Discipleship.Network - The Reimagine Network
2024-03-28T15:50:49Z
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/feed/all
#ReimagineFutureChurch: Howard A. Snyder * Author, Professor, Thought-Provoker
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-howard-a-snyder-author-professor-thought-pr
2024-03-20T15:27:52.000Z
2024-03-20T15:27:52.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
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<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">#ReimagineFutureChurch: Howard A. Snyder: Author, Professor, Thought-Provoker</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Find Me / Follow Me here </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/howard.snyder.94">https://www.facebook.com/howard.snyder.94</a> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> Asbury Seedbed Site: <a href="http://howardsnyder.seedbed.com/">http://howardsnyder.seedbed.com/</a> </span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•<strong> WHAT? - What is the "1-Question" leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Are we focusing constantly and consistently on Jesus Christ — his life, ministry, teachings, and the explanation he himself gave of his identity and mission and the way he interpreted the Scriptures (e.g., in Luke 24 and the Sermon on the Mount).</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• SO WHAT? - What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate/explore/discuss/pray into?</strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Churches face the constant temptation to get their ideas of church and ministry from the world's models (businesses, sports, whatever) or from contemporary churches that are doing supposedly new things. But the key thing that often gets left behind is a focus on Jesus himself — in the terms and actions and teachings he himself gave.</span></p></div>
#ReimagineCOMMUNITIES... Two Parish Stories
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginecommunities-a-parish-story-from-gifford-park-omaha-ne
2024-03-17T21:02:29.000Z
2024-03-17T21:02:29.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
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<h1 class="entry-title entry-title--large p-name"><span style="font-size:14pt;">#ReimagineCOMMUNITIES...</span></h1>
<h1 class="entry-title entry-title--large p-name"><span style="font-size:14pt;">A Parish Story from Gifford Park | Omaha, NE</span></h1>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">In the heart of Gifford Park, Omaha, Eric Purcell and his faith community have been on a transformative 13-year journey. Drawn by the missional community movement, they settled into a neighborhood in 2011 hoping for connection and growth.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Several years into the life of their community, it seemed like most of their efforts fell flat. They had launched a soccer program that contributes meaningfully to the lives of many neighbors, yet they weren’t experiencing the transformative experiences they were hoping for. And then, recognizing a need, Eric and his team birthed a coffee shop, without realizing the ways in which it would become a catalyst for change in their neighborhood.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Nearly 6 years later, the space has evolved into more than just a coffee haven—it’s a hub for beautiful connections. Serving the homeless community became second nature, and customers rallied to support this noble cause.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Amidst the coffee beans and espresso machines, the coffee shop staff finds more than just a job. One expressed, "You care for people like a non-profit; I’ve never experienced that in a workplace." Another, seeking a safe space, found not just a nourishing menu but an environment so supportive, it nurtured her through mental health crises and helped her relearn the art of authentic relationships.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">“In church culture we often try really hard to win people over. When we can stop doing that and focusing on loving people well, we have a lot more capacity to create space for transformation.”</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">- Eric Purcell</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Eric has seen a simple exchange between baristas become a form of therapy, emphasizing the importance of providing safe spaces for people to be seen and to grow.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Eric is now asking good questions, like, what if we were able to see our neighborhoods as a sacred ecosystem with our humble observation at the center of our actions? Some aspects may need pruning, others careful tending—what is God asking us to nurture at this moment? It’s a delicate dance, acknowledging that not everything needs our touch.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">As fear motivates many in this time of church decline, Eric ponders whether the church is truly falling apart or if God is birthing something radically different. Perhaps, Eric muses, the new thing won’t look like the conventional church—but it will be marked by warmth, belonging, and safety.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.myrtleandcypresscoffee.com/" target="_blank">Learn more about Myrtle & Cypress Coffee Shop.</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myrtleandcypresscoffeehouse" target="_blank">Visit them on Instagram!</a></span></p>
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<h1 class="entry-title entry-title--large p-name"><span style="font-size:14pt;">A Parish Story from “the Kill Zone” | East Oakland, CA</span></h1>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">When Ben McBride ventured into the heart of East Oakland, California, moving into a neighborhood that locals dubbed the "Kill Zone," he found himself confronted with the challenge of forging connections in an unfamiliar setting. This led him to embrace a more expansive gospel that not only illuminated his own biases but also compelled him toward a path of generous inclusion, acknowledging the unique ways in which the Good News unfolds in places distinct from his prior experiences.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">In the early days of residing in Oakland, Ben would often return home to find a man occupying the front steps of his house. Annoyance crept in as he grappled with this uninvited presence on his property, his concern for his family's safety heightening each time they passed by the stranger. The discomfort was palpable.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Embarking on a journey of bridging, Ben decided to engage in conversation despite his unease. To his surprise, he discovered that the man had grown up in the very house that now belonged to Ben and his family. This revelation prompted Ben to pause, forcing him to reassess how he had been asserting belonging while unintentionally denying it to someone with deep roots in the neighborhood. Despite being the newcomer, Ben realized he carried a load of preconceived notions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="http://parishcollective.org/coffee-break">Experience the profound insights of Ben McBride's journey in his book, <em>Troubling the Waters</em>. Join our conversation on February 21, 2024, at 9 am PST. Click here to learn more about our monthly Coffee Breaks.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">While Ben's initial move into the neighborhood was fueled by a desire to instigate change through peacemaking and anti-violence efforts, the encounter with his neighbor revealed a different lesson. It became clear that the real change needed to happen within Ben himself – a transformation essential for listening and connecting across the differences that defined their lives.</span></p>
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Generosity Is Our DNA
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/generosity-is-our-dna
2024-03-14T17:18:36.000Z
2024-03-14T17:18:36.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>Generosity Is Our DNA</strong></em></span></div>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><em>You Were Born Generous!</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Written by Guest Contributor, Phil Miglioratti</em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Every Christian is a generous person. The most magnanimous giver, of course, but also the stingiest.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Our English word generosity is rooted in the Latin: "noble birth." The ancient understanding of noble birth was based on social standing; class superiority. It conferred power and authority. In the Body of Christ; however, everyone is of noble birth. Every person "born of the Spirit" (John 3:3) is birthed out of and into generosity. Born out of the generous grace of God, for "we are saved by grace; the gift of God," (Ephesians 2:8) and birthed into a life of generosity for “we are his creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them," (Ephesians 2:10).</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">This reality calls us to reimagine what it means to be a Christ-follower and how we use our resources. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17,"Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" We who are of noble (re)birth in Christ have a new nature that has come to us out of the generosity of God and is set to mature us into a lifestyle of generosity. Here are just a few areas where we can experience this in our own lives:</span></p>
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<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Money Management</u>: Rich or poor or in between, we are, by this new nature, born to be generous. Financial generosity is not based on the size of our gifts but on the sacrifice. Hence, the teaching of Jesus on the widow's gift. <em>"Jesus sat near the Temple money box and watched the people put in their money. Many rich people gave large sums of money. </em><em>Then a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which were only worth a few cents. Calling his followers to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow gave more than all those rich people.</em>" (Mark 12:41-43)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Resource Sharing</u>: Generosity is a result of the realization that all our holdings are gifts from the Lord to be used for the benefit of others. "<em>Y</em><em>ou will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God."</em> (2 Corinthians 9:11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Knowledge and Learning</u>: Living out our generous birth DNA includes freely sharing knowledge and wise counsel: <em>"But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you." (James 1:5)</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Prayer</u>: Generosity becomes a motivation that permeates our prayers. We are lavish with praise to God, and we yearn to pray for others to be blessed. <em>"He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly."</em> (Acts 10:2)</span></li>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Generosity is a characteristic of God. It is an expression or extension of grace. Likewise, our acts of generosity are evidence of this same attitude expressed through our actions, words and sacrifices. Every experience or situation is a moment that calls for our generosity — vertically with thanksgiving to God and horizontally for the promises of God to be realized by people, in places, to solve problems.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">In 50 years of ministry, the Lord has generously blessed Phil with opportunities to serve Him in various ways that include launching PromiseLand Ministry at Willow Creek Church in Barrington, Illinois, pastoring The Woodfield Church ("The One Another Church"), coordinating national evangelism conferences, facilitating City Impact Roundtables, launching the National Pastors' Prayer Network, curating Pray.Network and Discipleship.Network, and currently posting new content for The Reimagine.Network. In his free time, Phil has fun-fun-fun writing at <a href="https://u20330395.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.ANFSIhqB-2B9RF0VQHrHZV-2F3K2FpV0vLECTpfVJ-2BJ9bEiqFzCjtk04H2RkUMlVVPwnSC6UP5S70boOn-2Fft7kQX9A-3D-3Dg7Ob_YeFNcclf8rGWD59-2F4RJxkdY1GGB5H6GUIcVBlYpKS-2BlS510pG0dZ5MALOCGQZMLPiAElhVfvbmHws1h2DLeEB-2FmwkmeK2uDej-2FKb3sPv-2Bq-2BfWMkm-2FGw4Z0CXsyvlm1Jx2p-2BQccvMxM5OdmrCC-2FYurfd6-2FqQSkSQWgmh-2BB8iJE30uEn7FyxOdKQWM6x17FvL6zdcd-2B-2BUzGOU0je5slAJ-2BzgPnMNxSfBHpc2mnlmWTCEo-2BXQcTTWnFUkS1fWQvreeWw8hTxn5AbUT416NVV-2BQbq6AqPGa8HIWL3L3Ha8GRwEpyEyx41QJXlRmnAuN9Uh79wVTGueeNh3jaMbTlV1bOQfLmFyAjtW1h6ikA4baS-2B85B5xqH4pw3CwK4HY-2B-2BSObM" target="_blank">prayforsurfblog.blogspot.com</a>.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Our Contact Information</strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> Dynamis Ministries</span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> 2700 Duncan Lane</span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> Batavia, IL 60510</span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> 630.643.0009</span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> <a href="https://u20330395.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.u7G0s4ZhGzoIVt50FNNXuSjzOG5W3rt5bzbzr3xM0T1ldLOpQmtVYmmX-2BECrSe64gkcD3qjiVImabarf3Hb-2Bvg-3D-3DXUwn_YeFNcclf8rGWD59-2F4RJxkdY1GGB5H6GUIcVBlYpKS-2BlS510pG0dZ5MALOCGQZMLPiAElhVfvbmHws1h2DLeEB-2FmwkmeK2uDej-2FKb3sPv-2Bq-2BfWMkm-2FGw4Z0CXsyvlm1Jx2p-2BQccvMxM5OdmrCC-2FYurfd6-2FqQSkSQWgmh-2BB8iJE30uEn7FyxOdKQWM6x17FvL6zdcd-2B-2BUzGOU0je5slAJ-2BzgPnMNxSfBHpc2mnlmWTCEon-2Fo1-2FyCNbUz85vvIR7QcfC2i3nUVR8tEP2aL31N0e4dW8E-2Bu9Taolr9kYv-2B4sTzULjcdwyb-2FHrGNewKqpoCOhqRIM9eoIMVXCrozRuOSThmDV2U3yp3WkTcRIKNqL0anH2TaNt6dMNSL0M65jkkoc" target="_blank">http://www.dynamisministries.org</a></span></p>
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Linking Your Hope to Your Community
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/linking-your-hope-to-your-community
2024-03-12T18:34:12.000Z
2024-03-12T18:34:12.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Linking Your Hope to Your Community</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NYthYlFIzvHhJtCBJDVE0zMnqpmor1laN2if8Ugd5-VrFTpDeWkU0D35C7Uvm2guz7GsqmyttFnNaf2EGnBQ4W1FNYisLVC01rcot6evV-V9vCSxPOVOGVf7KNrQGpH-1gXQAWeefOF9QfgDX6jgD53bPLpaXsa=s0-d-e1-ft#" alt="ADKq_NYthYlFIzvHhJtCBJDVE0zMnqpmor1laN2if8Ugd5-VrFTpDeWkU0D35C7Uvm2guz7GsqmyttFnNaf2EGnBQ4W1FNYisLVC01rcot6evV-V9vCSxPOVOGVf7KNrQGpH-1gXQAWeefOF9QfgDX6jgD53bPLpaXsa=s0-d-e1-ft#<a href=" /></span> </p>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>PHIL: Jim, Link2Hope is a significant and strategic step both forward and upward. Is the Church ready to #ReimagineCOMPASSION?</strong></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">JIM: >>> That's a great question. It's the "you can lead a horse to water" dilemma, right? The philosophy behind Link2Hope, as opposed to Meet The Need's legacy platforms, is pull versus push. Our traditional volunteer management, event management, and case management systems <strong>pushed </strong>churches to use our software to engage more in local missions by creating unity and efficiency. Link2Hope <strong>pulls </strong>churches into closer relationships around families who are struggling in their congregations and community. There are early signs but no certainty whether that approach will overcome the definitional barriers (what is "church" and who are its target "customers") that keep churches from serving the community in ways that actually alleviate poverty. </span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>PHIL: How can Link2Hope "revolutionize" how a congregation connects with their community?</strong></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">JIM: The key differentiator with Link2Hope is empowerment of the congregation to connect and serve individuals and families year-round. They don't need to wait until the next church "outreach" event to volunteer for an afternoon at a homeless mission, where they're unlikely to actually meet and interact with anyone who's homeless. Link2Hope inserts members into intentional, caring "circles" around those who are lonely and hopeless. Poverty occurs and endures due to broken relationships, so flourishing hinges on restoring and building personal relationships. </span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>PHIL: What is your hope for pastors and ministry leaders who read this exciting report?</strong></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">JIM: First of all, we hope they'll be patient because there's a lot of excitement around Link2Hope but we won't be launching in more cities or churches for a little while. Second, we hope they'll start internalizing and implementing the principles behind Link2Hope now because occasional "compassion" events only help church members, not the poor. </span><span class="gmail_default" style="font-size:14pt;">It is e</span><span style="font-size:14pt;">xciting to see Link2Hope come to life. </span><span class="gmail_default" style="font-size:14pt;"></span><span style="font-size:14pt;">Here are some videos you may enjoy from </span><a style="font-size:14pt;" href="https://www.wdbj7.com/2024/03/07/link2hope-launches-roanoke-connecting-people-need-resources/" target="_blank">the launch of Link2Hope</a><span style="font-size:14pt;">...</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;">[ </span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;">NOTE>>> Scroll past videos for an exciting description of this new initiative from </span><span style="font-size:14pt;">Meet The Need ]</span> </div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><img id="m_-2694089633633497566LPThumbnailImageId157085" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=cf36ae3eed&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f%3A1792965405826744702&th=18e1e4897cde017e&view=fimg&fur=ip&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9SXdwohW6aaMl16ZfIpyZATSsbxMpDsx85KBQXjHENt6adYR3pS68FQOdcpXRf3gTc45Yt6PqeFmkN7rHVqqQcmoUsULeF_juUAOvU9QneYoXMFiI11ifP6qI&disp=emb" alt="" width="240" height="120" /></span></div>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Link2Hope launches in Roanoke, connecting people in need toresources </strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="http://www.wdbj7.com">www.wdbj7.com</a></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/916271877">https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/916271877</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/918347920">https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/918347920</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE6xXJgIZNc&list=FLv0GHx7hkRhrOqnbjjFVjFw&index=1&t=7s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE6xXJgIZNc&list=FLv0GHx7hkRhrOqnbjjFVjFw&index=1&t=7s</a></span></li>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NZjUa0dLsAY_PDJzR9ZO4fTdczf_zv2NSb4gEahFQASd8KkfX73S2MYQdb7MswCGWQQqZQmcgFjvlXoIgGTamjnhnin7gZ1m1iCsGj5AQQxv_szpMVum2dfm6HwGbpBOk6REup2wo_gMEUdLq7TV-cb84NWipIDEtuCEFDd36GtEj8akEqIpU1CITQhJnAoLqery9CgxafLENnvPiCwAFzMHsIV1rW3OlKifqeMmU9hg10=s0-d-e1-ft#" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NZjUa0dLsAY_PDJzR9ZO4fTdczf_zv2NSb4gEahFQASd8KkfX73S2MYQdb7MswCGWQQqZQmcgFjvlXoIgGTamjnhnin7gZ1m1iCsGj5AQQxv_szpMVum2dfm6HwGbpBOk6REup2wo_gMEUdLq7TV-cb84NWipIDEtuCEFDd36GtEj8akEqIpU1CITQhJnAoLqery9CgxafLENnvPiCwAFzMHsIV1rW3OlKifqeMmU9hg10=s0-d-e1-ft#?profile=RESIZE_400x" alt="ADKq_NZjUa0dLsAY_PDJzR9ZO4fTdczf_zv2NSb4gEahFQASd8KkfX73S2MYQdb7MswCGWQQqZQmcgFjvlXoIgGTamjnhnin7gZ1m1iCsGj5AQQxv_szpMVum2dfm6HwGbpBOk6REup2wo_gMEUdLq7TV-cb84NWipIDEtuCEFDd36GtEj8akEqIpU1CITQhJnAoLqery9CgxafLENnvPiCwAFzMHsIV1rW3OlKifqeMmU9hg10=s0-d-e1-ft#?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="255" /></a></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Link2Hope Video YouTube</strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com">www.youtube.com</a></span></p>
