mars Hill Global) second-hand. I wanted to meet the people leading the movement face-to-face and hear ‘from the horse's mouth’. Let me share with you what I thought, and let me tell you about the who, what, when, where and how of the conference."

Why Plant Churches? The Church in the Great Commission

Dave Harvey writes: "The Great Commission is given to the disciples, not just as apostles who walked with Jesus, but as representatives of the church (Matthew 28:16–20). Sure, the apostles received it (v. 16), but the church has to finish it."

Counsel to a Young Church Planter on Marriage

D.A. Carson writes: "The following post was first an email to a young church planter seeking counsel. He is planting a church in a rough area. Not a few of those who are getting converted have been living together, sometimes with children, sometimes for years, without getting married. His question, then, is what should be said to these couples where one of the pair gets converted, and the other, so far, does not. Should the advice be to get married? Or is that encouraging people to be unequally yoked?"

How Whitefield walked through controversy

Ray Ortland, lead Pastor of Immanuel Church, gives us an excerpt from Arnold Dallimore's biography of George Whitefield on how Whitefield dealt with the controversy between himself and John Wesley.

D.A. Carson on Spiritual Gifts

The Gospel Coalition has just released a new audio resource. Here are six sermons from D.A. Carson on spiritual gifts. The first five were the basis of Carson's book Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14.

Interview with Bob Thune (Part One) : 5 Essentials for a Calling to Church Planting

At the recent Acts 29 AMBITION Boot Camp in Louisville, KY, Dustin Neeley, Lead Pastor of Crossing Church, had the opportunity to chat with Bob Thune, Pastor of Coram Deo Church in Omaha, NE.

Big News!

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:46 GMT

Okay, two amazing things happened this week.

First, we got approval from the city to have a church in the warehouse space we want to lease! We still need to get approval from the building commission, but that should be no problem. It's just making sure we meet fire codes and that kind of thing. So it looks like ... we can do it!

Second, Shepherd of the Hills church let us know that they will match any donations given in December to our Verve Venture Capitalist Campaign!! We are trying to raise $50,000 for the build-out costs of getting the warehouse turned into a space where we can do church services (and more). Our hope has been to have 500 people give $100 each, all in 100 days.

So far we're about half way there, but with only 29 days left. So Shepherd of the Hills said to help us reach our goal, they will match your donations given in December, all the way up to $25,000! So, if you can please give, your gift will be doubled. You can learn more, and give online, at www.verveventure.org.

Thanks for your prayers, and for your financial support. God is going to do something amazing on the Las Vegas Strip, and you'll be a part of making it happen!

Featured on newchurches.com

You know you serve in a Multi-Ethnic church when…

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:08 GMT

… The kids in elementary children's ministry have a deep and heated discussion on “what color was Jesus' skin. Seems that this debate took place today during our third hour and the concession was that surely his skin was “light brown.” How cool of a conversation that must have been!

Early Adopters

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:38 GMT

In the business world the term "Early Adopter" refers to those people who purchase a product or try a service before the rest of the world. They can be extremely valuable to the success of a company because they provide traction for everything that comes later. Early Adopters are a group of people willing to risk being on the front of a trend, movement or company. They don't mind stepping out of comfort zones and giving something new a shot. They know they are taking a risk but the potential reward is so much more exciting than living with status quo.

In the church planting world you have various types of 'early adopters'. While the church is certainly not a business there are some crossover lessons when you think about those early stages. Early adopters in the business world become a group of 'fans' if you will. When real bands (Not the over-produced garbage- think "O-town") put out music most of the time they aren't setting out to target a 12-15yr old age group unless they are 12-15 years old themselves. Many times what happens is a band of 18-25 yr olds appeals to that group of younger listeners. The band has an option. They can fight their fan-base and say "We're a real band, we've got to figure out how to get ____ age group." Or they can say "Cool, maybe we are appealing to a different crowd but we are appealing to someone. Let's figure out how to appeal more strongly to that crowd."

At Captivate we're finding that in our first few months the early adopters are the coveted 18-34 year old age group. In fact I'd say it's the under 30 crowd. While I certainly don't believe we'll remain under 30 after we're going a year or so, this is the crowd God is using us to reach. This is a generation that most churches are not reaching and yet for some reason God is blessing us to see many people far from God come to know Him because of our church.

We've seen many salvations and baptisms among this age-range so we're having internal conversations as to how to move forward in light of this 'early adopter' base. We could fight it like that band and do our best to be something else OR we can adjust and lean in towards reaching this age-group like no body else. We can fight it or embrace it.

