Relating to an Ephesians 4 Team

Steve and Debra Sudworth, along with their 2 girls, Rebecca and Hannah, arrived in Chicago in May 2004 in obedience to God’s call to church plant. They have been leading Church in the City (www.churchinthecity.us) since then. Their son - Cade - was born 2 years into the plant. 

How Leaders & Churches Relate to an Eph-4 Team!

Before getting started I need to assume that we (elders, deacons & leaders, at least, but hopefully saints within our churches too) have settled (at least to some degree) the WHY of Eph-4 ministry. Perhaps it's presumptuous to assume this but in this article I want to focus on HOW to relate to Eph-4 ministry, not WHY. Let's agree at least that Eph-4 ministry into local churches is not the latest church growth strategy but THE biblical wineskin for local churches to come into maturity in the fullness of Christ. Eph 4:7-16 is all about that...it's from Jesus, for Jesus, about Jesus, pointing to Jesus. Paul emphasizes this in his apostolic exhortation to the church in Corinth, hoping their devotion to Christ remains sincere, pure and wholehearted (2 Cor 11:3).

I have the privilege of providing leadership to the elders and deacons who lead Church in the City in downtown Chicago. I would never want them to view our church's current partnership with an Eph-4 team as "Steve's thing". No! If something were to happen to me to prevent me from leading the church or if and when our leaders plant churches I would want them to partner with Eph-4 ministry because, simply put, it's biblical. But more than that, the text in Eph 4 says nothing about training leaders but rather training  and equipping the SAINTS for ministry until ALL come to maturity in Christ.

So, how should our leadership teams and churches relate to an Eph-4 team?

1. Welcome them warmly!

Acts 21:17 and Acts 28:14b-15

How? Intentionally & thoughtfully teach your people OFTEN & SPECIFICALLY about translocal/Eph-4 ministry.

•   OFTEN?

If translocal/Eph-4 ministry relating to and working with local churches is biblical (which it is), then it should be part of our church's DNA and foundation! And if part of our DNA, then we should be speaking and teaching on it often. Quite simply, it just takes people time to understand so we need to be incorporating this into our leaders meetings & training, Sunday gatherings, "membership" classes, connect groups, prayer meetings, blogs, etc.

•   SPECIFICALLY?

But our teaching and training needs to be specific about which team your local church relates to otherwise Eph-4 ministry can become to many a nebulous concept. The church I am a part of relates to NCMI. These are the kinds of questions we regularly ask and answer...

•   Who is NCMI? A translocal team of Eph-4 gifts with an apostolic/prophetic heart (going and breaking into new regions; seeing, preparing and becoming the future in God) helping local churches achieve their God given vision. Key texts are Acts 14, Acts 19 and Eph 4.

•   Who is visiting from the team? This requires some level of relationship so that I can stand before the church with conviction and say "You can trust this couple."

•   What to expect and why is it important to prioritize the time?

•   How should we receive them? Scripture is clear that when we receive a prophet we receive a prophet’s reward! We need to be clear to our churches how to receive the Eph-4 gift in order to receive greatest benefit.

•   (And with respect to nationwide EQUIP's or training times) Why is it important to take a week’s vacation and spend money to travel and attend an EQUIP?

2. Receive them as friends!

Acts 20:36-38

•   Create some space for relational times over the weekend with your leadership teams and potential leaders.

•   Whilst it is a privilege relating to a diverse team with diverse gifts, there is value in having 1 or 2 team couples through your church consistently.

3. But recognize and receive their authority!

Philemon 8-9, "Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order (command) you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love."

•   There is an authority that an Eph-4 gift carries but it's not an hierarchical authority but an authority associated with their gifting.

•   Because of this recognized authority it is helpful to reference the Eph-4 team on key decisions involving DISCIPLE, DOCTRINE, DIRECTION (asking for perspective, though, not permission).

4. Listen carefully to what they say!

In Acts 2:14 Peter starts his incredible sermon at Pentecost with) “Listen carefully to what I say…” How do we ensure this? Create space BEFORE (to adequately prepare the saints) and AFTER (to respond effectively to Eph-4 ministry). We can easily dilute what God wants to say and do in these times by planning to many Eph-4 events or visits back-to-back or cluttering our church planners with other events around Eph-4 ministry times that forces people to choose. In this case I believe less is sometimes more!