<div id="m_-2694089633633497566Signature">
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><img id="m_-2694089633633497566x_Picture_x0020_7" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=cf36ae3eed&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f%3A1792965405826744702&th=18e1e4897cde017e&view=fimg&fur=ip&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9wep2ElcTH3TVnrwJIkcMmzEIGCIA6tc8pxTpgZIQDHwKnbhXe65yIGHV48FAJzVsRVomlsBOytc-ULIuWi_zsP4J_OfWR6yu8T6mPC13-j7-tneSrQSA9FEw&disp=emb" alt="?ui=2&ik=cf36ae3eed&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f%3A1792965405826744702&th=18e1e4897cde017e&view=fimg&fur=ip&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9wep2ElcTH3TVnrwJIkcMmzEIGCIA6tc8pxTpgZIQDHwKnbhXe65yIGHV48FAJzVsRVomlsBOytc-ULIuWi_zsP4J_OfWR6yu8T6mPC13-j7-tneSrQSA9FEw&disp=emb" width="200" height="84" /></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">Jim Morgan, President</span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">813.230.0189 * <a id="m_-2694089633633497566OWA674e2479-59f9-44e4-6136-9d31c00a2f98" href="mailto:jmorgan@meettheneed.org" target="_blank">JMorgan@MeetTheNeed.org * </a><a id="m_-2694089633633497566OWA389fa514-8478-a8c3-1389-37e64e2dd318" href="http://www.meettheneed.org/" target="_blank">MeetTheNeed.org</a></span></p>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">It may seem strange that Meet The Need’s blog rarely mentions Meet The Need. It’s not because there’s nothing to discuss. In the dot-com era, our ministry envisioned and later built the first collaborative volunteer management, event management, and shared case management applications for churches and ministries. Each of those types of systems eventually became crowded, thriving industries. Over the past decade, we’ve also been national leaders in innovation around critical causes like hunger relief, homelessness, foster care, and ex-offender recidivism. As impactful as our work has been, Meet The Need was never about developing poverty alleviation software applications. That was always means to an end…</span></div>
<div>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Meet The Need’s Mission</strong></span></h3>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Since our founding 22 years ago, Meet The Need’s goal has been church revitalization and reform. So that’s what we talk about on this blog. Technology alone cannot change heart and minds. In the early 2000s we often heard pastors say, “if we only had a way to find out the needs in the community and share them with our members”, and “build it and we will come”. Yet we’ve seen churches increasingly use Meet The Need’s platforms to facilitate transactional rather than relational “compassion”, which typically does more harm than good. Families in poverty need dignity, not dependence. It’s demeaning when the “rich” swoop in to save the “poor”, offering “handouts” without seeking to understand, leverage, and augment their capabilities. That arms-length approach makes church members feel good during the holiday season but perpetuates poverty the rest of the year. The strength and duration of relationships determines the effectiveness of interventions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">No organizations are better positioned than churches to repair the broken relationships (with God, His creation, others, and ourselves) that keep families trapped in cycles of generational poverty. Only a church can attend to the whole person (mind, body, spirit) and all four key relationships on a long-term basis by welcoming them into the church family. Unfortunately, despite <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=427d64f403&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">Jesus’ repeated commands to serve the materially poor</a> and <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=a88fe1b8c5&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">His example of leading with compassion</a>, churches are no longer on the front lines of the war on poverty. That <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=d2eb88bdf4&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">break from Jesus’ prayer/care/share model</a>, which began in the early 1900s with the failure of the Social Gospel movement and Great Reversal, has contributed to the Church’s steady decline in growth, impact, influence, and perception in recent decades. Churches should be the lighthouse, first responder, and last line of defense for our culture. Without reform, their light will continue to dim. Restoring churches to their rightful place as a beacon of hope in a darkening society requires equipping and mobilizing them to demonstrate the love of Jesus through missional, <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=bbfaf882f6&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">transformational</a> relationships with the “<a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=930170ef67&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">least</a>” and “<a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=413896aaae&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">lost</a>”.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Meet The Need has invested the past 5 ½ years working toward that critical objective. For 15 years we watched event-oriented, transactional compassion fuel a precipitous decline in usage of our platforms following each Christmas. In 2018 we assembled our team to brainstorm a year-round, relational solution to that problem. Fast forward to last week as we celebrated the launch <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=290bde55cc&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">the application that emerged from those meetings</a>. Between 2018 and 2024 were countless miracles, partnerships, donations, design sessions, programming, and testing – as well as a beta and pilot with <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=22bdd2662e&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">ministry partners in Roanoke, VA</a> who are <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=a8d75965b2&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">already seeing the value of Link2Hope</a>.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Our Unveiling of Link2Hope</strong></span></h3>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">So we felt compelled to finally talk a little about Meet The Need in today’s blog post. Link2Hope leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide a proverbial “hand-up” by building sustainable circles of support around families, empowering them to plot their own course to a brighter future. It offers those feeling isolated hope in our Savior and comfort in the knowledge they’re not alone. It shows those not knowing where to turn more options so they don’t always approach the same individual, ministry or church for help. It suggests resources with roadmaps to change lives, not just get through life.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Link2Hope revolutionizes poverty alleviation by digitizing the principles found in <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=a5fab39dea&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank"><em>When Helping Hurts</em></a>. The Chalmers Center, who authored that book, walked alongside Meet The Need throughout the design and development process, ensuring we held to these non-negotiables:</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Dignity – Respect the inherent value and capabilities of those made in God’s image</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Reciprocity – Avoid perceptions of superiority through investments and exchanges</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Discipleship – Get beyond material needs to the pursuit of personal growth</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Advocacy – Equip mentors to help families navigate their pathways out of poverty</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Unity – Rally the entire community around love for our neighbors in Jesus’ name</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Engagement – Not make the goal time spent on the app, but live connections</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Personal – Customize to match individual interests, challenges, priorities, and goals</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Each network, city, or group of organizations rallying around a cause will receive its own unique installation of Link2Hope. “Cause groups” can brand and private label Link2Hope to look like their websites. They can modify the user experience and onboarding process to suit their audiences. They can load the database with all the churches and service providers within their circles of influence. They can include any (and only those) articles, collateral, videos, and other resources they want the AI to recommend. Unlike for-profit software vendors, Meet The Need provides all features of Link2Hope in every installation:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Connect</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Potential assignment of a representative to guide and advocate for the family</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Dedicated pages viewable by a family’s “inner circle” with updates, needs, and prayers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Referrals to participating local churches or connection to the family’s current church</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Opportunity for those who feel isolated to speak with a local caring encourager</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Invitations to family and friends to join a circle of support around a loved one</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Grow</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Recommended resources to educate and inspire users based on their circumstances</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Rate, share, and favorite resources to inform the AI and improve recommendations</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Tailored suggestions and searches for relevant local or national events or activities</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Addition of resources (if approved by cause group) that users feel would help others</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Read the Bible and receive suggested scripture verses appropriate for each user</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Impact</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">View recommended service providers and search for those offering assistance needed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Connect, add, rate, share, and favorite service providers to refine the AI engine</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Post limited number of non-monetary needs to targeted audiences (i.e. circles)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Lead advocates and low-income families down proven paths out of material poverty</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Refer compassionate churches, ministries, or businesses (subject to admin approval)</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Link2Hope tracks and reports each user’s Connect, Grow, and Impact progress to encourage taking the applicable next step. The platform even enables individuals and organizations to set goals for “circle building”, personal growth, and community impact.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>What Link2Hope Means for America’s Churches</strong></span></h3>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Leading people toward Jesus is the vision of Link2Hope. Surrounding families with loving support systems is its mission. Achieving that vision and executing that mission requires putting churches at the center of Link2Hope’s model. Churches were the center of town for 1900 years, where the destitute and lonely turned for help and hope. Ministries, <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=248c31a322&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">government</a>, and businesses can all play an important role but only the church can foster lasting life transformation. Therefore, Link2Hope points struggling families to local churches and activates churchgoers to join (or form) “circles” around those hurting in the congregation or community.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">During the pandemic, churchgoers appeared unprepared to personify “church” when the buildings’ doors were closed, missing countless opportunities to comfort and care for fearful neighbors losing jobs, health, and hope. Church is not a building or weekend event – it’s Christ-followers who take the Great Commandment and Great Commission seriously all week long among their neighbors, coworkers, family, and friends.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Link2Hope empowers each of us to love and serve between Sundays – and not by simply “checking the box” through seasonal “handouts” that humiliate those dependent on charity to make it through the day. Instead, we <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=b5ccfc7268&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">#ReimagineCompassion</a> by teaching and equipping the Church for the kind of year-round, relational <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=eba76ff377&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">kindness, mercy, and justice</a> commanded in Scripture. In our post-Christian, postmodern culture, it’s more important than ever for believers and churches to <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=010a2fd736&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">counteract and clearly contrast</a> with the world’s highly conditional definitions of love and compassion. Now is the time for Link2Hope…</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>It’s Your Turn…</strong></span></h3>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Although Link2Hope has officially launched <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=ff83567346&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">in one city</a>, it will not be available for your network, city, or church until 2025. However, you can begin gathering data to populate the platform and start implementing the principles behind Link2Hope today!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The post <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=df5e40e72b&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">A New Link to Hope for Your Church and City</a> appeared first on <a href="https://meettheneed.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=772fe0ad5cfe3e59cf422839a&id=fd5a7f5693&e=0fd2b3965f" target="_blank">Meet the Need Blog</a>.</span></p>
</div></div>
Victory in Jesus
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/victory-in-jesus
2024-03-12T14:30:36.000Z
2024-03-12T14:30:36.000Z
Johnny R. Almond
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/JohnnyRAlmond
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10638549068,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10638549068,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="284" height="189" alt="10638549068?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p> </p><p><em>Then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love.<br /> He saved us, not because of good things we did, because of his mercy.<br /> He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.<br /> He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ did.<br /> </em> Titus 3:4-6 NLT</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /> Without My love, hopelessness would depress you.<br /> Dante was correct in placing a sign over hell’s entrance—<br /> “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”<br /> Without Jesus, eternity is an inferno—with Jesus, it is a paradise.<br /> Deep heart treasures belong to all who trust and obey Him.<br /> He is your Loving Savior, Faithful Guide, and Returning King.<br /> Because of My Son, you have a bright future.<br /> </p><p>Without My mercy, hell would doom you.<br /> All who surrender their entire personality to Christ will live forever—<br /> all others have nothing to look forward to but My crushing wrath.<br /> The old order of things will be replaced by the new Jerusalem—<br /> chaos suppressed by calm, darkness scattered by Light.<br /> Because of My sympathy, you have a beautiful forever.<br /> </p><p>Without My kindness, guilt would distress you.<br /> Jesus’ death at Skull Hill was not fair—He had done nothing wrong.<br /> He died for you—that is love; He swapped with you—that is grace.<br /> I would rather you never sinned; but when you do, do not be devastated.<br /> When your heart torments you, My heart forgives you.<br /> When the accuser points to your sin, the Advocate takes your case.<br /> Because of My support, you have a Best Friend in court.<br /> </p><p>Without My power, sin would defeat you.<br /> Were it not for the Liberator, you would be enslaved to the evil one.<br /> Were it not for the Light, you would scurry as a cockroach in the dark.<br /> Were it not for the Savior, you would be emotionally imprisoned by sin.<br /> I can cure you of cruel addiction to wickedness—victory is in Me alone.<br /> Because of My Spirit, you have boundless freedom.<br /> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12246177863,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12246177863,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="142" alt="12246177863?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>© Pastor Johnny R. Almond </p><p>Day 352, <em>Gentle Whispers from Eternity</em></p><p>Book available at <a href="http://www.Amazon.com">www.Amazon.com</a></p></div>
Discipleship Pastor's Teaching Notes: Hebrews - "The Most Amazing Journey: Connecting the Gospels in an Unforgettable Chronology."