In the days and weeks to come I'll share how we're going to respond to our early successes with our early adopters. I want us to be faithful not in trying to be something we think we should be but rather be the hands and feet of Jesus to whomever wherever we can do that.

Pastor Steven Furtick noted on Twitter last week wisdom:
"Etch your vision in stone-but sketch your strategy in pencil."

To be successful in business, making a band or church planting you must heed this advice. We are a life-giving church. We bring life by giving people the message of Jesus Christ. That will NOT change. Ever. If anyone wants us to be about anything else, the'll get frustrated pretty quick. However, HOW we do that will change over time so long as we believe there are more effective ways to achieve the vision God has given us.

How about you? Do you have some early adopter trends in your organization? What did you learn, how did you handle it? What advice would you give others in the beginning stages of building an organization/ministry?

Meet a Church Planter: Marc Pilon in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:06 GMT

Marc Pilon : Focus 21 Church : Sherbrooke, QB, Canada from Terra Nova Church on Vimeo.

Acts 29: Tell us about your calling to plant.

Marc: I am still very surprised to have been called to plant a church, as I had never even thought of church planting before this time last year. God had a plan though and He is carrying it out amazingly, He has placed a specific personal call on my heart and it has been confirmed and shared by my wife, my friends, the pastoral team of my sending church and by Acts29. I go ahead in trembling but in faith as I see God's plan unfold.

Acts 29: How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

Marc: I attended an Acts29 Boot Camp, I loved the fact that Acts29 Churches are focused on being Christ-Centered and Culturally relevant. I started my application process when I got a confirmation from God that He was calling me to plant a church and I suddenly felt so incapable of fulfilling the task that I wanted to get all the advice and help I could find.   Acts29 has been great and very insightful in evaluating me, my family, our planting strategy and guiding us in each steps we move forward. The concept of a network is great as within Acts29 it is so easy to find people who have in the past been through what you are going through right now and that advice, wisdom and experiance being shared in priceless.

Acts 29: What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant?

Marc: Do not plant a Church unless you feel God is forcing you to do it and that you will be disobeying Him if you don't. Else, when the difficulties come you will ask yourself if you got there because God has wanted you there or if you simply got there because it was your own desire and this can only lead to disaster.

To read more about Marc and Axe 21, see their full profile. And, read about more Acts 29 church planters here!

I Finally Figured It Out!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:26 GMT

We just got home from Florida. Vince spoke at Summit Church in Orlando. They graciously invited and paid for me and the kids to come along. We had a great weekend. As we arrived back in Vegas I wondered if I would finally feel like I was returning home. Unfortunately, I didn't. We've been here 11 months and I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I live here.

The majority of people who move to Vegas are either running from something or want a fresh start. Most of them are working to pay off debt and plan on leaving as soon as their mission is accomplished. I've only met a few people who actually like living here and have no desire to leave.

So here's what I finally figured out...God can use my feelings about this city to help me relate to other people. When I talk to people who are really disappointed with their lives here...I can relate. When I meet a mom who hates the fact that she's raising a family here...I can relate. When I talk to someone who is homesick and wants to leave the "staleness" of this city...I can relate.

Relating to people and understanding how they feel is so important; it's what Jesus did!

Featured on newchurches.com

Thomas Young

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:37 GMT

It is with very heavy and sorrowful hearts that we share with you the passing of Acts 29 church planter, Thomas Young.

Thomas Young planted The Sanctuary Fellowship near Houston, Texas. He was a friend, encourager, and partner in the gospel with many of our men. In a moment of weakness and darkness, Thomas chose to end his own life.

The Sanctuary has posted updates at their website:

A marital dispute arose between Thomas and his wife.
Thomas made a bad choice in how he sought to settle it, and during the dispute, took his own life.
He was life-flighted to the hospital, but did not survive.
His wife and three children are with friends, family and church leadership, loving and supporting each other.
the funeral will be Thursday, December 3.

Please pray for his wife and their three children. We ask also that you pray for the people of The Sanctuary as they deal with their grief and determine their next steps.

Acts 29 Director, Scott Thomas says, “I grieve with the Youngs and The Sanctuary about this. I am sickened by the sudden and abrupt death of Pastor Thomas. I believe the father of lies deceived him. Nothing can reverse the results of the lies in this case, but we are called to confess, repent and be reconciled to God through the finished work of Jesus on the cross through His resurrection. He is our only hope and without him, we have nothing to cling to. Our only recourse is to fall into the arms of a Father who loves us deeply and completely.”

This is a time for sober reflection and prayer for our pastors and ourselves.