•   Factor in the "rocks" of (for e.g.) 3-4 Eph-4 weekends in your church, a regional GTT and national EQUIP time into your planner and let the church know as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly.

•   Be STRATEGIC in who you invite in response to what God is saying and doing within your local church. If you're not sure who to invite in response to a specific season God has your church in then ask one of the team guys that you know well to recommend someone you might not know.

•   Be specific in communicating EXPECTATIONS for the weekend so they have at least some idea of what God is already doing within the local church and what have you been teaching on.

5. Have great expectancy for their ministry amongst you!

Acts 11:25 + 27 = Acts 13:1

The apostles and prophets we read about in Antioch did not happen perchance but because apostles and prophets had already been ministering into that local church for some time. Be expectant for God to do much and release gifts within your local church.

6. Devote yourself to their teaching!

After the Eph-4 ministry weekend or GTT or EQUIP is perhaps more strategic and important than before. Most of us agree that "more is caught than taught" so for a saint to see Eph-4 ministry in action rather than just to hear teaching on it is infinitely more effective and valuable.

•   Reinforce the biblical precedent, value and importance of Eph-4 ministry following a ministry weekend.

•   So much is communicated by what we do or don't say after an Eph-4 ministry visit. We can add infinite value to the ministry by taking time to go over key points, truths or application for your local church, perhaps interrupting your preaching series for a week or two to do this. We perhaps communicate loudest when we don't say anything to our church about an Eph-4 ministry visit.

•   Encourage everyone to ask themselves 2 questions following Eph-4 ministry; (1) What did God say? (2) What is my response? Do this as a leadership team too.

Trust you find this helpful as we go into the new year.  May 2012 be an incredible year  of serving our King and extending His Kingdom for all of us!

THE JOYS OF HOSTING IN EXCELLENCE

Mark and Bridgett do an outstanding job of leading Heights City Church in Pickering, Canada. As one who has benefitted form their exceptional hospitality on more than one occasion I can say, they are truly qualified to write on this subject ... I  love the "tongue in cheek humor" ... Enjoy! 

THE JOYS OF HOSTING IN EXCELLENCE

The Word encourages us to be "inventive, generous, dignified, and sensitive in our hospitality....", so here's a collage of thoughts and ideas we can draw from, as we swing wide the doors of our homes to bless those who tarry.....

Just mulling over the scriptures in Acts 16:15, and vs's 32-34, regarding Lydia, a wealthy business woman, and the simple jailer -  both from totally different walks of life.  They had two things in common;  they immediately opened their hearts to the Gospel, and their homes to people.   Too wonderful is this opportunity our Lord gives us to bless our co-workers in this marvelous Gospel, all for the King and His Kingdom!

Hospitality is an extension of the heart!!! 

This "journey" will take us from the hustle and bustle of the Airport "pick-up" to the "dropping off" of our guests as they leave us.

I've listed a few things I've learned over the years of hosting, and of being hosted.....

1.   Prepare a (small) cooler-box containing iced water bottles and fruit juices for the ride from the airport to your home.   Depending on how long their flight has been, thirst may be an issue.   A few health-bars may also delight!

2.   Hot tip!   Email / phone / skype your guests before their visit, to ascertain the following:- 

a)   What they enjoy to drink first thing in the morning?

b)   Any allergies?  (Cats / dogs can be an issue besides food)

c)   Food likes / dislikes?

d)   Drink likes / dislikes?

d)   Shampoo preferences / deodorant preferences?  (Helps with their traveling requirements, and negates suitcase weight / over-zealous airport security personnel...)

3.   A Coffee-maker / kettle in the room!  Coffee sachet's, Tea sachet's, and Hot Chocolate sachets.    Sugar / Sweetener / Creamer.   Set a tray with cups, saucers,  and spoons for the guests to make their own hot beverages.

4.   Have a Hair-dryer (and a flat-iron if you have one for the ladies) in their room.

5.   A mirror (especially for the ladies) is a big plus!  

6.   Provide a basket of Toiletries, eg. Cotton swabs, Q-tips, Nail Polish Remover,  Eye-makeup Remover, Face-wipes, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, (all available at Shoppers Drug Mart / Walgreen’s / Clicks in 'travel sizes').   Just helpful items for your guests.