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/discipleship-pastor-s-teaching-notes-hebrews-the-most-amazing-jou
2024-03-07T21:49:19.000Z
2024-03-07T21:49:19.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12263312865,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12263312865,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="310" alt="12263312865?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Discipleship Pastor's Teaching Notes: </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Hebrews </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>"The Most Amazing Journey: Connecting the Gospels in an Unforgettable Chronology"</strong></em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Dean .... What motivated you to do this study? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">A few reasons:</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">To complement the main sermon series we are going through in the Book of Luke;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">To help our people see how the four gospels fit together to give the fullest picture of our Lord Jesus;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">To help our people gain a better understanding of what a growing disciple looks like under the training of Christ;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">To deepen and widen our prayer life as we reflect on the wonder, words and work of the Lord Jesus.</span></li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>How can a reader use it for personal study? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">To take time to memorize the 30 main headings provided in order to better understand the ministry of Jesus for His these recorded three years, and to see how the gospel accounts they may study fit into that chronology.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>How can a small group/Sunday School class leader use these files? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Take a minimum of five weeks - but certainly longer - to follow the chronology given and the stories related, and add any additional stories/passages that might fit the heading.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>How would you suggest they be used for a sermon series? </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Maybe in several ways:</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">As a background intro lesson before starting a new series in one of the gospels;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">By taking one set of three, or six, headings and making them into a series by itself.</span></li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Anything else you'd like to share?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">I was fascinated how the study helped bring some new light to my understanding of several passages. For example, as John describes Jesus' Judean ministry before His Galilean ministry, he records Jesus' healing of the official's son in Capernaum in John 4:46-54. As Luke begins his description of Jesus' Galilean ministry in Nazareth in Luke 4, he quotes Jesus' commentary on the Isaiah passage He just read by saying: "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Physician, heal yourself.' What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well." I guess I had not picked up on the correlation between an earlier miracle in Capernaum, and this reference while in Nazareth. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Hope this is helpful,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Dean</strong></span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Dean Bouzeos</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Discipleship Pastor, Community Church of Greenwood *</span><span style="font-size:14pt;"> 831.428.2294</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>“So Jesus said… ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” John 8:31</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Teacher Notes</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12398439883,original{{/staticFileLink}}">Bouzeos -Hebrews Teacher Notes Week 1.txt.docx</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12398439682,original{{/staticFileLink}}">Bouzeos Hebrews Teacher Notes Week 2.txt.docx</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12398440059,original{{/staticFileLink}}">Bouzeos Hebrews Teacher Notes Week 3.txt.docx</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12398440073,original{{/staticFileLink}}">Bouzeos Hebrews Teacher Notes Week 4.txt.docx</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12398439698,original{{/staticFileLink}}">Bouzeos Hebrews Teacher Notes Week 5.txt.docx</a></span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Sample:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> “The Most Amazing Journey - Connecting the Gospels in an Unforgettable Chronology”</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> Week 1</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Class Intros</u> - <strong>Why taking class? What to take away from the class?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Class Overview</u> - Our study of the gospels for a <strong>motivation</strong> to know Christ better and a <strong>determination</strong> to live for Christ better</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>For those God foreknew he also predestined to <u>be conformed to the image of his Son</u>… <strong>Romans 8:29</strong> </em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Imitate me, just as I also <u>imitate Christ</u>. <strong>1 Corinthians 11:1</strong> </em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that <u>you should follow in his steps</u>. <strong>1 Peter 2:21</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>But <u>grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord</u> and Savior Jesus Christ. <strong>2 Peter 3:18</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Class Objectives</u></span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">To gain a better understanding of the chronology of the gospels and how it leads us to a growing discipleship with, and under, the Lord Jesus Christ</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">To deepen and widen our prayer life as we reflect on the wonder, words and work of Christ </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">To provide an opportunity for community, connection and care</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Theme for Week 1</u> <strong>“Our Maturity Leads To Our Victory”</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> Eternity Past</strong></span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> <u>Communion</u></strong></span></li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em> Then <strong><u>God</u></strong><u> said</u>, “<u>Let <strong>us</strong></u> make man in <strong><u>our</u></strong><u> image</u>, after <strong><u>our</u></strong><u> likeness</u>.” </em></span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><em>Genesis 1:26</em></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em> And I heard the voice of <strong><u>the Lord</u></strong><u> saying</u>, “Whom shall <strong>I</strong> send, and who will go <u>for<strong> us</strong></u>?” </em></span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><em>Isaiah 6:8</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em> </em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>“But when <strong><u>the Helper</u></strong> comes, whom<strong> <u>I </u></strong><u>will send to you from <strong>the Father</strong></u>, <strong>the Spirit</strong> of truth, <strong>who</strong> proceeds from <strong>the Father</strong>, <strong>he</strong> will bear witness about <strong>me</strong>”… When <strong>Jesus</strong> had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “<strong>Father</strong>, the hour has come; glorify <strong>your Son</strong> that <strong>the Son</strong> may glorify <strong>you</strong>, </em><em>2 </em><em>since <strong>you</strong> have given <strong>him</strong> authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom <strong>you </strong>have given <strong>him</strong>. </em><em>3 </em><em>And this is eternal life, that they know <strong>you</strong>, <strong>the only true God, </strong>and<strong> Jesus Christ whom you</strong> have sent. </em><em>4 </em><strong><em>I</em></strong><em> glorified <strong>you</strong> on earth, having accomplished the work that <strong>you</strong> gave <strong>me</strong> to do. </em><em>5 </em><em>And now, <strong>Father</strong>, glorify <strong>me</strong> in <strong>your</strong> own presence with the glory that<strong> I</strong> had with <strong>you</strong> <u>before the world existed</u>. </em></span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><em>John 15:26, 17:1-5</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><em> . . .</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>*Prayer - Lord, thank you that you are eternal, and by faith in you I have been given eternal life.</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div>
The Generosity Journey: Keep It Simple
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/the-generosity-journey-keep-it-simple
2024-03-04T22:34:28.000Z
2024-03-04T22:34:28.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><em>Keep It Simple</em></strong></span></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Written by Guest Contributor, Erica Ciro</em></p>
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<p>We serve a very generous God. He gave everything — his very best for us. Even while we were still sinners. Giving back to Him therefore should be our natural and joyful response. But what about the times when it isn’t?</p>
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<p>The idea of generosity tends to spur thoughts of financial giving — tithing or donating money to ministries or individuals in need. Generosity towards God certainly includes those actions but is not limited to finances either. For many of us, the easiest act of generosity can be writing a check. It’s a lot harder to be generous with our time and talents especially when we are busy with a career or raising a family. But knowing who or how to serve can be elusive at times. Then there is the false notion that our acts of generosity have to be big, sacrificial or even painful. So many questions and barriers can surround the topic of generosity.</p>
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<p>But recently through my own generosity journey, the Lord has been showing me that giving doesn’t have to be over-complicated and that it can in fact be a source of great joy. A few years ago, I sent a Christian Valentine’s card to an elderly woman from my church whom I adore. I simply wanted to let her know how much she meant to me. Her response to this act was beyond my expectations. She left a long voicemail message expressing how much she appreciated the card. In fact, recently she told me she still has that card sitting on her coffee table! </p>
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<p>This past month, a co-worker lost her husband unexpectedly. When she returned to work, I gave her a big hug. She clung to me much longer than I expected and then looked me in the eye and smiled. She thanked me for attending her husband’s service and for the card I had sent with a prayer I had written for her. Now, every day, when we see each other for recess duty, she leans in for a hug, which I am happy to give.</p>
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<p>Lastly, as a first-grade teacher’s aid, I often deal with children who are frustrated and upset. One little boy was struggling with his handwriting and was becoming discouraged and tearful. I knelt down beside him and asked him if we could pray. At first he said no, but I prayed anyway. I asked the Lord to show him how much he was loved by Jesus and to help him to do his work. I watched the boy relax, breathe and eventually smile. We were able to finish the work, and he walked away feeling confident that he really could do it.</p>
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<p>These simple acts, by God’s grace, made an impact on those I was serving. I felt joy as I saw their response to my seemingly small actions, partly because I had no real expectation that they would make a difference. Through this, the Lord has reminded me that He is able to sovereignly connect people with a need to those who can fill that need on His behalf. Sometimes it may be a sum of money. But other times it could be a meal, a prayer, an errand or a word of encouragement. We should never discount the impact of these seemingly small acts of generosity – a gesture of kindness, a Spirit-led prayer or a hug. Our generous God is able to use our small offerings for His greater plans and purposes in the lives of those around us.</p>
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<div><a style="background-color:transparent;" href="https://bloomerang-bee.s3.amazonaws.com/images/clapton_cysx6cjdvalm_us_west_2_rds_amazonaws_com_dynamisministries/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2012.57.56%E2%80%AFPM%20copy.png">htt</a><img class="CToWUd a6T" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NYroXV0YCSy7sUOghKl4PZL3VzI8sp9hHCYISbg31l0z7x7k59NJnC5G3-cSHwejlf9LSCqzUlhS18uQuRgtBZCRUe13zWbyThXPQJGKBYG2q4O_vlpuXn01OsT1-lc6KfsjAIBoYX2AHt7dv2_AaiNDPVmW_yL7tSOFN8lzZWoVL-0Dxba1mzf2PaXnXWBa0efzNlMZdvbv-9dVZjO7M7fVojyU9Uo39m1RsVQnviYeVXO9daP4qNZMxcT_hN0ZATrCZ2lJg=s0-d-e1-ft#" alt="ADKq_NYroXV0YCSy7sUOghKl4PZL3VzI8sp9hHCYISbg31l0z7x7k59NJnC5G3-cSHwejlf9LSCqzUlhS18uQuRgtBZCRUe13zWbyThXPQJGKBYG2q4O_vlpuXn01OsT1-lc6KfsjAIBoYX2AHt7dv2_AaiNDPVmW_yL7tSOFN8lzZWoVL-0Dxba1mzf2PaXnXWBa0efzNlMZdvbv-9dVZjO7M7fVojyU9Uo39m1RsVQnviYeVXO9daP4qNZMxcT_hN0ZATrCZ2lJg=s0-d-e1-ft#<a href=" /></div>
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<p>Erica Ciro is wife to Tony Ciro and mom to two adult children. They reside in St. Charles, Illinois. She is a retired pediatric nurse who now has the privilege of serving as a part-time teacher’s aide at a Lutheran school in the area. She also enjoys teaching Sunday School, leading a women’s Bible Study group, serves as prayer coordinator for an area team of Operation Christmas Child and is a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for a child who has been abused and/or neglected. </p>
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<p><strong>Our Contact Information</strong><br /> Dynamis Ministries<br /> 2700 Duncan Lane<br /> Batavia, IL 60510<br /> 630.643.0009<br /> <a href="https://u20330395.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.u7G0s4ZhGzoIVt50FNNXuSjzOG5W3rt5bzbzr3xM0T1ldLOpQmtVYmmX-2BECrSe64gkcD3qjiVImabarf3Hb-2Bvg-3D-3DNmW2_YeFNcclf8rGWD59-2F4RJxkdY1GGB5H6GUIcVBlYpKS-2BlS510pG0dZ5MALOCGQZMLPiAElhVfvbmHws1h2DLeEB-2FmwkmeK2uDej-2FKb3sPv-2Bq-2BfWMkm-2FGw4Z0CXsyvlm1Jx2p-2BQccvMxM5OdmrCC-2FYurfd6-2FqQSkSQWgmh-2BB8iJE30uEn7FyxOdKQWM6x17FvL65HvIFmGAPwNqx0DpaGUqOxgHwlgrMEXy5H3FCZHwzK2MiOkV-2BbpsdehBVFyBAyC4Jfc72k1erf1OqWhhqGNxt9PJxteSvwIwQX0ghCUC1nYJgVb-2FOVM9V-2FjrXg5pGIaGbBdD1-2Blm0NnEHvh9la3oVC0oDd7LfCj6oTGZA-2FwdoyA-3D" target="_blank">http://www.dynamisministries.org</a><br /> <br /> <a href="https://u20330395.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.ANFSIhqB-2B9RF0VQHrHZV-2F7eEV68yrNIap0pdPIM73kg04WTyWAD5hssE11hSHF4TEvD1GR1zlxOzqsIlNxOID-2FBADVu9XysaDqLsLCSpbhiCW62USuxabV66o7-2FaZXVw9C21kSQGBK5Vvz2PQOip4IDfu6Axw1X-2FbscWxUKmXs0kGqioyWcucHfJbYOYe7avSlncmDjYgEIKA96ZHAWAVDuq7jkBdBSMu9sOcnzmKTvUAHEPJigkiiWJTPgGecFYNLyJztsnjI6MLkjzEiOCzkREM4ClkhF5ZLiNHyYD0Ps-3DPCqS_YeFNcclf8rGWD59-2F4RJxkdY1GGB5H6GUIcVBlYpKS-2BlS510pG0dZ5MALOCGQZMLPiAElhVfvbmHws1h2DLeEB-2FmwkmeK2uDej-2FKb3sPv-2Bq-2BfWMkm-2FGw4Z0CXsyvlm1Jx2p-2BQccvMxM5OdmrCC-2FYurfd6-2FqQSkSQWgmh-2BB8iJE30uEn7FyxOdKQWM6x17FvL65HvIFmGAPwNqx0DpaGUqOxgHwlgrMEXy5H3FCZHwzK1gvrkSOYczJP8gbirlkymCXcfQyq1gfkGjbGpzXuEfWAwknYdI91ne09Z52PN8IyYiQ3nFLVTCKrmbq0OiGsKDPn48NQ4gl-2BMJ1u6fk0otnMNSy5mwS0b6ZsYbUZZKjZs-3D" target="_blank">Unsubscribe</a> | <a href="https://u20330395.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.ANFSIhqB-2B9RF0VQHrHZV-2F7eEV68yrNIap0pdPIM73kg04WTyWAD5hssE11hSHF4TEvD1GR1zlxOzqsIlNxOID-2FBADVu9XysaDqLsLCSpbhiCW62USuxabV66o7-2FaZXVw9C21kSQGBK5Vvz2PQOip4IDfu6Axw1X-2FbscWxUKmXs0kGqioyWcucHfJbYOYe7avSlncmDjYgEIKA96ZHAWAVDuq7jkBdBSMu9sOcnzmKTvUAHEPJigkiiWJTPgGecFYNLyJztsnjI6MLkjzEiOCzkREM4ClkhF5ZLiNHyYD0Ps-3DShRe_YeFNcclf8rGWD59-2F4RJxkdY1GGB5H6GUIcVBlYpKS-2BlS510pG0dZ5MALOCGQZMLPiAElhVfvbmHws1h2DLeEB-2FmwkmeK2uDej-2FKb3sPv-2Bq-2BfWMkm-2FGw4Z0CXsyvlm1Jx2p-2BQccvMxM5OdmrCC-2FYurfd6-2FqQSkSQWgmh-2BB8iJE30uEn7FyxOdKQWM6x17FvL65HvIFmGAPwNqx0DpaGUqOxgHwlgrMEXy5H3FCZHwzK3Saog8b5Wam-2BammI1zGgDw0IJSyeNAB-2FMGqobQTy20m0vbsxZUWChJrunE06Hl5tRoRmnj6JucikZv7pL9sZqrOq-2F8cyIOQ-2FRcs86YnIkpI7CIpnTIS-2Fi7DjyiuBRUkAE-3D" target="_blank">Manage email preferences</a></p>
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The Intentional Disciple
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/the-intentional-disciple
2024-03-04T16:03:43.000Z
2024-03-04T16:03:43.000Z
Johnny R. Almond
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/JohnnyRAlmond
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10243951654,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10243951654,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="231" height="268" alt="10243951654?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></p><p> </p><p> <em>I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race,</em><em> and I have remained faithful.</em></p><p><em> Now the prize awaits me—</em></p><p><em> the crown of righteousness the Lord, the righteous Judge, </em></p><p><em> will give me on that great day of his return.</em></p><p> 2 Timothy 4:7-8a NLT</p><p> <br /> I promise those who serve and follow Me meaningful, joyful, eternal life.<br /> Will you decide finally, firmly, and forever to follow Me?<br /> </p><p> </p><p>Live unflinchingly for Me.<br /> Let nothing compete with Me as your life’s noblest purpose.<br /> Fight until the battle is won—then we will celebrate victory together.<br /> Die with your boots on—facing forward, facing the enemy.<br /> Engage the evil one in combat, counting on grace’s ultimate conquest.<br /> I will win the last war—the roaring lion will lose to Judah’s Lion.<br /> God protects you.<br /> <em>Don My armor—never quiver.<br /> <br /> </em></p><p>Look unforgetfully for Me.<br /> Struggle on until you see My face—believe Me, I will not disappoint you.<br /> Dark times are steppingstones to the Light—keep walking with Me.<br /> On the threshold of each day, resolve to live with My return in mind.<br /> Whatever happens, it will be worth it when you kneel for My blessing.<br /> I will return in triumph—My Kingdom is coming and nothing can stop it.<br /> Glory awaits you.<br /> <em>Believe My promises—never question.<br /> <br /> </em></p><p>Last unflaggingly for Me.<br /> Stay close to My heart and learn the secret of perseverance.<br /> Run until the race is done—keep the pace, with your eyes on Jesus.<br /> Never drop out of the Faith Marathon—I will embrace you at the finish line.<br /> Complete what you started—do not disenroll from Jesus University.<br /> I will strengthen you to survive—I am ready for any emergency.<br /> Grace sustains you.<br /> <em> Hold My hand—never quit.<br /> <br /> </em></p><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12246177863,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12246177863,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="142" alt="12246177863?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></p><p> </p><p>© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond </p><p>Day 351, <em>Gentle Whispers from Eternity</em></p><p>Book available on <a href="">www.Amazon.com&nbsp</a>;</p><p> </p></div>