------------------

Thomas Young’s funeral will be held at 1pm on Thursday, December 3, at Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. Details here.

In lieu of flowers, the church has asked for donations to support Thomas’ family. You can donate online or write a check.

Monday News & Links (Nov 30)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:12 GMT

Ed Stetzer Interview on Church Planting (Part 2)

Dustin Neeley put up Part One of his recent interview with Ed Stetzer during the Louisville Boot Camp on his new site, “Church Planting For the Rest of Us.” In case you missed it last week on the website, this new site is already proving useful and unique not only to its target audience of pastors of churches size 50-500, but to a general audience of those interested or involved in church planting. Part one is here.

Tim Callies on Understanding English Bible Translation

Tim Challies gives his review and assessment of Leland Ryken’s latest book Understanding English Bible Translation

Kevin DeYoung on Why Membership Matters

“For many Christians membership sounds stiff, something you have at your bank or the country club, but too formal for the church. Even if it’s agreed that Christianity is not a lone ranger religion, that we need community and fellowship with other Christians, we still bristle at the thought of officially joining a church. Why all the hoops? Why box the Holy Spirit into member/non-member categories? Why bother joining a local church when I’m already a member of the universal Church?”

Kevin DeYoung gives us 6 answers.

Tim Keller on “Preacher-Onlys”

“I [have] said that many Reformed evangelicals think of sound, expository preaching as something of a ‘magic bullet.’ We may think that as long as we are preaching the Word–preaching the law and the gospel rightly–that everything else in congregational life will somehow take care of itself. We may give lip service to the other two marks of the church–the administration of the sacraments and discipline–but we don’t give them proper weight. Fully considered, the administration of the sacraments includes pastoral care, education, and discipleship, while the ministry of discipline means rightly ordering the community, that is, pastoral leadership.”

“Where the Wild Things Aren’t”

Dr. Russell Moore writes: "Too many of our Bible study curricula for children declaw the Bible, excising all the snakes and dragons and wildness. We reduce the Bible to a set of ethical guidelines and a text on how gentle and kind Jesus is."

The Resurgence Featured Media: Biblical Parenting

In October 2008, Mars Hill Church hosted a Biblical Parenting Conference with Dr. Tedd Tripp, who presented biblical teaching on topics from formative instruction to corrective discipline.

Perry Noble to Speak @ Ignite 2010 – March 24-26

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:57 GMT

Perry Noble is the founding and senior pastor of NewSpring Church with campuses in Anderson, Greenville, Columbia and Florence, South Carolina. At ten years old, the church averages over 10,000 people across all campuses.

Perry is a gifted communicator and teacher, convicted about speaking the truth as plainly as possible. God has given him a vision and a passion for helping people meet Jesus, and each week he shares God’s word and its practical application in our daily lives.

Perry, his wife Lucretia and their daughter, Charisse, live in Anderson, South Carolina. You can read all of Perry’s unfiltered thoughts about life and leadership at PerryNoble.com, and don’t worry, he holds nothing back.

Ignite 2010 will be a gathering of church planters, parent church pastors and church multiplication champions who will be issuing and responding to a call to start more churches in the next five years than we have in the last 20 years. We are calling each of the 500 churches that were planted in the last 20 years to gather in Phoenix, AZ, March 24-26 for the IGNITE 2010 National Church Planting Conference and to declare their multiplication dream for the next five years.

Mark your calendars NOW and prepare your hearts to be inspired by Perry Noble and some of the best multiplication leaders in Converge Worldwide. More details will becoming in December.

How to Build Your Launch Team - Free Webinar

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:25 GMT

Over 300 people have signed up for these free Church Planting webinars and the response has been encouraging.

Join us for Part 4 of the FirstSteps webinar series with Gary Rohrmayer as he provides a deeper look at another critical step of planting a missional church: Building Your Launch Team. We will be providing insights on:

What is a Launch Team?
How to build agenda harmony
How to design your launch team meetings
Building an Advisory Team
Keeping the evangelistic temperature high in the launch team phase

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 2 pm Central (3 pm Eastern/12 pm Pacific)

Find out more about the FirstSteps Network

FirstSteps for Planting a Missional Church Manual

Evidences of God's Grace to Acts 29 in 2009 - Part 1

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:03 GMT

Dear Acts 29 Family,

As we approach Thanksgiving—a time to give thanks—and the end of 2009—a time to reflect—we have much for which to give God praise. We have been incredibly blessed to see many new churches planted, a growth of influence and new friendships with leaders and church planters across the globe. We had 131 new church planting churches join the network this year to date, increasing the number of churches in Acts 29 Network to 288. We have 336 new applicants just in 2009 alone (about one per day). With this trajectory, we are anticipating over 120 churches being planted in 2010.