7.   Always advisable to have an adaptor handy in your guest room to accommodate laptops / cell phones etc.

8.   CLEAN LINEN and TOWELS!!!  Can't stress this enough!  

9.   Have the following in place in their room before their arrival:-

       a)  An assortment of fruit (eg. bananas, clementine’s, apples)

       b)  An assortment of health bars, crisps, chocolate bars, biscuits.

       c)  An assortment of drinks eg.  Milk, water, fruit juices, their "pop" 

             preferences.   (Remember.... you've assembled this info prior to

             their arrival?!)

       d)  Notebooks, pens, magazines..... 

        e)  Provide enough space for your guests to hang their clothes, and enough coat              hangers - it's no fun living out of your suitcase!

        f)  As your guests have been traveling prior to your visit, offer to either

              iron their clothes, or supply an iron and board for their use.

         g)  If you are able to,  "His" and "Hers" toweling bath robes are a

                blessing!

NB   If you are blessed with a "bar 'fridge" either in, or close to your guest room, the drinks can obviously be stored in it, otherwise, a cooler-box is great.

Naturally, whilst you've provided for their personal stock, saying "mi refrigerator is su refrigerator" makes for family inclusion!

You may be thinking "for goodness sake", at this stage, but believe me, a little forethought and early organizing goes a long way to ensuring both your guest's comfort and relieving you of any unnecessary stress!

The Guest room / suite should always be a "home away from home" in cleanliness, comfort, and in provision.   Imagine yourself in "new" surroundings.... what would bring you pleasure?   What thoughtfulness would bring you delight in your surrounds?   Our guests should never feel 'isolated', and of course your entire home should be accessible and welcoming, but we should always take their 'privacy' into consideration, and do whatever we can to enhance and nurture their well-being above all.  What a privilege it is to lovingly welcome them into your clean, secure home environment!

(Would this be a good time to suggest that you entice your energetic, enthusiastic, soccer-crazy offspring not to display their sporting prowess within a 5-metre radius of your exhausted guests?)

Helpful Hints:

Prepare meals as far as possible, in advance.

Ask what they would like for breakfast, set a time, and have it all ready for them as they surface from their room.

Comfort is key, so ensure that there is a place in your home where they can just relax, put their feet up, and "chill"...... as hosts, be sensitive to whether or not "entertainment" is welcomed.   Sight-seeing may or may not be your guest's top priority!  (They've travelled, and ministered for 2 full weeks, and we want to drag them off to Niagara Falls for the 3rd time in their lives... just so we can show off our neck of the woods....ASK, before you don your khaki safari outfits!!!)

Gifts and Comforts:

A thoughtful "gift" on the bed is always appreciated.  For example - a warm scarf (if they are arriving in your winter.)   Be creative, with regards to your "season".

If you are hosting a husband... what a precious gesture to send him home with something that's fun and easy to pack for his wife and family!

A small box of chocolates on the pillow for your guest on arrival is good. (Both sides, if a couple.)

I like to stock up, especially when I see the "toiletries" on special, so that when we are preparing to host, expenses are stewarded well.  

I also keep a "Gift Cupboard", and throughout the year, stock up with things that catch my eye, so I'm not caught short when I need a relevant gift.

********

Something for those "Being Hosted".....

How welcomed you should feel!   Completely "at home!"

Well... there are a couple of keys to being hosted that you may like to take note of.... a few "f’rinstances" that will keep that smile on your hosts' faces....

1.   Be honest.   If the bed sucks, and your hosts ask you... be gentle, but sensitive and truthful!   They need your kind, wise input, not your criticism!

2.   If you need anything (maybe not a flat screen tv...) but hey....ASK, obviously without being over-demanding.  Don't leave paradise "lost"....

3.   Take (or at least offer to take) your linen off your beds the day you leave.  Towels too.    Just a helpful gesture to the hostess.

4.   Bring your garbage to the appropriate disposal area.

5.   A personal note of thanks left on the bedside table is a delight for your hostess to find after your departure!

6.   Offer to help, especially after the meals....help is always appreciated, but if your hostess navigates you graciously out of the kitchen....go and put your feet up and ENJOY!!!   Sometimes it's easier for her to have you languishing than to have you "helping"!

