If someone observed your simple church, what conclusions would they come to about how you deal with emotions? Do people even talk on that level? If our goal is “vibrant families of Jesus”, what role do emotions play in a church being intimate, healthy and vibrant? Join the Luke 10:2b list to be a part of this conversation here-http://lk10.com
WOW! what a treat to read “The Shack” by William Young, a brilliant, clever woven novel. Such profound theology in a gripping fictional story, that is confronting and yet answers questions and liberates in areas that have been hidden. Highly recommended, especially to those who have a judgemental and unjust view of God through suffering. Treat yourself and be renewed and refreshed…..
You can now order Frank Viola’s books here:
http://reimaginingchurch.org/countries.htm &http://www.paganchristianity.net
But you must follow the directions at the bottom of the page VERY carefully. If you completed the order correctly, you will receive an email receipt. If you don’t receive an email receipt, then you will have to try again because you did something wrong.
Also: “Pagan Christianity” is now available on Audio CD as an audiobook - www.paganchristianity.org/pagan_audio.htm
Frank is also blogging at http://frankviola.wordpress.com/
“THE STARFISH VISION” is a PDF file containing a FREE booklet detailling this present Kingdomization, including the recent apostolic and prophetic move of God that will see housechurches spawned into every neighborhood on the planet.
You are welcome to use, print and distribute this for free on any website you wish.
The supportive website (and the far larger book, “The Starfish Manifesto”, will be up end of this month. Click here to download….the-starfish-vision.pdf
From Justin Simpson, home church in Heathmont, Vic
‘The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.’ (Acts 4.13)
Last year, Brendan Keilar and Paul De Waard intervened to protect a young woman who was being assaulted and dragged into a car by her ex-boyfriend. The man pulled a hand gun and shot all 3 of them. Brendan died and Paul was critically wounded. These men demonstrated powerful courage and conviction. What would I have done in the same situation? Would I have physically intervened and put myself in harm’s way? I know what Jesus would have done. Read the rest of this entry »
From the Australian Prayer Network - www.ausprayernet.org.au
When Nigerian pastor Sunday Adelaja started a church in Kiev (Ukraine) in 1994 it quickly grew to an astounding 25,000 people. Today it’s the largest Christian congregation in Europe. Despite this success, the 38-year-old pastor’s vision is to work himself out of his job so he can plant more churches. “I have given all I have,” Adelaja said. “I have reproduced myself. I want the younger ones to go farther than I have.” He is now turning his church over to nationals, so he can spend more time training leaders and planting churches in Western Europe as well as in his native Nigeria. Read the rest of this entry »
The Sydney Morning Herald 30th September, published an article by Linda Morris entitled ‘Church may profit from doom”. It is based on comments recently made by Niall Reid, the head of the Uniting Church in New South Wales, recommending the church selling their buildings and giving the money to the poor. She also reports that he envisages the need for the church to prepare to be an underground church that would have enormous impact. Go to www.smh.com to find the article.
Hi Folks,
About a year ago we held a combined gathering of house church networks (or similar) in a park at Mudgeeraba near the Gold Coast. The feedback at that time seemed to indicate that most people appreciated the concept of the wider church fellowship and contacts.
After talking with some leaders, we’ve decided to have another similar gathering to be held at 10.30am on Sunday October 19 at the same place which is Mudgeeraba Lions Park near exit 79 (UBD Map 48, C18, west side of M1).
The purpose once again is bigger picture encouragement for people already in groups, networking with folks on a similar journey outside the institutional church system and outreach to those who may need christian company and encouragement of faith.
The plan is to meet at 10.30 for morning tea, coffee etc, general catchups, networking and meeting new friends through to lunch. If you want to stay on, our crew will be continuing for a byo lunch. There is no formal agenda. Bring your own everything including food, rugs, chairs, hats, balls whatever.
Looking forward to seeing you all,
blessings
Graham Wheat, home church leader on the Gold Coast, Queensland
For the latest edition of “The Starfish Files” house church magazine by Rad Zdero (Canadian house church movement), go to -
www.housechurch.ca/resources2/89_Starfish_Fall_2008.pdf
By Terry Somerville (published in ‘Open Heaven Digest’) - http://www.openheaven.com .
Eating organic food has become a big industry in recent years. For a while the word “organic” was used to trick the public into paying more with getting the real thing. Now there are government guidelines in labeling “organic’ food.
In the last few years there’s been much talk about returning to the “organic” church. But what does that mean? Many regular churches are using this term to attract members. Now (somewhat tongue in cheek) I’d like to suggest some guidelines to using the term “organic church”. Read the rest of this entry »