#ReimagineFutureChurch...a Leadership Lab for Church Ministry Renewal
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-a-leadership-lab-for-church-ministry-renewa
2024-03-02T16:38:13.000Z
2024-03-02T16:38:13.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12390455652,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12390455652,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12390455652?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="654" /></a></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:18pt;"><em><strong>#ReimagineFutureChurch...a Leadership Lab for Church Ministry Renewal</strong></em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">A</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Life-Changing • Paradigm-Shifting • Ministry-Transforming</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Question Can Be Your Step to</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Be Transformed in the Way You Think</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">About Church. Ministry. Discipleship. Prayer. Evangelism.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/are-you-a-reimagineer-in-every-ministry-role" target="_blank">√</a><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/are-you-a-reimagineer-in-every-ministry-role" target="_blank">Are You a #Reimagineer?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Reassess Your Ministry Ro</em>les Before You Start The Journey</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-reformat-reboot-reset" target="_blank">√</a><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-reformat-reboot-reset" target="_blank">Are You Ready/Needing to Reformat? Reboot? Reset?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>What my Smartphone Revealed to Me About Church Re</em>newal</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-what-s-the-question" target="_blank">√</a><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-what-s-the-question" target="_blank">CHURCH is the answer...</a>But What's The Question?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>I Asked Thought-Leaders for Their 1-Question that Starts Rethinking</em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-001" target="_blank">√</a><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-001" target="_blank">Why Questions?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>A Template to Move from What? to So What? to Now What?</em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/why-reimagine" target="_blank">√</a><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/why-reimagine" target="_blank">Why "Reimagine"?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Do the Right Thing, for the Right Reason ~ This is the Right Time</em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/31-re-words-that-exegete-reimagine-re" target="_blank">√</a><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/31-re-words-that-exegete-reimagine-re" target="_blank">31 "Re" Words</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>These Word-Pr</em>ompts Help Us Reimagine</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/main/search/search?q=reimaginefuturechurch" target="_blank"><strong>√</strong>Thought-Leader Inteviews</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Their "1-Question" + Bonus</em> Content</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://give.mogiv.com/App/Form/b8aafd40-a5f5-462c-b2f8-9d913bef3203" target="_blank">√</a><a href="https://give.mogiv.com/App/Form/b8aafd40-a5f5-462c-b2f8-9d913bef3203" target="_blank">Booster Corps</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Click. Give. Pray...and hope for a movement of refreshed-renewed-revived congregations</em></span></p>
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#ReimagineFutureChurch: Freddy Davis * Radical Discipleship Training: Challenge, Teach, Encourage
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-freddy-davis-radical-discipleship-training-
2024-02-28T18:11:56.000Z
2024-02-28T18:11:56.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12390455652,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12390455652,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12390455652?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="654" /></a></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12390455700,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12390455700,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12390455700?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="279" /></a>Freddy Davis - Radical Discipleship Training: Challenge, Teach, Encourage</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Find Me / Follow Me here <a href="http://www.marketfaith.org/">www.marketfaith.org</a></span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• WHAT? - What is the "1-Question" leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</strong></span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">What is the unifying factor that pulls the entirety of church ministry together in order to make sure a church is doing everything it needs to do as a church?</span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• SO WHAT? - What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate/explore/discuss/pray into?</strong></span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">There are many different functions and activities that go into the ministry of a church. These activities include such things as (in no particular order) evangelism, discipleship training, administration, counseling, Bible teaching, preaching, fellowship activities, chaplain ministry, music, care ministries, and others. With so many things going on, it is rather difficult for most churches to make all the parts work together in a way that allows the church to comprehensively accomplish God's purpose for it. It is way too easy for each area of ministry to become a world unto itself.</span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">There must be something that ties all of them together.</span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">What must tie them together is a unifying philosophy that corresponds to the Bible's mandate. That philosophy is found in Ephesians 4:11-13. These verses teach that the work of ministry involves: 1) Building the body of Christ (bringing people to Christ), 2) Fostering a unified body, 3) training believers to do ministry in the world, and 4) working toward becoming like Christ.</span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">In doing this, the work of the church leaders is the work of equipping. The work of actually doing the church's primary ministry belongs to the church's members. Reimagining church means setting aside models of church where the church leadership are primary in attempting to impact society and church members serve to support them. Instead, the leaders must become master equippers and the church members must buy into the notion that they need to be trained to take the gospel to the world, and actually go out and do it. This is what caused the explosion of growth in the early church, and is what is necessary to create that today. Sadly, church tradition in modern times does not follow that model.</span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• NOW WHAT? - What action do you recommend we initiate?</strong></span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Creating a new mindset begins with the church leaders, but will also require the buy-in of the church membership. In most cases it will require massive effort to overcome the inertia of tradition. In the beginning, the pastor will have to catch the vision, and will have to create a way to impart that vision to the church in a way that will create buy in.</span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Following that, a system will need to be set up to provide the kind of equipping necessary for people to be trained. As every church is in a different place, there is not a simple formula to pull this off that can be generically imposed on every church. Each church will have to evaluate its own situation and develop a plan. But the vision for doing it is key. Without that, it will never happen.</span></p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">One important key to pulling this off involves developing a mindset based on a worldview paradigm. In the pluralistic world we now live in, understanding the huge variety of beliefs that believers encounter, and must minister in, requires the skills traditionally used by missionaries -- which are worldview skills. We must be able to reach across the worldview barriers that exist in our day (barriers that did not exist in the day our current church traditions were formed). Worldview training is critical.</span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>•PRAY THAT … </strong></span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Lord, infuse in us a vision which will unify the entirety of our church ministry in order to accomplish the purpose for which you placed us here.</em></span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>√ our <a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/main/search/search?q=discipleship" target="_blank">Discipleshuip.Network</a> archive</strong></span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>© Reimagine.Network</em></span></p>
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#ReimagineFutureChurch: Adam Shields -
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-adam-shields-churches-will-have-to-change
2024-02-27T21:18:26.000Z
2024-02-27T21:18:26.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
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<div class="ajx"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>#ReimagineFutureChurch: Adam Shields - "Churches will have to change."</strong></span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3">I read a lot. I blog <a href="http://bookwi.se" target="_blank">my reading</a>. I am a <a href="http://aspiritualdirector.com" target="_blank">spiritual directior.</a></span><span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3">spiritual directior.</span></span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">Find Me / Follow Me here @adamrshields</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• WHAT?</strong> - What is the "1-Question" leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">How do we move to teach Christians to discern (hear from God, seek after where God is leading, understand the spiritual world around us, both God's leadership and satan's temptations)?</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• SO WHAT? -</strong> What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate/explore/discuss/pray into? </span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">So much of our discipleship methods have been about teaching people what to think or do or believe. Often, our mass discipleship (large classes, videos, national curriculum) has used "fill in the blank" style teaching where people have been taught to follow the leader instead of learning to think, discern, or act for themselves (or in cooperation with those around them). In cooperation with many homogenous churches, this has allowed people to live in silos or with significant blind spots and we have acted as if we life in a system where simple flow charts will answer all of our questions. But the world is much more difficult than what a simple flow chart or "five steps" systems can account for.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">True Christian maturity requires that there must be more than simple following. Christ is the head of the church, but our Church structures mean that we are often instructed how to follow our pastors or denominational leaders, but not how to be Christian in our daily lives. This has much of the church dependent on others in an unhealthy way. While we still should be in healthy community, maturity means that you do not need someone else to hold your hand and give instructions for every activity. As you are learning, you will need more help. But over time you will gain confidence in hearing from God. The goal isn't to be an autonomous individual that does not need others but to be a healthy individual that can contribute toward a healthy community.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">To help people move toward maturity, they need to learn how to think and act independently. Necessarily, that will mean that different Christians will come to different conclusions about various issues, but they still need to remain in the community with those who disagree.</span></div>
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<div class="a3s aiL"><br />
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• NOW WHAT? -</strong> What action do you recommend we initiate? </span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">Our discipleship has to move away from mass methods and toward diverse (in all senses) church communities. Diverse communities have different assumptions and can challenge default cultural biases. Individualized discipleship, oriented toward spiritual discernment, will help people mature. But what this will not become is a magic bullet. Individualized discipleship is time-consuming. And it will need individual and communal stability. Churches will have to change. And no one will be perfect at discernment. There will be disagreement and grappling with the ensuing conflict will be part of what it means to encourage discernment.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">The traditional, single-lead pastor model of church will have to change to become a plurality of leaders. No single person can disciple a whole congregation, not only because of a lack of time but also because no single person can disciple all types of people. We will need to have a variety of leaders. And we will need to embrace a diverse, countercultural, multi-generational model of the church.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>•PRAY THAT …</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Lord, teach us to see how you are already working in the world around us. And help us to see how to follow your lead in the world.</em></span></div>
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<div class="WhmR8e"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics1/a-conversation-to-reimaginediscipleship-phil-miglioratti-and-adam" target="_blank">MORE>>></a></strong> Check out our interview with Adam Shields</em></span></div>
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#NPPN: A Crisis or a Movement?
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/nppn-a-crisis-or-a-movement
2024-02-26T17:01:10.000Z
2024-02-26T17:01:10.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
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<div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>#NPPN: A Crisis or a Movement?</strong></em></span> </div>
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<div class="aFg" style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>With God's Power and Your Help,</strong></em></span></div>
<div class="aFg" style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>Turn This Crisis Into A Movement?</strong></em></span></div>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>“The way people feel about and engage with church is changing,</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>and ... those shifts can feel overwhelming for church leaders.”</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>Barna Group</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Pastors are confused and conflicted; disoriented and discouraged.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Pastors are struggling with the seismic changes taking place across communities and within lifestyle cultures that have significant influence on how people view and what they expect from church.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">So they’re searching for answers. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">But the search for those answers are revealed when pastors and leadership begin that search with the right question.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">And they are searching for content that invites them to<em> “listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.</em>“ <span style="font-size:12pt;">(</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;">Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">They are desperate for toughtful commentary that gives insight on how the leading and guiding of the Spirit will be attuned differently than in their past; focused on a future that looks and feels and acts and thinks </span><span style="font-size:14pt;">unlike nothing we have yet faced.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Reimagine.Network offers guidance to launch a journey of asking, seeking, knocking. A journey to reimagine future church that is faithful to orthodox Christian truths while recalibrating application, proclamation, and demonstration.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Help us serve them.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">We are not selling programs or products. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">We offer free, quality, content that encourages and equips for a Spirit-led, Scripture-fed, pursuit of a renewed purpose with new possibilities.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Will you help us reach thousand more pastors, outreach facilitators, disciplemakers, prayer champions?</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Pray. For a movement of ministry leaders who have ears to hear and are ready to bring change.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Care. For your local leadership; in prayer, in person.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:18.6667px;">Share. For $5 you empower us to boost our free, no ads, content to hundreds; $25 reaches thousands.</span></li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:18.6667px;">• Please pray as you <strong>√</strong>out <a target="_blank">PrayerINC.org</a> ~ A faith-prompted gift will bring encoarugment to many hurting leaders,</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:18.6667px;">With my thanks ... and their's,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18.6667px;">Phil Miglioratti</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18.6667px;">National Pastors' Prayer Network</span></p>
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Are you a #Reimagineer?… In Every Ministry Role?