Please be assured that the above are all "suggestions"!  

Hosting should be a WONDERFUL experience for ALL - both for the hosts and for the hosted!!!  I urge you to consider, if you haven't done so before, to take the plunge, put your name on your respective church's Hospitality List, and ENJOY!!!  As believers, we should relish getting into one another's homes to fellowship and to love on one another....thank You Jesus for this truly beautiful way in which to bless, giving You the glory as we do!

Much love and joy in serving Jesus together!

Bridget Ellwood

Heights City Church

Pickering

Canada

For Those With A Heart For Latino Ministry

We are only a month away from our Latino Ministry Gathering in Los Angeles, CA, and Terry, Tyrone, Jody and I are very excited!  As you know, this is a special event planned to ignite the fire in people's heart, for God's plan for Latino and Hispanic people everywhere!  What may be only a pilot-light in some of your church member's hearts, can become a roaring fire through an event like this one!  We know we were called by God to hold this gathering and trust it will be a kingdom building experience.  If you did not get a chance to pass on the information about the event, there is still time!  We have spots available and know that some will answer the call.  I have included our earlier letter below, so that you could copy, paste, and send to people you know, who you think would benefit from this gathering. 

Dear Pastors, Elders, and friends of NCMI,

We know many times in ministry we catch a glimpse of someone's heart for ministry, and we don't always have the time to help them connect to that ministry, much less help them with prayer and discernment.  Over the past years, Terry Kreuger and Tyrone Daniel have been amazed by the number of people in the NCMI family who ask about getting more involved in Latin American ministry.  They wanted to find a way to talk with each of them, equip them, and connect them to a ministry working with the Latino community (either in their country of origin, or in a foreign country). They, along with Jody Romero from the Restoration L.A. church in Los Angeles, will be hosting a truly unique opportunity to do just this, in Los Angeles, California this Oct. 20th through the 23rd. 

The event, NCMI's Latino Ministry Gathering, is an opportunity for people (maybe yourself!) who feel a calling to ministry to the Latino culture to come for prayer, prophecy, strategy, and equipping to be able step into that calling.  Anyone who has been doing ministry in Latino communities are asked to join us also, for the witness they can bring, to help pass on the wisdom God has given them.  The registration website for the event will help with all the details and is http://ncmilatinoministry.eventbee.com, or they can contact me directly.  The event is limited to 150 attendees.

On behalf of Terry Kreuger, Tyrone Daniel, and Jody Romero, we hope you will join us for this incredible opportunity!

Blessings,

Ann Johnson

Administrative Coordinator

NCMI Latino Ministry

Recommended Reading for Planters - Ian McKellar

"Ian & Nola McKellar relocated from South Africa to Asia in 2002.
They went to help build up local churches that relate to the NCMI team.
In 2009 they started leading Church of Joy in Singapore. They have a passion to see God's Word and God's Spirit build the beloved community and bless the city."

Hey Guys ... Trust this finds you well ... This is Ian McKellar's list of recommended reading for church planters! Would love to have your thoughts and additions 

1. God Is the Gospel                                                      John Piper
2. Amazing Grace                                                         Philip Yancey
3. The Violins of Change                                              Ian McKellar
4. The Contemplative Pastor                                         Eugene Peterson
5. The Jesus I never Knew                                           Philip Yancy
6. Counterfeit Gods                                                      Tim Keller
7. The Indwelling Spirit                                               Andrew Murray
8. The Servant King                                                    T.D. Alexander
9. Trinity                                                                      Roger Forster
10. How Should We Then Live                                    Francis Schaeffer
11. Understanding People                                             Larry Crabb
12. Run With The Horses                                             Eugene Peterson
13. Preaching and Preachers                                         Martyn Lloyd Jones
14. Issues Faces Christians Today                                John Stott
15. Generous Justice                                                    Tim Keller
16. The Bible Jesus Read                                             Phillip Yancey
17. Apostolic Strategy                                                   Dudley Daniel
18. The Cross                                                                John Stott
19. Focus on Jesus                                                        John Stott
20. Where your Treasure is                                          Eugene Peterson
21. The Reason For God                                             Tim Keller
22. Look to the Rock                                                  Alec Motyer
23. The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham             Myra / Shelley

Passion for Planting 4 - Becoming a Prophetic People

Passion for Planting part 4

Tyrone Daniel has led the NCMI Trans-local Team for the last 6 years and recently relocated with his wife Nicole and 3 sons to Denver Colorado. They are currently pioneering Redemption City Church, a church plant based in the City of Westminster CO.