A Global Movement

God is blessing the efforts of Acts 29 all across the nation and world. This spring, we hosted our first World Church Planting Summit – a cohort of 38 church planting leaders from 9 nations representing about a dozen denominations or networks – to discuss how to plant more churches together across the globe.

In the summer we established Acts 29 Western Europe with Steve Timmis serving as Director, and we approved our first church planters there with a couple in Lindfield, England. I went to Belfast Northern Ireland in October preaching and training potential planters with Timmis and subsequently instructing 5 pastors to coach our Acts 29 church planters in Western Europe. We now have Acts 29 church planters in Canada, England, Guatemala, Ecuador, Brazil, South Africa, Congo, Uganda, Zambia, India, Nepal, Thailand and Australia.

We held our first Boot Camp in Australia in November hosted by Engage City Church of Brisbane. The response was very positive and we anticipate advancing church planting collaboratively with other networks in Australia and New Zealand.

God is opening doors for us to influence many church planters toward gospel-centered church planting. In addition to dreaming about collaborative church planting with Jonathan Falwell recently, I also got a direct message tweet from a professor of a major Christian University that is not in our theological camp. He said, “You guys are really bringing the revolution. Keep going!”

Also this fall, I spent time with the church planting leaders of Sovereign Grace (CJ Mahaney’s organization) and Fellowship Associates (Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock). They have utmost respect for Acts 29 and we are learning together how we can be more effective. This is grace upon grace heaped on Acts 29 because as a result, we will better pastors and leaders.

This year, we have truly seen this church planting movement of God go global and we are overwhelmed, humbled and thankful. Please join us in praying for Acts 29 Church Planters all over the world and for wisdom in following up on the many new opportunities to spread the gospel in places where a gospel-centered church is not present.

Monday News & Links (Nov 23)

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:49 GMT

Ed Stetzer Interview on Church Planting

"Ambition" Louisville Boot Camp Main Session Audio is Up

Our friends at Sojourn have posted all the Main Session audio from Boot Camp. Dave Harvey, Ed Stetzer, Darrin Patrick, Steve Timmis, Kevin Cawley, Bob Thune, Matt Chandler & Russell Moore.

Mark Driscoll Preached at the Crystal Cathedral (part 2)

From the Mars Hill Blog: “The second sermon is all about what Jesus did as our Savior on the cross and deals with sin, death, hell, and the atonement. We’re thankful that the Hour of Power has chosen to air the sermon and that they’re doing so on Palm Sunday, the day when the Church has historically celebrated Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem and towards Calvary.”

Let God Speak to You: Winfield Bevins on Meditative Prayer

Winfield Bevins writes about Meditative Prayer on the Resurgence: “In personal prayer we speak to God, but in meditative prayer we allow God to speak to us through his word and his Spirit. Never before has there been such a need to rediscover the quiet art of meditative prayer.”

Preaching vs. Worship? From Sovereign Grace

Jeff Purswell writes “Why so much preaching? Why all this talking? Because the primary way we encounter God in worship is through the preaching of the Word of God… Normally, in what we call “worship,” we spend significant time—perhaps the whole time—addressing God, singing to him, praising him, extolling him, praying to him. Wonderful! But in preaching we are no longer addressing God; he is addressing us. Nothing is more important than this moment. And this is why the most important worship leader in your church is your pastor.”

Five Hard Truths for Planters, Part 5

Dustin Neeley writes about leading your family well on the Resurgence: “I was lying on the floor pushing Thomas the Tank Engine around his wooden track and realized my two year old son had been speaking to me for the past 30 seconds, but I hadn’t listened to a word he had said. Instead, I was too preoccupied thinking about the church—precious moments gone, never to return.” In case you missed it, he also talks about this in an interview here.

Unleashing the Word

From Challies: "when was the last time you read a book about the public reading of Scripture in the worship service? It’s a pretty safe bet that you never have read such a book; only a very few exist. I was excited, then, to see Max McLean’s Unleashing the Word: Rediscovering the Public Reading of Scripture."

What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?

Here’s a Bob Kauflin video clip posted on his Worship Matters from the WorshipGod09 Conference. “In verse 8 the psalmist references a previous generation “whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God,” writes Kauflin. “They were remembered as NOT being faithful, and NOT being steadfast.”

Meet A Church Planter: Dustin Neeley in Louisville, KY (And meet his new blog: "Church Planting For the Rest of Us")

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:19 GMT

We’d like you to meet Acts 29 church planter, Dustin Neeley. Dustin was a teaching pastor at Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, and was burdened to plant a new church in Louisville.