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/are-you-a-reimagineer-in-every-ministry-role
2024-02-26T01:27:24.000Z
2024-02-26T01:27:24.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>Are you a #Reimagineer?… In Every Ministry Role?</strong></em></span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">Phil Miglioratti * Reimagine.Network</span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">A #Reimagineer is a ministry leader who understands the critical need to connect their unique calling and gifting, with their mission and vision, in their particular setting and strategy. </span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">A #Reimagineer steps out in faith into a Spirit-led, Scripture-fed, reflection and refocus on the Gospel of Jesus …</span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">… that will require the leader(s) to bravely but carefully review and rethink, redesign and restructure, methods-meetings-ministries..</span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p3" style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span class="s3">Don't think like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think about ministry. Then you will know how to do everything (prayer, worship, discipleship , missional outreach) in ways that are good and pleasing to him. </span><span class="s4">Romans 12:2 (my paraphrase)</span></span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">As a #reimagineer, I pray and ponder<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>my “1-Question” to reassess each role I have served throughout my ministry.</span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span class="s1">As a </span><span class="s2">Christ-follower</span><span class="s1">, how do I begin to distinguish between what is biblically-infallible truth and what is culturally-influenced doctrine?</span></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> •How can I be open-minded yet faithful to the Gospel as I research?</span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span class="s1">As a </span><span class="s2">Pastor,</span><span class="s1"> who can help me see beyond our tribe’s traditions and preferred programs that were designed in another era with a different worldview and mindset?</span></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> •Author? Podcast? Conference? Coach?</span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span class="s1">As a </span><span class="s2">Prayer Leader</span><span class="s1">, how can I help people see the beauty and simplicity of prayer so that they live out the asking-and-listening of prayer personally, with family, in ministry, and within their community (at work, at play, in the neighborhood)?</span></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> •Attend prayer training? Read fresh content? Develop new personal prayer habits? Change corporate prayer formats?</span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span class="s1">As a </span><span class="s2">Collaboration Facilitator,</span><span class="s1"> what have we learned over the past 25 years that would keep us from making the same mistakes with citywide initiatives in the future?</span></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> •Recalibrate our approach to wider church unity from doctrinal/denominational to relational and service focus? Learn from new expressions of church planting? Invest in community connections? Pray through John 17, asking for new insights and applications?</span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span class="s1">As someone with a heart for</span><span class="s2"> Evangelism</span><span class="s1"> and </span><span class="s2">Compassion,</span><span class="s1"> how should we restate the essence of the Gospel, so that, we are effective in reaching a society asking radically different questions from 50, 25, even 5 years ago?</span></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> •Recalibrate with questions before answers? Stories to build relationships of trust? Service as a proclamation of God’s redeeming love? Diversity as a biblical mandate? Explore elements of the Gospel I have marginalized (compassion? Justice? Cross-cultural? Digital)</span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> •Every #reimagineer has different roles.</span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> •Each #reimagineer’s questions must be customized to their particular calling and specific circumstances, by yielding to the Holy Spirit.</span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> •All #reimagineers must explore new answers to ancient truth…with hope not fear…with courageous faith to dismantle barriers that keep the Gospel captive.</span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">I am paying for a Spirit-inspired movement of men and women who realize we need to express our love for Jesus and the Church by thinking-praying-talking together about how to be the future Church our Lord and Leader wants us to be when we get there. </span></p>
<p class="p2" style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">NEXT:</span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">A Template for #Reimagineers</span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/lab-dig-out-new-paradigm-shifts-from-thought-leaders">https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/lab-dig-out-new-paradigm-shifts-from-thought-leaders</a> </span></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"> </p></div>
Notes on Prayer Evangelism
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/notes-on-prayer-evangelism
2024-02-26T00:48:07.000Z
2024-02-26T00:48:07.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Notes on Prayer Evangelism</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Phil Miglioratti</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">@ Reimagine.Network </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">You can’t lead what you don’t live</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">You can’t live what you don’t love</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">“Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands. Whoever passionately loves me will be passionately loved by my Father. And I will passionately love you in return and will manifest my life within you.””</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">John 14:21 </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Make the Prayer-Care-Share LIfe The Culture of Leadership and Discipleship </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Lead: </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">-insert stories into your sermons</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">-interview praying-caring-sharing people (members, guests, video)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">-help members discern their fruit-gift-passion then help them correlate them with the prayer-care-share life</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">-cast vision to your leaders ... become accountable to them... make this a standing agenda item for all leadership team gatherings</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">-convince every class and group and ministry to tithe time to pray for the lost and talk about caring and sharing opportunities </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">>PRAY</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> - - Every member, ministry, meeting</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">For People</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> -who are lost </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> -who have less</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> -who lead</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">For People</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> -by name,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">-meet the need</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">-and their network (neighborhood , school, work, play)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">• In Places - - Prayerwalking</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> -where people live</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> -work/learn </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> -play</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">• Against Things - - Spiritual Warfare </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> -ideas (concepts)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> -issues (cultural trends)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> -institutions (community, country)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">>CARE</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Acts of kindness (mercy)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Advocate for the powerless (justice)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Service projects (Jeremiah 29)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">>SHARE</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Proclamation with demonstration </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Conversation invites conversion </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">-Stories that point to The Story </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Belonging leads to believing</span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">Acction Step>>>share these notes with a colleague then meet to discuss...then both of you repeat ...</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics1/loving-neighbors-prayer-care-share-lifestyling" target="_blank">MORE:</a>>>><br /><br /></span></p></div>
A Conference for Christians Who Seek to Alleviate Poverty: The True Charity Summit
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/a-conference-for-christians-who-seek-to-alleviate-poverty-the-tru
2024-02-24T02:00:11.000Z
2024-02-24T02:00:11.000Z
Salvatore Anthony Luiso
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/SalvatoreAnthonyLuiso
<div><div dir="ltr"><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>A Conference for Christians Who Seek to Alleviate Poverty: The True Charity Summit</strong></span></p></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Lord willing, the Christian organization <strong>True Charity</strong> will hold their fifth annual <strong>True Charity Summit</strong> this spring in Springfield, Missouri.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Their website describes this event succinctly as follows:</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>A conference for churches and nonprofits with poverty alleviation programs.</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It also says the following about it:</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The True Charity Summit is for anyone involved in poverty alleviation efforts. Most of our attendees come from nonprofits and churches with benevolence or outreach ministries to the poor.</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Your charity can do more than help a person get by.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Your charity can help individuals, families, and communities flourish.</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>We'll have three days [April 3–5] packed full of inspiration, education, and connection with like-minded poverty fighters seeking empowering, impactful charity practices.</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>True Charity Summit attendees have the opportunity to explore several tracks of education covering topics such as effective program design, strategy and outcomes, innovative charitable models for churches and nonprofits, fundraising, development, and more. With dozens of sessions planned, there is something for everyone.</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Don't miss the premier conference for nonprofits and churches with poverty alleviation programs! Registration is now open!</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I learned of this conference from an e-mail message I received from <strong>Disciple Nations Alliance</strong> (<a href="https://disciplenations.org/">https://disciplenations.org/</a>). Here is an excerpt from that message:</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Today, we want to make you aware of an upcoming event being held by one of our affiliates, True Charity. They have a great story of how the Lord changed their approach to helping people after they realized that their efforts in serving people were not resulting in long-term changes. You can read more about that on their website.</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Sometimes people ask, "How are these biblical worldview principles being applied in the United States?" True Charity's work in the U.S. provides great perspective in response to this question. They use a worldview-based approach that is transformative for the people they are serving.</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A manager at DNA has told me that I may share this discount code, which affords a 10% discount on the price of a ticket: <strong>24SummitDNA</strong>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> True Charity's website contains much more information about the summit, including how one can get an even bigger discount, how to apply for an attendance scholarship, and opportunities for ridesharing. It also contains a short video about the event.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> So if you would like to learn more about <strong>True Charity</strong> and their <strong>True Charity Summit</strong>, I suggest you go here: <a href="https://www.truecharity.us/2024-summit-home/">https://www.truecharity.us/2024-summit-home/</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> May God richly bless this event, enable His church to extend more effectively His love, mercy, and grace toward the poor, and cause both her and them to flourish, for the sake of Christ and His kingdom, to His praise, honor, and glory, for ever and ever.</span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.</strong><br /> <strong>He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, <em>and</em> lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set <em>them</em> among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth <em>are</em> the LORD’s, and he hath set the world upon them.</strong><br /> <strong>—I Samuel 2:6–8 (AV/KJV)</strong><br /> <br /> Amen.</span></div></div></div></div>
#ReimagineFutureChurch: Neil Cox * Citywide Ministry Facilitator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-neil-cox-citywide-ministry-facilitator
2024-02-23T02:04:36.000Z
2024-02-23T02:04:36.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347855258?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="654" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12387786077,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12387786077,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12387786077?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="261" /></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Neil Cox * Citywide Ministry Facilitator</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Find Me/Follow Me @ <a href="http://twitter.com/indychristian" target="_blank">@IndyChristian</a> * PIO <a href="http://twitter.com/readyindy" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000ff;">@ReadyIndy</span></a> </span></p>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>"May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him..."</em> (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 15</a>) </span></div>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• WHAT? - What is the "1-Question" leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</strong></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:14pt;">My answer: <em>"Is the body of Christ ONE in your city? </em></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• SO WHAT?</strong><strong><em> - What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate/explore/discuss/pray into?</em></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">How well are we projecting the glory of God? Does our example stand out like bright shining stars in the universe?</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">What's the evangelistic fruit? Does our unity amid diversity cast a loving message of hope in our neighborhoods?</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Do they 'know we are Christians by our love'? Or are we more often known for something else? </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em> </em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• NOW WHAT? - What action do you recommend we initiate?</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Reimagine the Great Commission and Great Commandment as the most urgent and important mission in the world.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Consider how your city's 1st-responders have trained to work together actively providing hope every day. </span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">"Fit your feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Eph.6). "...as though God were making his appeal through us." (2 Cor. 5)</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">"Our people need to learn to devote themselves to good works, providing for urgent needs." (Titus 3) </span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;">Get with other collaborative churches in your community. Work out missional systems to provide good news to your closest neighbors by word & deed, through prayer, care and sharing the Good News." </span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• PRAY THAT ...</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"> Jesus' prayer from John 17... <em>"that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe..."</em></span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:18pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/main/search/search?q=reimaginefuturechurch" target="_blank">NEXT>>></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:18pt;">© Reimagine.Network</span></p></div>
#ReimagineDISCIPLESHIP...Church Ministry Vs. Individual Ministry
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginediscipleship-church-ministry-vs-individual-ministry
2024-02-22T19:29:10.000Z
2024-02-22T19:29:10.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p class="p1"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>#ReimagineDISCIPLESHIP...Church Ministry Vs. Individual Ministry</strong></span> </p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Church Ministry Vs. Individual Ministry</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">By Freddy Davis</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">The Place of Christian Ministry</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">MarketFaith Ministries provides Radical Disciple Training to help believers become more knowledgeable of and confident in their Christian faith.</span></p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">If the work of God in the world is to be fully accomplished, it is essential that Christians understand the full implications of that for their own lives. Sadly, too many Christians have a wrong understanding of what it means to be engaged in ministry, and the result is that they don’t engage it the way God intends. Today’s article is a challenge to both understand and engage in the work of ministry the way God intends us to do it.</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Do you know what it means for your individual life to be engaged in Christian ministry? Do you know how to even consider the possibilities? MarketFaith Ministries is a worldview discipleship ministry that specifically helps believers understand their place in ministry and give them the tools to carry it out. Would you consider having us come to your church to share this Christian worldview ministry? If you would like to explore bringing this kind of cutting-edge expertise to your church, it would be our great pleasure to discuss it with you. Give us a call at 850-383-9756 and let’s talk about the possibilities.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">God bless,</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Freddy</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Where is the Christian life practiced? Different people have different ideas.</strong></span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Some think the proper place to practice their faith is primarily within the church. So, they become involved in the church’s organization in various ways to demonstrate their faithfulness to God. They do this by:</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Attending worship</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Attending Bible study</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Attending prayer meeting</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Becoming a church officer - trustee, deacon, elder</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Teaching a Bible study class</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Teaching a discipleship class</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Working with the children or youth</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Working in the men’s or women’s ministry</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Serving on some committee</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•etc.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Other people think the proper place to practice their faith in private. They do this by:</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Reading their Bible at home</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Praying at home</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Going out and “enjoying nature”</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•etc.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Still other people think the proper place to practice their faith is in their private actions outside the church. They do this by:</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Giving donations to the homeless</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Working at a pregnancy center</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Advocating for immigrants</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Becoming politically active</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Witnessing on the street corner or in daily private encounters</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•etc.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">So which is right?</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">What is Christian Ministry?</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Well, to answer that question, we need to take a step back and examine the very concept of ministry. Is ministry something that is done within the church community? Is it something done in the privacy of one’s own life? Is it something done out in the community?</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Truthfully, each of these possibilities may involve ministry, or they may not. The very concept of ministry is totally misunderstood by a lot of people.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">One of the misunderstandings is actually supported by the first definition in the Oxford Dictionary. Here, ministry is defined as “the work or vocation of a minister of religion.” It is not that this definition is completely wrong. Certainly the work of professional religious workers is called ministry. But it obviously does not fit with what is being dealt with above.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Those expressions of ministry are not focused on professional church workers, but on everyday Christians.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Interestingly, Oxford Dictionary has a fourth definition for ministry. This one defines it as “the action of ministering to someone.” In spite of the fact that this definition is given in the dictionary, there is something unusual about this one. It labels this definition as a “rare” usage of the word.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">In actual fact, this may be a rare usage in the common vernacular, but it is far from uncommon in Christian thinking. For Christians, every believer is called on to minister Christ to the world. Every Christian is a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">In spite of the fact that all believers are called to be ministers of the gospel in their world, relatively few actually carry out this biblical mandate.</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">There are several reasons why this is so. One is that many Christians don’t see themselves as God’s ministers in the world. They view Christian ministry as the domain of religious leaders. Another reason is that many simply don’t want to do it. Some of these people live immoral lifestyles or have worldly, rather than biblical, life goals. A third reason is that some people have never been taught in church that this is their responsibility. A final reason is that, even if they realize they ought to, they have never been equipped to take their faith out into the world.