Becoming a Prophetic People

If we are to be a prophetic people we must become those who see the future, prepare for the future and become the future. Church planting is in essence a "future" project! The fruit of our church plants, if we plant/build correctly will be enjoyed by the next generation. When we understand the prophetic nature of our God this pioneering for the next generation becomes and remains an incredible privilege. 

Look at these key texts

Is 41:13 – 20

Is 42:5 – 9

Is 43: 18 – 19

Is 46:8 – 11

1. Future

1. Decisions - Our decisions have ramifications for our future. If you are a follower of Christ then every decision is a spiritual decision.
2. Dreams – When we build His dream … His dream will build us! Don’t allow details to destroy the dream.
3. Difficulties – Don’t doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light! Don’t fall back in times of difficulty or challenge on old patterns of thinking or doing things. Remain faithful to what God has spoken.
4. Desires – Your Kingdom come, your will be done. Not so much about what I want but all about what God wants

Look at the text about Abraham. Gen 18:19 “I have chosen him so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord”

God found a man in Abraham who could be future focused.

2. Focus

Build and live with intention! If we are going to be a prophetic people we must learn these two skills: To keep the main thing the main thing and live with distraction without becoming distracted

3. Flexible

IS 42:16..

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth"

Put our hand in His hand

4. Firm – in the scriptures

Ps 19:7-14..

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul..

The statutes of the Lord are perfect, making wise the simple

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes!

NB.... EVERYTHING we major on must have a biblical backing!!

If we are building for the future... we must do what the bible says!!

Is 40:8. The grass withers, the flowers fall but the word of the Lord lasts forever!!!

5. Friends

Our friendships are important!

Carry no offence or suspicion

No second hand offence

Have lots of fun together

6. Family

David was an incredible leader who built a nation yet messed up his own household.

We cannot be about winning the world while we are loosing our families.

7. Finances

Matt 6:19-24. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven ... where your treasure is there your heart will also be!!

Luke 12:13-21  … parable of the rich fool.

Build bigger barns to store his grain and goods!

Tithe 10%

Sow 10%

Save 10%

A Prophetic people will be a people known for their generosity

May the Lord bless you as you dream big and live big. We need large capacity leaders all over the world who are prophetic by gift and nature working out His dream as we allow His dream to build us 

Church Planting Part 5 - Ian Mckellar

What to do when you’re feeling down.

Psalm 77 shows us the prayer journey of someone who is under great pressure and in great distress (Ps 77:2). They become overwhelmed with self-pity and cannot be comforted.

Eugene Peterson says that “self-pity reduces the universe to a personal wound that is displayed as proof of significance. Pity is adrenalin for acts of mercy; self-pity is a narcotic that leaves its addicts wasted and derelict”.[1]

He goes on to say that “self-pity almost always deals with accurate facts…..” and that characteristically it says that “someone else, often God, is responsible for my trouble”.

He gives three points from this Psalm regarding self-pity; firstly “self-pity grovels in nostalgia “ (v5). It “considers and remembers the past only to feed the injustice of the moment and to avoid doing anything about it”.[2]

Secondly “self-pity is morbidly introspective (v6). It remembers the dark songs of the night and only feels worse. Thirdly self-pity is theologically ignorant (v7). Notice the contradiction in the question, “Has his unfailing love vanished forever ?” What God has revealed about himself is now subject to our warped and distorted perspective because of present troubles.

The change comes in verse 10. Verses 3 to 6 are full of self; “I remembered”, ”I groaned”, “I mused”, “I thought”. But after verse 10 our meditation is on God, we are still remembering and considering, but now it is “the deeds of the LORD” and his “miracles”, and all his “works”, and his “mighty deeds” (v11-12).

Self-pity keeps us from the presence of God. We should not suppress our self-pity, but we should offer it to God.