Neeley planted Crossing Church out of Sojourn and has a small church that has planted 4 new churches in its 4 years, and is currently “pregnant” with 6 more church planters. We are excited to see this church-planting-church be faithful with the gospel and on God’s mission for the lost.

Neeley’s not a mega-church pastor, and most Acts 29 churches will never be - and he’s working to encourage and resource church-planters with smaller congregations. He’s recently launched a new website, “Church Planting For the Rest of Us” - aimed at pastors of congregations of 50-500, who won't ever see explosive growth like a mega-church and are yet called and faithful in church planting.

(Does he dislike mega-churches? Absolutely not. His site’s tagline is “speaking up for the guys who may never plant mega-churches, while being thankful for those that do”).

He has compiled some great resources on his site and brought together a lot of helpful material from our own website but has categorized it more clearly and made it more accessible. Additionally, today he’s just put up Part 2 of a great interview with Matt Chandler – on Celebrity, Diversity & Burnout.

So, without further ado, meet Dustin and hear him share about his call and how he pastors and protects his family as a church planter.

Excellent Generosity Series from GenerositySummit.com

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00 GMT

Below are some video clips from the "Pirates" series done at Sun Valley Community Church. We hope you can incorporate these messages into your generosity talks at your church...

Week One | Week Two | Week Three | Week Four | Week Five

Generous church ministries strive to help churches maximize their potential by helping leaders create a generous culture in their local church. The generous church strategy is simple:

Expose church leadership to generous living principles from God’s word
Coach them in developing plans and practices that create a generous culture in the church
Resource them through partnerships with organizations that add value to their ministry
Reproduce generous cultures in other churches through intentional mentoring in local church peer groups

Our goal is to help each local church maximize the generosity potential of their congregations while creating a network of local church generosity and stewardship teams that share best practices, resources and ideas which result in greater kingdom impact locally, regionally and globally.

Scott Ridout, Director of Generosity for Converge Worldwide, facilitates the Generosity Summit. Scott has been Lead Pastor at Sun Valley Community Church in Gilbert, AZ for 10 years and serves on the Boards of Vision Arizona (www.visonarizona.org), a local church planting movement, and Vision Abolition (www.visionabolition.org), which is committed to the prevention, rescue and restoration of victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation worldwide.

Generous Church Summits are a ministry of Converge Worldwide. (HT)

Matt Chandler on Planting, Preaching & Leadership

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:47 GMT

Last week at boot camp, Dustin Neeley (Acts 29 Pastor of Crossing Church, a plant out of Sojourn Community Church) interviewed Matt Chandler in Louisville - and Dustin just posted the first of 2 videos on his Church Planting For the Rest Of Us site. We are excited to introduce you to Dustin, his church and his website on Thursday, but for now want to share this first part of his interview with Matt with you all.

Matt answers:

What is it that makes church planters successful in the long run?
How did you put your preaching together in the early days and how has that changed for your preaching now?
What are some reproducible tips on developing church leadership that you can share?
What is the one thing you'd want a young church planter to know?

Update!

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:45 GMT

First of all, I want to apologize for my lack of blogging lately. Life is insane! I wanted to update you on a few things:

1. We've been throwing block parties in different communities throughout Las Vegas. Tons of people have come! It's a lot of work (we do two separate block parties a day), but it's totally worth it.

2. We had 3 mission teams come in this weekend to help us with the block parties. They were awesome! We passed out about 10,000 fliers for the block parties because of their help.

3. We started meeting at a hotel near the Strip on Sunday mornings and Monday nights. It's a great location and it's nice not to have to keep my house clean anymore! Ha!

4. I've been doing a lot of Pampered Chef shows. I'm meeting tons of people and making some money too!

5. I love my job at the gym. I'm building relationships with my co-workers and getting to know people in my neighborhood.

6. We've raised about half of the money we need for the new building. Go to www.verveventure.org for more information!

7. Beth Moore revised her "Breaking Free" study. This study has been life-changing for me; I led it 9 times at Forefront. I'm excited about the revision and am going through it with two friends. My goal is to start leading it again once Verve gets started.

Thanks for sticking with this blog, despite my lack of entries!!!

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Wednesday: Louisville Boot Camp Day 2 - Live Blogging

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:57 GMT

Welcome back for Day 2 of Boot camp! Please join us for live blogging of the main sessions below. Here's some pictures from yesterday (thanks Churck Heeke!) and tonight we'll try to throw up some more videos for you.