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">The first three reasons have to do with a lack of understanding and/or motivation to live out a biblical worldview. Solving this problem requires pastors and other church leaders to point those under their leadership in the right direction, and for believers in general to take personal responsibility for their own Christian walk.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">The fourth reason can be remedied by individual Christians putting themselves in a position to be equipped to do ministry. This kind of equipping should be a priority of the church, but there are resources where individual Christians can get up to speed on their own.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Equipping Process</strong></span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Becoming equipped to do ministry requires believers to acquire a proper knowledge base. This includes, in particular, equipping in the area of worldview, essential biblical doctrine, evangelism, and apologetics. There are other areas of training that can be valuable, as well, but these four are the core.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2" style="font-size:14pt;">Worldview</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">A worldview is a persons understanding of how reality is structured. Any belief outside one’s own personal worldview beliefs is considered fantasy. Since many people you interact with day in and day out have different worldview beliefs, you will constantly be coming across people you believe live in a fantasy world (and, by the way, they believe you live in a fantasy world).</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">To even be able to understand their beliefs, much less communicate faith concepts in terms they can understand, you are going to have to grasp worldview concepts.</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2" style="font-size:14pt;">Essential Biblical Doctrine</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Essential biblical doctrines represent the core essential beliefs revealed in the Bible. People cannot share what they do not know, so getting up to speed on the core beliefs of Christianity are the starting place for knowing one’s own faith, as well as for having the ability to share it with someone else.</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2" style="font-size:14pt;">Evangelism</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">We are commanded by Christ Himself to share our faith. But doing it requires that we understand the essential worldview beliefs of our Christian faith. In fact, the essential worldview beliefs revealed in the Bible are the very essence of God’s plan of salvation. To explain our faith, we must share with people what the Bible teaches about God, man, and salvation, then offer them the opportunity to receive it.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2" style="font-size:14pt;">Apologetics</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Christian apologetics is a defense or explanation of the Christian faith that we share with people who oppose the faith, or have yet to form an opinion about it. It is traditionally practiced from a defensive standpoint as we answer the questions or objections of non-believers.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">However, those who are outside of the faith are approaching us from their own worldview beliefs, and it is quite legitimate to make them answer for their own faith before feeling a requirement to defend our beliefs. Understanding worldview concepts gives believers the ability to question beliefs that oppose biblical teachings.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">So, Which Is It?</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">So, we now need to go back to the original question: Where is the proper place to practice Christian ministry? Is it a church practice or an individual practice?</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Well, hopefully you are getting the idea that it is not one or the other, but that it is both. They are two sides of the same coin.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">As believers, we are members of the body of Christ. As such, we are to participate in the body by expressing ministry to and among our fellow believers. We are to serve them in ways that help strengthen their faith and encourage their</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Christian walk.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">But we are also commissioned by God to take our faith out into the world in order to bring those who are separated from God into the fellowship of believers. Christ has made us to be His hands and feet in the world to accomplish His purpose.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">If you are not doing both, you are not completely doing God’s will through your life. Every believer in Christ is a minister of the gospel. Just because a person is not serving vocationally in Christian ministry does not mean they are not serving in ministry. Every believer is a minister.</span></p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">===</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">MarketFaith Ministries exists to equip Christians to become more knowledgeable of and confident in their Christian faith by providing worldview training. We have resources to help individuals as well as the ability to train congregations to stand strong for Christ in our rapidly declining society. Contact us today at 850-383-9756 or <a href="mailto:info@marketfaith.org">info@marketfaith.org</a> and let’s discuss how to bring this cutting edge training to you. Also, be sure and check out the free worldview training resources as well as those available for purchase on the MarketFaith Ministries website at <a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=43719178&msgid=523943&act=EKUY&c=913386&pid=4276883&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketfaith.org&cf=6721&v=a3b91bad078105a340987dfcaba8dba3576391e8d61f586c55f5e5c5a3c21dfc">www.marketfaith.org</a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Reprinted from Worldview Made Practical; a free e-zine produced by MarketFaith Ministries featuring practical teaching and life tools to help Christians become more effective in their faith life.</span></p>
<p class="p5"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Discover MarketFaith Ministries at <a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=43719178&msgid=523943&act=EKUY&c=913386&pid=4276883&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketfaith.org&cf=6721&v=a3b91bad078105a340987dfcaba8dba3576391e8d61f586c55f5e5c5a3c21dfc">www.marketfaith.org</a><span class="s1"><br /> </span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">321 Anton Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32312</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:info@marketfaith.org">info@marketfaith.org</a></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Phone: 850-383-9756 (Tallahassee, Florida)</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Fax: 850-514-4571</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">This issue of Worldview Made Practical is a production of MarketFaith Ministries, © 2024. All rights reserved.</span></p>
<p class="p6"> </p>
<p class="p7"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Freddy Davis</span></p>
<p class="p7"><span style="font-size:14pt;">MarketFaith Ministries</span></p>
<p class="p7"><span style="font-size:14pt;">321 Anton Dr.</span></p>
<p class="p7"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Tallahassee, FL 32312</span></p></div>
#ReimagineFutureChurch: Leiton Chinn * Ministry Catalyst to Internationals
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-leiton-chinn-ministry-catalyst-to-internati
2024-02-17T00:23:06.000Z
2024-02-17T00:23:06.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347855258?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="654" /></a></span></p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12383011697,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12383011697,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12383011697?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="410" /></a></span></p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Leiton Edward Chinn</span></p>
<div dir="ltr">Co-Leader, Anglican ISM Network • Initial Lausanne ISM Catalyst</div>
<div dir="ltr">Former President of ACMI (Association of Christians Ministering Among Internationals)</div>
<div dir="ltr"> </div>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Find Me / Follow Me here: <a href="mailto:lechinn@aol.com">lechinn@aol.com</a></span></p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• WHAT? - What is the "1-Question" leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</strong></span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Am I teaching disciples to obey everything Jesus has commanded us? </span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<div dir="ltr"> </div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU">
<div class="ajR"><img class="ajT" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif" alt="cleardot.gif" /></div>
</div>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• SO WHAT?</strong> - What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate/explore/discuss/pray into?</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">It is Jesus' final instruction of His commission to His disciples.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>• NOW WHAT? </strong> - What action do you recommend we initiate?</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">If there is a summary of Jesus' commands already gleaned and available, go through and teach them; if no summary exists, create one.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•<strong>PRAY THAT</strong> … </span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Father, guide me in teaching all your Son's commands to His followers.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/main/search/search?q=reimaginefuturechurch" target="_blank">NEXT>>></a></span></p></div>
A Prayer for Every Day of All Seasons, Especially Lent and Passiontide
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/a-prayer-for-every-day-of-all-seasons-especially-lent-and-passion
2024-02-10T21:00:26.000Z
2024-02-10T21:00:26.000Z
Salvatore Anthony Luiso
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/SalvatoreAnthonyLuiso
<div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>A Prayer for Every Day of All Seasons, Especially Lent and Passiontide<br /> </strong></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Richard of Chichester served the Lord as a priest and bishop in England in the 13th Century. He was a contemporary of both Francis of Assisi and Thomas Aquinas.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The Wikipedia article about him says that although he was born into a high social class (the gentry), and could have continued to remain in it, he chose an ascetic life "of study and the Church". As a bishop, he was a clerical reformer, who, the article says:</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>[. . .] showed much eagerness to reform the manners and morals of his clergy, and also to introduce greater order and reverence into the services of the Church.[5][11]</strong></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion regard him as a saint.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Nowadays he is best known as the author of a short prayer which is attributed to him. He is said to have uttered the original version of it on his deathbed. In it, Richard first thanks the Lord Jesus Christ, and then asks Him to have mercy upon him, and commends his spirit to Him. It was recorded in Latin.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The Wikipedia article contains a few versions of it in English. The versions which are best known are so different from the original that the only resemblance they have to it is that they are addressed to the Lord Jesus.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Following is the version which was published in <em>The Churchman's Prayer Manual</em> (1913), compiled by G.R. Bullock-Webster, M.A.:</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> For all the benefits Thou hast given me,</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> For all the pains and insults Thou hast borne for me.</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>O most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother,</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> May I know Thee more clearly,</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> Love Thee more dearly,</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> Follow Thee more nearly.</strong></span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The first part of this version is close to the first part of the original one; the second part is unlike anything in the original. Ironically, the petitions of the second part have become famous, and thereby spread Richard's name, while the first part has not.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The phrase "Day by day" has been added to those three petitions to create a song that was published in the hymnal <em>Songs of Praise, Enlarged Edition</em>, from which was derived the song "Day by Day" of the musical play <em>Godspell</em>. In these two songs, "know Thee more clearly" has been changed to "see thee more clearly".</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Both the petition to know the Lord more clearly and the petition to see Him more clearly are according to His will. So are the petitions to love Him more dearly and to follow Him more nearly. Therefore, we who petition the Lord with them should confidently believe that He hears us and grants us that for which we ask, as His perspicacious, loving, and faithful follower and friend John teaches:</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:</strong></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.<br /> </strong></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>—I John 5:14–15</strong></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> With or without the phrase "day by day", all three of these petitions are fitting for prayer every day of every season.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The portion of Richard's prayer in which He gives thanks to the Lord is also so fitting, but it is especially fitting for the liturgical seasons in which special attention is given to the sufferings our Lord endured during His earthly ministry: namely, Lent and Passiontide.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Just as the original version of Richard's prayer was used to make the derivative version presented in this article, so we can use this version to make other derivative prayers.</span></div></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div></div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> One way we could do this is by making the petitions more specific in accord with the liturgical season in which we are praying. For example, one could pray the first petition as follows as follows:</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;">Advent</span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">May I know/see Thee in Thy coming more clearly</span></div></div></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;">Christmastide</span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">May I know/see Thee in Thy nativity more clearly</span></div></div></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;">Epiphanytide</span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">May I know/see Thee in Thy manifestations more clearly</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div></div></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;">Lent</span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">May I know/see Thee in Thy temptations more clearly</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;">Passiontide</span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">May I know/see Thee in Thy suffering and death more clearly</span></div></div></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;">Eastertide</span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">May I know/see Thee in Thy resurrection more clearly</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div></div><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;">Ascensiontide</span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">May I know/see Thee in Thy ascension more clearly</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;">Pentecost</span></div><div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">May I know/see Thee in relation to the Holy Spirit more clearly</span></div></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Two other changes we might want to make are restoring Richard's two petitions. That is:</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">1. As Richard pleaded for the Lord to have mercy on him, we plea likewise, as we all need the His mercy every day, whether it be our last one or not.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">2. As Richard commended his spirit to the Lord, we commend likewise, as He can care and preserve them better than we can—perfectly, in fact—not only at the point of death in this world, but at all times and in all places. (See Psalm 31:5, Luke 23:46, and Acts 7:59 for other examples of a man commending his spirit in prayer.)</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> None of this is to say that Richard's version, or any of the other versions attributed to him, are in some way lacking, and cannot or should not be prayed as they are.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Whether or not one observes Lent, Passiontide, or any other liturgical season, I recommend praying the version of Richard's prayer in this article, with confidence in the Lord Jesus that He hears us and grants us its petitions.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> May the Lord Himself be greatly blessed, honored, and glorified with all of the versions of the prayer attributed to Richard of Chichester. Amen.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><u>Questions for consideration<br /> </u></strong></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">1. What do you think about the version of the prayer attributed to Richard of Chichester which is present in this article?</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">2. Would you like to pray this prayer? If so, why? If not, why not?</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">3. Would you like to pray this prayer every day of a liturgical season, such as Lent and Passiontide? If so, why? If not, why not?</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">4. Would you like to make a new version of this prayer that is a derivation of it? If so, why? If not, why not?</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">5. If you would like to make such a new version, what would you like to say in it?</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">6. Does I John 5:14–15 affect the way you pray? If so, how and why? If not, why not?</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">7. Would you like I John 5:14–15 to affect the way you pray? If so, how and why? If not, why not?</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;">This article was written based upon the Wikipedia article about Richard of Chichester. These are some of its bibliographic details:</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="font-size:12pt;">Page name: Richard of Chichester</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;">Author: Wikipedia contributors</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;">Publisher: <em>Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.</em></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;">Date of last revision: 7 February 2024 09:06 UTC</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;">Date retrieved: 10 February 2024 09:09 UTC</span></div><div><span style="font-size:12pt;">Permanent link: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richard_of_Chichester&oldid=1204544124">https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richard_of_Chichester&oldid=1204544124</a></span></div></div><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="font-size:12pt;">Page name: Richard of Chichester</span></div></div></div></div></div>
#ReimagineFutureChurch: Reformat? Reboot? Reset?
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-reformat-reboot-reset
2024-02-06T21:39:23.000Z
2024-02-06T21:39:23.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12322912463,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12322912463,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12322912463?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
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<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>#ReimagineFutureChurch: Reformat? Reboot? Reset?</strong></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Phil Miglioratti @ Reimagine.Network</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">[ Reformat ]: “to rearrange the shape, size, and general makeup or plan of an organization”</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">[ Reboot ] : “the process of restarting a computer or electronic device to refresh its operating system, clear temporary data,</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">and resolve various software or hardware issues.”</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">[ Reset ]: “a reset clears any pending errors or unexpected events and brings a system to an initial (original) state.”</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">My first mobile phone was like a brick and I must have said "can you hear me now" on seemingly every phone call; multiple times!</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">My current cell phone is sleek and smart. I can slip it in a pocket. I can alter how my screen looks and functions, increasing both efficiency and effectiveness. </span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">I reformat my phone by rearranging how my apps are positioned on my screen, usually prompted by a change in my lifestyle or preferences. Some are relegated to a second screen while others I use more often are moved to a prominent place I can access more quickly. Reformatting also gives me the opportunity to eliminate apps I no longer need or use. </span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Periodically I reboot my phone. This allows it to cool down and reorient itself after storing a large quantity of data or to recalibrate after having a wide variety of processes running in the background. This step enables the operating system to operate more efficiently.</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">I've never reset my phone. When I run into a problem that has triggered the frightening “reset” option, I scramble to find another path to solve the problem. I fear that once I hit reset and the phone returns to its out-of-the-box (original) settings, I may lose photos and videos and may be unable to retrieve documents and files. </span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Life (personal discipleship), Church (congregational worship and fellowship), and Ministry (disciplemaking, prayer, evangelism, mission), like our smartphones, need attention and careful, deliberate, actions to react to problems (consistent attendance, family participation, low community impact), overheating (ministry exhaustion of staff and serving members), and underperforming (functioning but not achieving intended objectives).</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">These three technological solutions give us a template for reviewing and renewing life in Christ, leadership, and ministries.<span class="s1"> </span></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Reformatting: a reassessment of priorities and plans</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Rebooting: a recalibrating of processes and practices </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Resetting : a revision of purpose and principles</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Sadly, many churches refuse to even ponder reformatting (conformed to/comforted by tradition), some resist any rebooting (content with recurring church calendar and programmatic-treadmill), and most recoil from the idea of resetting (fearful to embark upon a journey without complete control of future outcomes).</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;">A truly trailblazing journey to explore and prepare for the future begins by asking questions that have potential to be:</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Life-changing for individuals who seek to fulfill their calling in Christ for where they live, learn, work, play</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Paradigm-shifting to the way leaders think about the Church gathered in worship and fellowship, and scattered on mission or in ministry </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Ministry-transforming with a fresh perspective on building ministries on the basis of the unique Spirit-giftedness of the congregation and the glaring needs of the communities they are called to serve (for example <a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/main/search/search?q=emergency+response">"ER: Emergency Response"</a> evangelism).