We must be careful when we plant not to be robbed during our time of corporate worship. Yes we need to work hard, and be responsible for many practical things. But we also need the presence of God to refresh and empower us. Remember that Jesus said he would build his church. When we come to worship him, we must surrender all thoughts of self-pity, and yes, all thoughts of what has gone wrong or what could go wrong. Do not be robbed of his empowering presence because of troubles, no matter how big they are.

God’s footprints are invisible (v19), but his hand is there to redeem (v15). He is able to lead us out of our slavery in Egypt. He sends both prophet and priest, to guide and direct, and to care for and feed.

In the Old Testament he sent Moses and Aaron. In the New Testament we have apostles and prophets, and pastors and teachers. But we also have Jesus, the prophet better than Moses, and the high priest better than Aaron.

Hebrews 3 tells us that “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house”, but “Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.” (Heb 3:3).  We can look back and see that Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and faithfully led them to the Promised Land. They were tested in the wilderness but that was just part of the journey. God was always with them leading them, and training them for future victory. What seemed like abandonment was just training for victory. And it is the same for us today!

 We must not become bitter, and we must not miss the grace of God during our time of hardship and training. (Heb 12:7 & 15). Jesus is with us even if we don’t see evidence of him. His footprints are invisible. So because of Jesus the builder of God’s house we are encouraged to “encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Heb 3:13).

Jesus is also a high priest greater than Aaron. Aaron went into the Holy of Holies once a year on behalf of the whole nation. (Lev 16). But Jesus has opened the way for each one of us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”( Heb 4:16). Not just once a year, but whenever we have need.

Coming into the presence of God is essential for any church community. God leads his people as a community. “You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (Ps 77:20). God the great heavenly shepherd is leading his flock, but practically he sends and empowers apostles and pastors on earth to lead the church.

In our time of difficulty we must remember that Jesus is building us into his house, and remember that he has opened the way for us to find grace to help us.

We are to find grace from the throne of grace, and we are to encourage and build each other up not letting bitterness rob us of God’s amazing grace.

Then we shall pass through the wilderness of testing into the place of promise!

---

[1] Eugene Peterson, Where Your Treasure is, p99

[2] Ibid, p102

Church Planting Breakout Sessions

Church Planting Breakout Sessions at North America Equip 2011

Trust this finds you all well and powering for The King and His Kingdom! We have some exciting breakout sessions planned and wanted to give you a heads up! Look fowrward to seeing you all there. 

Why Church Planting? For the King & His Kingdom (Tyrone Daniel)

Planting with an Eph-4 team (Ian McKellar)

Creating a Culture of Planting within local churches (Russ Doty)

Culture of Evangelism (Terry Kreuger)

Building into your city (Steve Sudworth),

Learning your city's culture & rhythms (Mike Graves)

Planting with Families (Debra Sudworth)

Panel Discussion / Q and A. Text your questions in during the sessions  (Terry, Russ, Ian, Mike G, Steve)

ITCC Manuals Online

Hey Planters and Partners

Trusting this finds you well and powering for the King and His Kingdom

Some of the ITCC Manuals are now available online. I have copied the link below ... Trust that you find this a helpful resource.

Yours in His grip

Tkay

ITCC Online Manuals 

Update on breakout session for North America Equip 2011

Here is a quick update on the three tracks for the breakout sessions at North America Equip 2011!

Ministry to Children.  This track will be led by Steve and Terri Barr and will inspire and equip not just Children's Ministry Leaders/ Volunteers, but pastors, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles - anyone who loves children and desires to have an impact in their lives and see them grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus.  Our children don't have to go off course - they don't have to waste years of their lives going down a road God never intended them to go.  They can receive revelation of who He is, make Him Lord and King of their lives and become joy-filled, effective and useful instruments for our amazing God!

In addition there will be a Worship Track, led by Jon Daniel, who God is using mightily to pastor a "multi site" church in Adelaide, Australia.  "JD" has a tremendous gift as a pastor, musician, artist and song writer, but more importantly, as a passionate worshiper - with an anointing to lead others into the presence of our amazing Savior.  During this track, JD will demonstrate and inspire worship in you, train and provide tools for worship leaders, musicians and "Saints" who have a special gift/ love/ passion for worship. 