Session 5: Kevin Cawley - Decoding Your City & Ambition / 10:30am EDT

Session 6: Bob Thune - Discipleship & Ambition / 11:30am EDT

Video update - 2:55pm EDT - Workshops are underway and we have a few videos of Acts 29 Church planters to share.

Mid-day video 1: Jason Martin on Fighting Idolatrous Ambition as a Church Planter

Jason planted The Journey Church near Atlanta, Georgia, and here at the Boot Camp to help with assessments and connect with conference attendees and his Acts 29 brothers. He gave us a few minutes to answer the question: What Idolatrous ambition do you have to guard yourself against?

Mid-day video 2: David Pinckney on Apathetic Men & Godly Ambition

David planted River of Grace in Concord, New Hampshire, and is also here at the Boot Camp to help with assessments and connect with conference attendees and his Acts 29 brothers. He gave us a few minutes to answer the question: How do men in your church struggle with apathy and how do you lead them out of it?

And... soon the workshops will wrap up and you can tune in again for live-blogging.

Session 7: Russell Moore - Speaking Past Demons: Christian Preaching as Expository Exorcism / 3:30pm EDT

Session 8: Matt Chandler - Ministry for the Long Haul & Ambition / 5pm EDT

Book Review: How to Multiply Your Church

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:06 GMT

Ralph Moore is one of my favorite church planting authors. His common sense advice to church planters come straight from the Bible. He speaks from experience not theory. He has planted two churches in Hawaii. From those two churches there have been over 700 new churches started. Ralph Moore understands church multiplication, reproduction, discipleship and church movements. I just finished his most recent book, “How to Multiply Your Church.” The book is inspiring and provides a clear vision for how God grow the church. If you want to see a movement of churches explode, read this book and apply what Ralph says to your ministry. You can buy it on Amazon or if you don't have time to read, take a look at my notes.

Tuesday Videos: What a Church Planter Should Look For in a Worship Pastor

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:00 GMT

We got some time with a few of the worship pastors from Acts 29 churches today - they are having a worship pastor's workshop track during the afternoons at Ambition. What should a church planter look for when he's looking to hire a worship pastor? We're so glad you asked...

Mike Cosper: Sojourn Community Church, Louisville KY

[Sojourn Church's website & Sojourn Music website]

Tim Smith: Mars Hill Church, Seattle WA

[Mars Hill Church's website & Re:Sound website]

Josh Dix: The Journey Church, St. Louis

[The Journey Church's website]

That's it for tonight; see you tomorrow for Day 2 Live Blogging.

Tuesday: Louisville Boot Camp Day 1 - Live Blogging

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:06 GMT

Today Boot Camp begins in Louisville, Kentucky at Sojourn's Germantown Campus. We are excited for a full day of excellent teaching from Dave Harvey, Ed Stetzer, Steve Timmis, and Darrin Patrick.

Join us for live blogging right here (thanks Bobby Gilles, Sojourn Communications Director).

And... check back later today, we'll try to throw up a video from boot camp so you can take a peek at what's going on.

Session 1: Dave Harvey - The Gospel & Ambition / 9:30am EDT

Session 2: Ed Stetzer - Church Planting & Ambition / 10:30am EDT

Session 3: Steve Timmis - The Church & Ambition / 2:30pm EDT

Session 4: Darrin Patrick - Leadership & Ambition / 4:15pm EDT

Louisville Boot Camp - Prayer & Live Blogging

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:29 GMT

Pray:

Boot Camp in Louisville starts Tuesday, but today boot camp attendees & speakers are descending on Kentucky. We would greatly appreciate your prayers.

Our speakers – It’s on honor to have men like Dave Harvey, Ed Stetzer, and Drs. Russell Moore and Gregg Allison speak at this boot camp as well as our Acts 29 leaders: Steve Timmis, Darrin Patrick, Kevin Cawley, Bob Thune and Matt Chandler. We also have several testimonies by A29 church planters, worship pastors, executive pastors, and other Acts 29 church planters speaking during the 24 workshops that are offered.

The gals – The Wives’ Track will be lead by Mandy Montgomery and Jani Ortlund. Many of the women attending are in the thick of church-planting with their husbands and struggle in getting the right kind of support & friendship they need. Pray for the women who are speaking and those a part of these sessions.

The Sojourn Community Church staff and the Acts 29 staff who are working very hard facilitating this event. Daniel Montgomery and his team have done a great job getting this sold out boot camp ready. We will be blessed to join them next week.

The Assessments – We will have 32 church planters being assessed on Thursday with 19 states represented and 1 Canadian. Pray for the assessors to be granted wisdom and discernment and for those being assessed to be encouraged and directed by the results.