</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Whether you reformat, reboot, or reset, it is vital to ask: </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;">"What is the driving directive that will determine how we do what we do in order to reach our biblical directives and objectives?"</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;">"...and what is the best path for that journey?"</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span class="s2">Reformat</span></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Reformatting entails rearranging; repair, reposition, regroup</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Reassess your priorities and the plans that drive the engine of life-church-ministry. Who is your "customer?" What fills the church schedule and how well does it serve key priorities? Where do you spend/send financial assets? Survey the lives of your people, and how your church schedule impacts their personal life, their time with family/friends, their participation in ministry. What fixes or changes does their feedback indicate? How well do you connect to your community?</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span class="s2">Reboot</span></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Rebooting provides recharging; a time-out to retreat, refocus, refresh</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">After preaching/teaching on Mission-Vision-Purpose, gather leadership in a retreat setting for prayer, reflection, interaction. Set aside a significant period of time for reflection across your congregation; each person, every ministry. Gather again for Spirit-led. prayer-fueled planning. What is your reputation in the community?</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span class="s2">Reset</span></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Resetting requires reevaluating, repenting (change-the-way-you-think), reimagining, redesigning, restarting</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">A much deeper, wider and slower process. Decide if you and your leadership are change-makers prepared to be risk-takers. Invite prayer for an openness to the Spirit to inspire the congregation with faith and hope to reimagine the future as Christ-centered in worship and fellowship with a calling to ministry and the community. Invite leadership to consider a reset; a re-examination of Scripture that leads to a reapplication of biblical foundations and doctrines to our calling (Spirit-giftedness across the congregation/organization) and our context (people who are lost, have less, lead social sectors). </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">To reimagine your future church, identify how you see your congregation/organization in the future. An honest reality-check.</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">"We envision our church as" ...</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Status Quo</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">We will make needed adjustments but remain protective of our standard styles of worship (praise and prayer), systems of leadership and discipleship, and schedules for fellowship and stewardship (deploying our gifts and resources). </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">#Rearrange #Repair #Restore * "We will be consistent ..."</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Status Grow </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">We will focus on revitalizing the purpose of ministry programs and reviving the passion of ministry personnel. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> #Revive #Refresh #Recommit * "We will improve ..."</span></p>
<p class="p4"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">•Status “Go!” </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">We will pursue a new course based on a new perspective on who we are (our gifts and ministry passion) and who we are called to serve (their culture/tribe values, their questions about life, and how their communities function). </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> #Rethink #Revision #Renew * "We will be different ..."</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Yes! Jesus is the answer. Church is the answer. Ministry is the answer. That is, if we know the QUESTion.</span></p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p3"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-what-s-the-question">NEXT >>> What's The Question</a>? </span></p>
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#ReimagineFutureChurch: Jarvis Ward * Resourcing Neighborhoods
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-jarvis-ward-resourcing-neighborhoods
2024-02-06T19:48:31.000Z
2024-02-06T19:48:31.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">#ReimagineFutureChurch: Jarvis Ward * Resourcing Neighborhoods</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347855258?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="654" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12374290679,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12374290679,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12374290679?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="310" /></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Jarvis Ward: Resourcing Neighborhoods</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Find Me / Follow Me here @pearson39208 </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">PEARSON Foundation, Inc. ~ </span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>People Employing Available Resources to Strengthen Our Neighborhoods</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>WHAT? - What is the "1-Question" leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</strong></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">What would loving God, loving others, and serving both well look like in the lives and lifestyles of fully discipled church members?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>SO WHAT? </strong> - What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate/explore/discuss/pray into?</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Those who know the Lord will grow in loving the Lord through obedience and faith. Our obedient love for the Lord will be worked out at its best in our self-abasing love of people. A refocus on Biblical wholistic discipleship must began to be practiced and propagated not just as exceptions to the "rule or command of the Lord" but as a general and accurate description of what it means to be a servant of Jesus Christ. For those pastors who have never been discipled, they will humbly admit their void and seek resources and "resourcers" ready to move the congregation to learners, followers, and reproducers. </span><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>NOW WHAT?</strong> - What action do you recommend we initiate?</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">... a little of what I wrote above and...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Start with the question: "If a disciple is a learner, follower & reproducer, where am I living this out, how am I living this out in the places of work, play and worship, and who am I doing this with; what am I really doing and what do I need from the Lord or to better appropriate from the Lord in my life?" LOVE GOD. LOVE OTHERS. SERVE BOTH WELL.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>PRAY THAT …</strong> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Pray that our Lord will move by his Spirit on the body of believers and refire a burning desire to love the Lord with our total being and to love people in the sacrificial ways the Lord alone can empower servants of Jesus Christ to live.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong> <a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/main/search/search?q=reimaginefuturechurch" target="_blank">NEXT>>></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p></div>
#ReimagineFutureChurch: Jeff Hilles* Biblical Worldview
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefutrechurch-jeff-hilles
2024-02-05T18:36:54.000Z
2024-02-05T18:36:54.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><span style="font-size:18.6667px;">#ReimagineFutureChurch: Jeff Hilles * BIblical Worldview</span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347855258?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="654" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><img class="CToWUd" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=cf36ae3eed&attid=0.1.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1789915879144352881&th=18d70f023a3aec71&view=fimg&fur=ip&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_VgIqOb7zHCmEIV3_PDIakRAEirkCOtr5Tuyr1ueonq9u38PYAbImhTegKWj4J4zCZKq18OehzpkH1VEzIBMjk7K3MbaW56x8VKyAvUS4ti4lxIyfHgosyujI&disp=emb" alt="Jeff-modified copy.jpg" /></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">Jeff Hilles</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">Find Me/Follow Me @ <a href="http://www.BCWorldview.org" target="_blank">Biblical Christian Worldview</a><br /> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">• <strong>WHAT? - What is the "1-Question" leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</strong></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">Where is the line between Romans 12:18 and Acts 5:29</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. Acts 5:29</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">• <strong>SO WHAT?</strong> - What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate/explore/discuss/pray into?</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">Each pastor will have to decide when to support our elected leaders and counsel his partitioners to do likewise and when he must stand for what the Bible teaches, respectfully, firmly, but gracefully. </span></p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">Teachers will be held accountable at a higher level because of their influence on others (James 3.1).</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">•<strong>PRAY THAT</strong> … </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;">God, give me your wisdom to follow Your lead in spiritual battle.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1" style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<div><span style="font-size:18pt;"> <a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/main/search/search?q=reimaginefuturechurch" target="_blank">NEXT>>></a></span></div></div>
#ReimagineFutureChurch: Chuck Proudfit * Transforming Work Life
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-chuck-proudfit
2024-02-03T18:13:42.000Z
2024-02-03T18:13:42.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347855258?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="654" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12373329883,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12373329883,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12373329883?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="384" /></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Chuck Proudfit: Transforming Work Life</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Find Me / Follow Me here <a href="http://www.atworkonpurpose.org/">www.atworkonpurpose.org</a> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>WHAT? - What is the </strong><strong>"</strong><strong>1-Question</strong><strong>"</strong><strong>leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</strong></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">What is the Church?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>SO WHAT?</strong> - What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate/explore/discuss/pray into?</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The Church is not a building, or a service on the weekends; the Church is the collective body of believers living for God’s Kingdom. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">We need to change our mindset from “going to church” to “being the church”. This enables us to impact the world 24/7/365 throughout our spheres of influence.<strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>NOW WHAT?</strong> - What action do you recommend we initiate?</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">At Wprk On Purpose we organize and mobilize working Christians to a full faith commitment and contribution at work; first, through individual Kingdom contribution with individual work; second, through collective Kingdom contribution to improve the communities where we work and live.<strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>PRAY THAT</strong>… </span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Lord, we pray to see the world through your eyes, so we can love it like you do, and serve it like Jesus modeled. We pray for wisdom to seek first your Kingdom, knowing that all else will follow. Amen!</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong> <a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/main/search/search?q=reimaginefuturechurch" target="_blank">NEXT>>></a></strong></span></p></div>
Review then Renew: What Is Your “1-Question “?
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reviewed-then-renewed-what-is-your-1-question
2024-01-31T17:50:10.000Z
2024-01-31T17:50:10.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>Reviewed then Renewed</strong></em></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">What Is YOUR “1-Question “?</span></p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Phil Miglioratti, Reimagine.Network</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Whether you see red or blue, lean left or right, have a conservative or liberal DNA, you must be aware of how radically and rapidly the world is changing, convulsing: AI Technology-Immigration-Education-Gender-Democracy-National Sovereignty-Climate Disruption and Disasters.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">We are in a kairos moment in time when every Christ follower must no longer be satisfied to go to church; we must, individually and collectively, be the Church. Righteousness and justice. Truth in love. Salvation and transformation. Individual and corporate. Gathered and scattered. Red-Yellow-Black-Brown-White.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Each disciple and every ministry has a responsibility to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church, so that we truly know the mind of Christ, so that we become the future Church, so that our communities and cultures across the globe hear and see the way, the truth, and the life in The Gospel.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">What does the future church look like?</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">How we answer that question will make the difference between a Spirit-led, Scripture-fed expression and a wallpapering of old traditions, or a redecorating of current systems, a refueling or simply resuming programs designed for a small remnant of our changing/diversifying population.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">The pursuit of the future begins, not with new plans or a different program, but with a question. A life-changing, paradigm-shifting, ministry-transforming question.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">This calls for a risk taking, groundbreaking, trailblazing, leader. A pastor, a prayer champion, a ministry leader who dares to ask for that “1-Question” the Spirit will use to guide them and their group or team, congregation or organization, to rethink presuppositions, revisit biblical foundations, and reimagine best practices</span><span style="font-size:14pt;">…with the goal to return to our first love as the driving force of every ministry.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">To get that right-for-right-now answer, we must begin with the right question.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">A question that will lead to answers that will recalibrate our world perspective and respond to our personal experiences and particular circumstances, so that we effectively pursue our unique calling in Christ’s ministry.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">We are entering a new era where the adjectives that describe our tribe are becoming less relevant to the “nones” and even many true believers.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Labels like “baptist” or “mega” or “charismatic” or “catholic” or “evangelical” that once had well defined boundaries are losing their distinctive meaning or have lost respect. Denominations and organizations are asking questions with significant ramifications as they attempt to reimagine their role and standard operating procedure. </span><span style="font-size:14pt;">Upon reexamination, even some of our doctrines are being reviewed and many of our doctrinal applications are being reevaluated. Yes, "the times, they are a changin."</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">The danger we all face is the temptation to move too quickly to “answers,“ which are often someone else’s solution for their particular need in their very different setting. Every good idea is not necessarily your God-idea.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">To reimagine is more than redecorating; it is a quest for a review and that leads us to renew, to redesign.</span></p>
<p class="p2"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">So, when it comes to reimagining future Church, change is the answer. But once again, <em><strong> <a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-what-s-the-question" target="_blank">what’s the question?</a></strong></em></span></p></div>
#Reassess DISCIPLESHIP...
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reassess-discipleship-do-something-to-strengthen-discipleship-in-
2024-01-30T16:53:48.000Z
2024-01-30T16:53:48.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><span style="font-size:18pt;"><em><strong>#Reassess DISCIPLESHIP... "Do something to strengthen discipleship in your church."</strong></em></span></p>
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<h2><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://chucklawless.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f66ea30867c3c2882f0eae77&id=b7731c8ccd&e=b2883ae1c6" target="_blank">7 Simple Ways to Strengthen the Discipleship Strategy in Your Church</a></span></h2>
<span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>By Chuck Lawless on Jan 29, 2024</em></span><br />
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">My assessment is that many, if not most, churches have no intentional, strategic plan in place to disciple believers. Illustrating an image I use in my book, <em><a href="https://chucklawless.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f66ea30867c3c2882f0eae77&id=f1f6cf9345&e=b2883ae1c6" target="_blank">Disciple: How to Create a Community that Develops Passionate and Healthy Followers of Jesus</a></em>, these churches may have “puzzle pieces” of discipleship—but these puzzle pieces are lying around the floor. No one has put the puzzle together. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Beginning to fix this problem, though, is not that complicated. We start by simply <em>doing something now</em> rather than waiting until the entire strategy and structure are in place. Here are some simple ways to <em>do something </em>to strengthen discipleship in your church:</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Enlist a discipleship prayer team.</strong> Their very existence is an admission that we cannot make disciples well apart from the power of God. Guide them to start praying now that your church will equip believers well. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Read at least one book on discipleship within the next month. </strong>Take the initiative to learn. Take notes. Talk to others in the church about what you’re discovering. At a personal level, consider Robert Coleman’s <em><a href="https://chucklawless.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f66ea30867c3c2882f0eae77&id=ac009b93e3&e=b2883ae1c6" target="_blank">Master Plan of Evangelism</a></em> or Donald Whitney’s <em><a href="https://chucklawless.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f66ea30867c3c2882f0eae77&id=9ccefcdc84&e=b2883ae1c6" target="_blank">Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life</a></em>; at a corporate level, take a look at Jim Putman’s <em><a href="https://chucklawless.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f66ea30867c3c2882f0eae77&id=50c42fae45&e=b2883ae1c6" target="_blank">Discipleshift</a>.</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>No matter how long you’ve been a believer, find an older Christ-follower to invest in you. </strong>It may not be easy to find someone, but don’t give up easily. You need to be a growing, accountable disciple if you expect others to be the same. And, by the way, don’t hesitate to find someone who invests in you from a distance via electronic means if necessary. It works—I assure you! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Begin investing in a discipleship group personally. </strong>If you’re a church leader but not personally discipling someone else, it will be harder for you to strengthen the overall discipleship problem in your church. On the other hand, leading <em>just a few believers </em>in your church to grow in Christ will make your church’s discipleship stronger. If you can’t find the few, find at least the one. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>If you’re a pastor, ask this question each week: “How will this sermon help believers—new <em>and</em> seasoned ones—grow in Christ?”</strong> If your sermons don’t guide listeners to apply the Word well, you’re missing a prime opportunity to help your church members grow in Christ. Make sure your members leave each weekend with specific action steps toward growth. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Set up at least one training event to equip small group leaders to invest in their group members.</strong> I’ve known many churches who recruit small group leaders but give little attention to equipping them to walk with God and lead others. They allow willing folks to serve, but with little accountability or expectation of growth. That’s problematic.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><em>Do something</em>.</strong> Start somewhere. Take the next step. Put at least two puzzle pieces together if that’s the best you can get. Maintaining status quo typically won’t strengthen your church’s discipleship strategy. </span></li>
</ol>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;">Recent Articles:</span></h3>
<span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://chucklawless.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f66ea30867c3c2882f0eae77&id=79ba726997&e=b2883ae1c6" target="_blank">An Encouraging Word for Church Leaders for Today</a></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://chucklawless.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f66ea30867c3c2882f0eae77&id=edcb14a853&e=b2883ae1c6" target="_blank">To Be Like Jesus: A Word to the Church–Beginning with Me</a></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://chucklawless.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f66ea30867c3c2882f0eae77&id=fa5cb0bb7a&e=b2883ae1c6" target="_blank">Wednesday Words: E.M. Bounds’ Challenging Words of Building Ministries without Prayer</a></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://chucklawless.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f66ea30867c3c2882f0eae77&id=23e97e381c&e=b2883ae1c6" target="_blank">Trusting God when Life Makes Little Sense</a></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://chucklawless.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f66ea30867c3c2882f0eae77&id=23d1edd360&e=b2883ae1c6" target="_blank">An Encouraging Word for Church Leaders for Today</a></span></td>
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<td class="m_-1118231643629452493mcnTextContent" valign="top"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Copyright © 2024 Chuck Lawless, All rights reserved.</em></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">You are receiving this because you opted in at ChuckLawless.com</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Our mailing address is:</strong></span><br />
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">Chuck Lawless</span>
<div>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">1013 Heritage Greens Dr</span></div>
<span style="font-size:14pt;">Wake Forest, NC 27587-4380</span></div>
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ReimagineFutureChurch: David Bryant
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-david-bryant
2024-01-29T17:04:12.000Z