The third track at Equip 2011 is for Creating a Culture of Church Planting.  Steve & Deb Sudworth will lead this track and bring a variety of speakers and a forum to stir leadership teams and churches to begin or continue advancing God's Kingdom by discipling all nations through church planting.  This track will teach why we plant churches - the importance of God raising up an army of leaders for the Kingdom.  For those who feel God has called them to plant churches - there will be a separate weekend later in the year, announced during this track, that will further touch on all practical aspects of church planting - Pastoring, Theology, Preaching, Administration, the roles of the Lead Elder and his wife, etc.

The schedule for the tracks will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 11:30am to 1pm.

If you have not yet registered for Equip you can still do so, or if you need more information the website is - http://equipnorthamerica.com/

Lost People Matter to God

Tony and Susanne Sivewright planted Fourways Community Church in the fast growing vibrant city of Fourways, Johannesburg in 2000. They serve on the NCMI apostolic team and work mainly into Africa and Europe. They have a passion to see the lost come to Christ and have seen many saved and prodigals return.

Church planting! Well, after 10 years I still don't have a clue! The fact that He has used me/us to co-labor with Him is to this day very sobering and overwhelming.

What we did have when we planted Fourways Community Church just over 10 years ago here in Johannesburg, South Africa was 1.) A love for God, and 2.) A love for people.

We have loved the journey as we've seen heaps and heaps of people come to know Jesus. Nothing excites me as much as this. Transformed lives are the 'signs and wonders' we at Fourways have made a priority to pursue.

I once heard Bill Hybels say 'Lost people matter to God therefore they should matter to us.'

This was before we planted and has been embedded in our hearts and has gripped us ever since.

I don't know if there's anything more important - 'Jesus came to seek and save the lost' and when He returned to the Father He left the mandate with us. One of my favorite Scriptures is John 17:18 "As You sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world."

I know that Jesus didn't command us to go and make converts but rather to make disciples. However let me remind us that a true disciple begins at conversion. We need converts to make into disciples/Jesus followers.

I also believe a healthy church needs to be led by the Holy Spirit, and needs to have good theology, vibrant small groups, Spirit filled worship etc.

I also believe that no one comes to Jesus unless the Father who sent Jesus draws him. (John 6:44) The exciting and mysterious thing is that He uses us in the process. WE are called to preach the good news that Jesus came as our substitute to take the punishment our sins deserved and make a way for us to be reconciled back to the Father.

Of course in all we do we're totally dependent and reliant on the working and presence of the Holy Spirit, however I do think there is 'stuff' we can do to position ourselves and our churches to better reach those that are far from God.

Hopefully in my next post we can look at a few of these.

Church Planting Part 4 - Ian Mckellar

Ian & Nola McKellar relocated from South Africa to Asia in 2002.

They went to help build up local churches that relate to the NCMI team.
In 2009 they started leading Church of Joy in Singapore. They have a passion to see God's Word and God's Spirit build the beloved community and bless the city.

Remember the Christian life is a journey. Don’t expect to run before you can walk. Don’t demand from new believers, or a new community still coming together trying to shape a common culture of vision and values, what you would expect from those who have travelled with you a long way. It’s always a challenge planting out of a successful church into an environment where the culture has not yet taken shape. People just don’t see what is obvious to you.

Be patient; remember to meet them where they are, and to take them on the journey of following Jesus.

 Be careful of success. R.T. Kendall says that the best advice Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones gave him was to warn him about success: “The worst thing that can happen to a man is to have success before he is ready.” Success is good, we must kill the lion and the bear, but never forget God’s gracious help, and our utter dependence on him at all times. The church is a supernatural community and the Lord needs to build the house. It is a great privilege to be a co-laborer with him.

Moses and God told Joshua to “be strong and courageous”. That’s good advice for a church planter.

God said that Joshua should meditate on the Word day and night, and be careful to do everything written in it. That’s also good advice for a church planter. Learn from others, learn from tradition and what has been done before, but nothing can replace you walking close to God and learning from him as you go on this exciting journey to change the world.

The church planter must understand that the new church will be built and shaped largely around his gifts and talents. And those of his spouse and team if he has a team starting with him. Therefore it will be quite different from any other church. Don’t try to clone yourself from others. Allow God to work through the gifts he has given to you. One way is not necessarily right and another way wrong. There are many ways to building a Christ-centered church. Remember also that you will attract many people very different to yourself. Be gracious, be accepting. There are many different ways to worship God. “Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7.