The Attendees – This boot camp was sold out a couple weeks ago which is a good and bad thing that we’ve had to turn some people away. For the over 400 that will be there, pray for hearts sensitive to God’s direction, clarity, encouragement, and safe travels.

Also pray that we all would see a little more of God’s glory during Boot Camp.

Live Blogging:

Also, Bobby Gilles, Sojourn Community Church's Communications Director, will be live-blogging to boot camp main sessions. Sign up for session notifications below, or just tune to our Tuesday and Wednesday posts to follow along!

Tuesday, Nov. 11: Session 1: Dave Harvey - The Gospel & Ambition / 9:30am EDT

Dave Harvey: The Gospel & Ambition

Session 2: Ed Stetzer - Church Planting & Ambition / 10:30am EDT

Ed Stetzer: Church Planting & Ambition

Session 3: Steve Timmis - The Church & Ambition / 2:30pm EDT

Steve Timmis -- The Church & Ambition

Session 4: Darrin Patrick - Leadership & Ambition / 4:15pm EDT

Darrin Patrick: Leadership & Ambition

Wednesday, Nov. 12: Session 5: Kevin Cawley - Decoding Your City & Ambition / 10:30am EDT

Kevin Cawley: Decoding Your City & Ambition

Session 6: Bob Thune - Discipleship & Ambition / 11:30am EDT

Bob Thune: Discipleship & Ambition

Session 7: Russell Moore - Speaking Past Demons: Christian Preaching as Expository Exorcism / 3:30pm EDT

Russell Moore: Speaking Past Demons - Christian Preaching As Expository Exorcism

Session 8: Matt Chandler - Ministry for the Long Haul & Ambition / 5pm EDT

Matt Chandler: Ministry For The Long Haul & Ambition

Meet a Church Planter: Rick Carbonneau in Redwood City, CA

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:11 GMT

Rick Carbonneau became a part of Acts 29 this year and has replanted Redeeming Grace Church in Redwood City, California – a church committed to being on mission and planting more churches. But it wasn’t always that way…

Acts 29: Tell us about your calling to plant… or re-plant?

Rick: Our situation at Redeeming Grace Church is different in some ways than an original church plant. We have been in the processes of replanting an established church for the past 3 years. This has brought on a number of different dynamics.

That being stated – I do believe God has called me to lead a church planting church through mentoring young pastors, training, leading and coaching them. My passion is to leave a legacy of church planting churches on the SF Peninsula and greater SF Bay Area. Currently, I am part of a newly established church planting network which is one of the reasons why I desire to be a part of A29 so that what I am trained and mentored in I can pass on to other new church planters.

My philosophy has radically changed in the past 4 years due to a re-ignition of the gospel and missional theology. My former pastor and seminary had a philosophy that America did not need new churches but better pulpits. While, I struggled with this philosophy at first I soon embraced it the longer I was in seminary and served at my former church. I’ve been awakened to the Acts model.

Acts 29: How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

Rick: We became involved through the teaching ministry of Mark Driscoll and Acts 29/Resurgence media - these have been the biggest benefits to date but a growing relationship with A29 leaders has been a tremendous help.

Acts 29: What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant?

Rick: If you can do anything else - do it because it will kill you and everything about you unless Jesus has called you.

To read more about Rick and Redeeming Grace, see their full profile. And, read about more Acts 29 church planters here!

Is Your Church a Religious Cushion?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:43 GMT

By Scott Thomas, Director of the Acts 29 Network

Jack Miller was the director of World Harvest Mission and pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church near Philadelphia and professor at Westminster. In his book, Outgrowing the Ingrown Church (one of the best books I have read in a while), Jack described the church as a “Religious Cushion.” He characterized the religious cushion church:

Resembling a retreat center,

Practically being fellowship-driven and not mission-driven,

Consumer congregants demanding worship as a separate dish ordered aside from the mandate of making disciples,

Preachers without the courage to confront the missional apathy of the church, and

A church only doing missions in far away lands.

As we make disciples, we lead them to be Spirit-led followers of Jesus who are life-long learners, obedient to Jesus and who are then making disciples of all nations who make disciples. It’s lather, rinse, repeat.

Missional Leaders Needed

As a missional leader, you have the responsibility to continually remind the people of your gathering to go into the Lord’s harvest fields. Like Jesus, you have to continually point them to the gospel message of redemption through a sent people. As a band of missionaries, you have to engage the lost, not as a means to build your church, but to follow the mandate of Jesus, the One sent by God to seek and to save the lost for the glory of God.