2024-01-29T17:04:12.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12322912463,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12322912463,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12322912463?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<div><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12368061666,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12368061666,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12368061666?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">David Bryant, President, Proclaim Hope! / Director, ChristNow.com. .</span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">Find Me / Follow Me here <a target="_blank">ChristNow.com</a> (See video clip about Christ Now at their website)</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">• <strong>WHAT? - What is the "1-Question" leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</strong></span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">What is the greatest crisis the American church is facing today--one which if confronted and cured would create a powerful Christward revolution in this generation?</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">• <strong>SO WHAT?</strong> - What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate/explore/discuss/pray into?</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">This year we are in a battle for the destiny of the church in America and for the destiny of America itself. </span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">See <a href="https://christnow.com/great-hope-for-2024-the-answer-to-all-our-prayers-is-drawing-near/" target="_blank">my recent article</a> about all of this hope for the Church in America: Great Hope for 2024 - The Answer to All Our Prayers Is Drawing Near!</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">• <strong>NOW WHAT?</strong> - What action do you recommend we initiate?</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">Find out more about <a href="http://ChristNow.com" target="_blank">"2024 Nationwide Campaign for an American CHRIST Awakening"</a> and how you can get involved, in ways that transform Christians right where you live. </span></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">Be sure to sign up for our BREAKTHROUGH! Rapid Response Zoom Prayer Gatherings at ChristNow.com.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">•<strong>PRAY THAT</strong> … </span> </div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Father, the time has come. Cause the whole church in America to become wholly alive to the whole vision of the whole Christ. Saturate your people by your Spirit with a fresh revelation of the spectacular supremacy of your Son, and of is ever-increasing, redeeming reign--so that in turn we might saturate our communities and our nation with the transforming power of the gospel of Christ. Give us a Christward revolution for this generation! We pray with soberness and great urgency -- but also with abounding hope about your Kingdom and your promises. Amen.</em></span></div>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong> <a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/main/search/search?q=reimaginefuturechurch" target="_blank">NEXT>>></a></strong></span></p>
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#ReimagineFutureChurch: Rich Carney
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-rich-carney
2024-01-29T16:25:12.000Z
2024-01-29T16:25:12.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12322912463,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12322912463,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12322912463?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12368054285,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12368054285,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12368054285?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="310" /></a></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Rich Carney, Executive Director, <a href="https://www.abbaconnect.net/" target="_blank">Austin Bridge Builders Alliance</a> (ABBA)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> <em> * Transforming Austin Through The Powre of Connection</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Find Me / Follow Me here: <a href="mailto:57Carney@gmail.com">57Carney@gmail.com </a></span></p>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>WHAT? - What is the </strong><strong>"</strong><strong>1-Question</strong><strong>"</strong><strong> leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</strong></span></li>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">What makes me dance? (think of David bringing in the Ark into Jerusalem)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
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<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>SO WHAT?</strong> - What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate/explore/discuss/pray into?</span> </li>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">We all talk about vision and calling and anointing; yet, many of us take years to “truly” know <em>why we do what we do</em> (the deeper why that comes from the Word of God, your passions and His unique calling upon your life). For me, I dance when I see other leaders engage with what they are good at (what they were always purposed to be). So, I mentor, coach, challenge, love and nudge leaders of all types to advance the Kingdom: I have become a bridge for other to succeed. We all need to know that we know that we know our theology and bible. Why, because then we can walk into the deep waters of relationships across our community and not be offended without losing ourselves. None of this is truly possible until you know “<em>what makes you dance</em>?” By the way, this also helps you focus on the specific area of ministry you were truly destined for since the beginning of time. </span><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>NOW WHAT?</strong> - What action do you recommend we initiate?</span></li>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">There is no substitute for prayer, a loving woman at your side and buddies who will love and hold you accountable. Once you have direction, gird yourself and pursue with reckless abandonment. Do not let the world or others slow down what God has place in your hearts. My friends, this is what is referred to as “grit.” It will not be your intellect, skills or network that takes you forward: in the end, it will be grit.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>PRAY THAT</strong>… </span></li>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">...God’s abundance in all it’s manifestations will be yours. Be faithful day by day and when it becomes unbearable, be open to leaning on others. No one gets out of this life unscathed; but there are those of us who will be there for you. Go get-em Tiger!</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong> <a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/main/search/search?q=reimaginefuturechurch" target="_blank">NEXT>>></a></strong></span></p></div>
Seek The Welfare of Your City
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/seek-the-welfare-of-your-city
2024-01-27T20:44:08.000Z
2024-01-27T20:44:08.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em><strong>Seek The Welfare of Your City ~ </strong></em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>The Daily Article Podcast </em>releases every weekday at 7:30 a.m. CDT or later. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Subscribe on <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95672" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95673" target="_blank">Spotify</a> for the latest episode.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95670" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NbnATahLACYh9FheDQCy4BxvpyKLuiBKUdb3gvVLWkXucigQaX8RYoAtEeUYcYKsv-fz-ux5zx4c-r-qeJTFWEXYKlYIGS_AQLnC8zQwMBpolMxe9_LICzUns28XRxFA4uh_s1RCilFI8btAJAAX24D-D9lo-64IAmp22SJL2rg7Jwkow_1nlIlr4nme9hwgOticeI3aqc5_sXB7scOgOlA3cbtbcw0yThB1FbhWynWAIMOvunPZA=s0-d-e1-ft#?profile=RESIZE_400x" alt="ADKq_NbnATahLACYh9FheDQCy4BxvpyKLuiBKUdb3gvVLWkXucigQaX8RYoAtEeUYcYKsv-fz-ux5zx4c-r-qeJTFWEXYKlYIGS_AQLnC8zQwMBpolMxe9_LICzUns28XRxFA4uh_s1RCilFI8btAJAAX24D-D9lo-64IAmp22SJL2rg7Jwkow_1nlIlr4nme9hwgOticeI3aqc5_sXB7scOgOlA3cbtbcw0yThB1FbhWynWAIMOvunPZA=s0-d-e1-ft#?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="399" /></a></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">An outstretched arm holds a bouquet of sunflowers against an off-white background. By Floral Deco/<a href="http://stock.adobe.com/" target="_blank">stock.adobe.com</a>.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Man holds signs and hands out flowers to remind people they are loved</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">“Picture this—you’re out going to pick up your lunch and there’s this random guy walking by with a handmade sign. I’m sure like most of us, we’d glance and keep it moving, but I decided to read his sign since I was at a stop light.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">This is how a woman in Jacksonville, Florida, <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95674" target="_blank">described</a> a recent experience to a local reporter. Here’s what made it newsworthy: The sign read “HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!! I LOVE YOU.” The man also held up another sign that read “YOU are RELEVANT.” As the woman snapped a few pictures, the man holding the signs gave her a sunflower. The reporter shared the story with the reminder that the kind messages came during National Suicide Prevention Month.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">We need this reminder as much now as ever.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Billy Miller, an actor who played Marcus Specter on <em>Suits</em> and won three Emmy awards for his role in <em>The Young and the Restless</em>, <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95675" target="_blank">died</a> by suicide last Friday in Austin, Texas, at the age of forty-three. His mother stated that he “surrendered his life” after “a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The number of deaths by suicide in the US <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95676" target="_blank">increased</a> last year to the <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95677" target="_blank">highest rate ever</a>. Globally, a person <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95678" target="_blank">dies</a> by suicide <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95679" target="_blank">every forty seconds</a>. Gallup <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95680" target="_blank">notes</a> that depression rates in the US have reached their highest levels ever reported.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">These facts can seem overwhelming. What can you and I do to make a practical difference in our hurting world? One biblical answer is both counterintuitive and countercultural, but it offers hope we can embrace and share with those who need it most today.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-size:14pt;">“In its welfare you will find your welfare”</span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Peter called his fellow believers “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11). The former describes someone who is a foreigner or stranger; the latter refers to temporary residents. Taken together, they remind us that this world is not our home and that we are only here for a short time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">How are we to live in this foreign land?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The Lord’s letter to his Jewish exiles in Babylon is instructive (Jeremiah 29). It was preserved in Scripture because it has value not just for its original readers twenty-six centuries ago but for all readers across all times and cultures.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">It begins: “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce” (v. 5). This is the opposite of what they might have expected. Rather than finding temporary shelter, they were to construct lasting structures in which to “live” (the Hebrew is literally translated as “sit down and remain”). Creating gardens takes time, but they were not only to plant them but to “eat their produce” in the years to come.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">In addition, they were to “take wives and have sons and daughters” to fulfill God’s call that they “multiply there, and do not decrease” (v. 6). Rather than allowing their nation to wither in exile, they were to seek to grow and prosper.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Now comes the most shocking instruction of all: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lᴏʀᴅ on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (v. 7). “Seek” means to “run diligently after”; the “welfare” of the city refers to its peace, prosperity, health, and success. The exiles were to do all they could to promote the Babylonian city’s welfare and then to “pray to the Lᴏʀᴅ on its behalf” that he might do what they could not.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The reason was simple: “In its welfare you will find your welfare.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-size:14pt;">Three ways to “seek the welfare” of our city</span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">One response to the brokenness of our secularized culture is to withdraw into spiritual “huddles” with little concern for those outside our circle. But this ignores our commission to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). And it impoverishes us while denying others the good we can offer them in Christ.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">What are some biblical ways we can “seek the welfare” of our broken culture?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">One: “<strong>Show kindness and mercy to one another</strong>” (Zechariah 7:9). As the sign-holding man in Jacksonville reminds us, we cannot know the larger impact of a single act of encouragement and affirmation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Two: “<strong>As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another</strong>” (1 Peter 4:10). John Grove <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95692" target="_blank">argues</a> persuasively in <em>Public Discourse</em>: “We do not need more self-conscious crusaders for the nation or even for Western Civilization, but instead more priests, teachers, businessmen, artists, writers, and parents who perform their own activities faithfully, serving . . . as ‘leaven for the whole lump.’”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Three: “<strong>Bring salvation to the ends of the earth</strong>” (Acts 13:47). Paul was “not ashamed of the gospel” because it is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). According to <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95693" target="_blank">Tim Keller</a>, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-size:14pt;">How to love well</span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Christians have a unique gift for our culture today: we alone can demonstrate the kindness of Christ by offering our best service to hurting souls while sharing the good news of God’s love. But we cannot love well until we embrace the fact that we are well loved.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">To that end, let’s close with this intercession from the Anglican <em>Book of Common Prayer</em>: “Help us so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whose service is perfect freedom.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Will you join me in offering these words from your heart to your Father today?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>NOTE</strong>: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, I encourage you to call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95694" target="_blank">here</a>. For Denison Forum articles on mental health, please go <a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95695" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></h2>
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<td align="center"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95687" target="_blank"><img class="m_7094217575519349461adapt-img CToWUd" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NaFvDxqdxhVgPjSETTRdO0a5UNQMhASwz-6kGWgRrHU_MmExxWWIKzYqY5cmRvPxYvSwQnC21yuptn-ZQstBEUpiqzF2hk_H8sJczoSWiUzoOSV6F06kpu2K_PhakFRyVG-54YUyNUkxlvX1OucgpL457Sx-NGwND9JzcoH3h0T7Q_kafHJuYn26aOlKjZp7n0jTMSIAv6VXgvfKRk72Ul7p0Gc3Xn36AVwE4OFjkoarqeoHL05ow=s0-d-e1-ft#https://content.app-us1.com/cdn-cgi/image/dpr=2,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=650/dYE6j/2023/08/02/42b28c37-1191-4abc-816f-4dceb211cc4b.jpeg" alt="" width="650" /></a></span></td>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>To print or download today's Daily Article as text only, </em><em>please visit the article's page at </em><a href="https://denisonministries.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=193d951228bd07df0b0526a083379d71&i=4684A4754A5A95688" target="_blank">DenisonForum.org</a><em>. </em>Click the print icon above the headline, then click "Print" or "PDF".</span><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> Denison Ministries</span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> 17304 Preston Rd</span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> Suite 1060</span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> DALLAS, Texas 75252</span><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> United States</span></p>
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#ReimagineFutureChurch: Dee Stokes
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/reimaginefuturechurch-dee-stokes
2024-01-18T23:38:29.000Z
2024-01-18T23:38:29.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">#ReimagineFutureChurch: Dee Stokes</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347855258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347855258?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="654" /></a></span></p>
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<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;font-size:14pt;">Dee Stokes: Author, Coach-To-Coach, Leadership, #ChurchUnusual</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;font-size:14pt;">Find Me / Follow Me @ <a href="http://linktr.ee/deestokes" target="_blank">linktr.ee/deestokes</a></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;font-size:14pt;">• <strong>WHAT? - What is the <span class="gmail_default">"</span>1-Question<span class="gmail_default">"</span> leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?</strong></span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;font-size:14pt;">My heart is broken for the witness of the Church and the lack of accountability. So, when will Church leaders submit to authority and accountability and to the lordship of Jesus? Really surrender?</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;font-size:14pt;">2024 is the year of the shift and it comes with divine transfer. In I Sam 18.1-5 there was a divine transfer when Jonathan, the heir apparent king, gave David his armour, belt, bow, and sword. The throne was divinely transferred to David that day with that move. In this year of shifting our homes, ministries, relationships, body, mind, etc, the Lord will divinely transfer all we need: Wealth, health, forgiveness, retribution, vindication, love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, gentleness, self-control, satisfaction, and so much more. Receive it for yourself!</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;font-size:14pt;">Consdier a consultation, or check out <a href="https://www.deestokes.org/cultural-competence-workbook.html" target="_blank">"Cultural Competence Workbook"</a></span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size:14pt;">Read Dee's Reimagine.Network <a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/phil-miglioratti-interviewed-dr-dee-stokes-for-a-reimagine-networ" target="_blank">Coaching Interview>>></a></span></div>
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7 Deadly Sins of The Church
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/the-7-deadly-sins-of-the-church
2024-01-15T23:12:09.000Z
2024-01-15T23:12:09.000Z
Reimagine Curator
https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/PrayerINC
<div><p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">7<em><strong> Deadly Sins of The Church</strong></em></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>Phil Miglioratti, Curator of The Reimagine.Network</em></span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>1. Edification of our preferences over Lordship</strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Confess allegiance to the Builder of the Church</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>"I will build my church."</em> Matthew 16:18</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">*Pray...for a revelation of Jesus that exposes our focus on our self-centered preferences </span></p>
<p class="p1"><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> 2. Entertainment without Spirit-led Worship</strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Yield to the Spirit when you give praise with song and scripture</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>"Be filled with the Spirit ... when you meet together to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as you praise the Lord with all your heart."</em> Ephesians 5:18-19</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">*Pray...for an understanding of worship that encompasses our entire life: body, soul, spirit and frees us to experience, not merely watch, a variety of expressions that bring honor and glory and praise to God</span></p>
<p class="p1"><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> 3.</strong> <strong>Education but no transforming Discipleship</strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Go beyond information with investigation, interaction, and implementation</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>"Jesus said to his disciple, 'Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me?'</em>" John 14:9</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">* Pray...for a filling of the Spirit that captures our minds, thrills our heart-passions and our redirects our plans toward relational disciple-maturing </span></p>
<p class="p1"><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong> 4.</strong> <strong>Experiences that are not spiritual Fellowship</strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Integrate the apostles doctrine, sharing needs, eating and praying together</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>"Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer."</em> Acts 2:425</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">*Pray...your community (congregation, group, study, class) lives out the "one another" exhortations given to the Church of the New Testament: love one another, pray for one another, serve one another, confess to one another, exhort-comfort-forgive-show hospitality...</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> <strong>5.</strong> <strong>Excellence but not biblical Leadership</strong> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Follow those who adopt Jesus' servant leader profile</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>"The Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price for the salvation of many.”</em> Mark 10:45</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">*Pray...for an understanding of biblical servant leadership and biblical charisma (grace-gifted) with mutual accountability for all leaders</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>6</strong>. <strong>Events that do not produce Jesus Followership</strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Evangelism is being sent, announcing, proclaiming, liberating, with the anticipatio of welcoming into the community of the faithful</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>“The Lord has put his Spirit in me, because he appointed me to tell the Good News to the poor. He has sent me to tell the captives they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. God sent me to free those who have been treated unfairly."</em> Luke 4:18</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">*Pray...for a Great Commission passion to reach all peoples with the Gospel that is driven by our obedience to the Grwat Commandment to love all peoples and is fueled by the Great Commitment to pray for, care about, share with our world</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>7. Extravagance void of missional Stewardship</strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Stewards are responsible for their natural talents and spiritual gifting, their use of time, their generosity with money, equipping and empowering others </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><em>"I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God—given to me for you—in order to complete the word of God,"</em> Colossians 1:25 </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;">*Pray...for a renewed desire to serve as Jesus followers by generously giving of ourselves and our resources so that the harvest will have many workers and becomes plentiful </span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>NEXT >>><a href="https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/forum/topics/%23ReimagineCHURCH" target="_blank">#ReimagineCHURCH...</a></strong></span></p></div>