C.H. Spurgeon said, “You do not love the Lord at all if you do not love the souls of men.” [John Blanchard, Gathered Gold (London: Evangelical Press, 1984), 299.] The people in the churches where I was pastor quickly strayed away from the harvest like a runaway criminal on the chain gang. They wanted to work on the building, have fellowship dinners, potlucks, and men’s breakfasts. They wanted to read books, sing songs—as long as it was in the style they preferred—and start programs for their own kids. MOPS, AWANA, VBS, BSF and home school CO-OP. Whatever kept them away from S-I-N-N-E-R-S.

Jack Miller calls this missional leader the “Pacesetting Pastor.” A pacesetter, according to Miller, is a runner who moves ahead of the pack and sets the example that gets others moving. This is not a comfortable position unless you are called to make disciples of all nations and you are called to lead a group of believers to be radical followers of His mission. The pacesetting pastor keeps the mission of Jesus as the focus of the gathered community. I like “A United Gospel Community on Mission to all people for the glory of God” as a slogan. It is simple, understandable and easily remembered. A pacesetting pastor cannot let the mission become an elective of the church. Most of all, the pacesetting pastor cannot be sucked back into the pack and lose the influential role as the leader of the mission.

Website Wisdom

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:24 GMT

Your Church magazine, part of Christianity Today published an article I wrote, Website Wisdom - New research, cooperative reveal best practices for churches in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue. The article begins:

Research conducted earlier this year, which surveyed hundreds of churches representing more than 70,000 members combined, attempted to drill deeper into two fundamental questions as the internet grows in its influence and importance in our culture and beyond:

1) Do church websites strategically help attract new visitors, connect people, and equip leaders?
2) And if so, what are the best practices for a church’s web strategy?

Three significant discoveries, as well as several best practices, emerged from this work. This information can help large churches (congregations such as Willow Creek Community Church participated in the research) as well as small ones (church plants with fewer than 50 people also participated). These practices also are useful for most any situation, regardless of whether a church is using a volunteer, a church website design firm, or a staff member to design its site.

Article pdf (6mb) Website Wisdom - New research, cooperative reveal best practices for churches

Read the whole magazine in their digital version: Your Church Nov/Dec 2009 issue

Loneliness

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:31 GMT

On October 12th I posted a blog about how spending time with my girlfriends from Virginia Beach made me realize how lonely I am. I asked for you to leave some comments about your struggles with loneliness in ministry. I was overwhelmed; I've never received so many comments! My heart breaks for those of us who are lonely, depressed and aren't quite sure how to create deep relationships with other women.

I was reading through one of Vince's old sermons on the movie, "The Matrix." Read the following excerpt. I hope it ministers to you deeply.

"One of the most pervasive and horrible feelings inside of us is that of loneliness. Henri Nouwen, who used to teach at Yale University, writes this, 'Loneliness is one of the most universal sources of human suffering today. The roots of loneliness are very deep and cannot be touched by optimistic advertisement, substitute love images or social togetherness. They find their food in the suspicion that there is no one who cares and offers love without condition. And no place that one can be vulnerable without being used. The many small rejections of everyday; a sarcastic smile, a flippant remark, a brisk denial or a bitter silence, may all be quite innocent and hardly worth our attention if they didn't constantly arouse our basic human fear of being totally alone, with darkness as our only companion.'

He goes on to say, 'It is this most basic human loneliness that threatens us and is so hard to face. Too often we will do anything possible to avoid the confrontation with the experience of being alone. And sometimes we are able to create the most ingenious devices to prevent ourselves from being reminded of this condition. Our culture has become most sophisticated in the avoidance of pain. Not only physical pain, but our emotional and mental pain as well. We bury our pains, as if they were not really there. We have become so used to this state of amnesia that we panic when there is nothing or nobody left to distract us. When we have not project to finish, no friend to visit, no book to read, no television to watch, and no record to play, and we are left all alone with ourselves, we are brought so close to the revelation of our basic human loneliness and are so afraid of experiencing an all pervasive sense of loneliness that we will do anything to get busy again and continue the game that makes us believe that everything is fine after all.'

There's an author, not a Christian, named Douglas Coupland, and he writes this in one of his books, 'Now here is my secret: I tell it to you with an openness of heart that I doubt I shall ever achieve again, so I pray that you are in a quiet room as you hear these words. My secret is that I need God -- that I am sick and can no longer make it alone. I need God to help me give, because I no longer seem to be capable of giving; to help me be kind, as I no longer seem capable of kindness; to help me love, as I seem beyond being able to love.'"

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