NewChurchLife

“Bag of Joy”

peter — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 21:12:34 +0000

Last week Mildura pastors/leaders sent a “Bag of Joy” to 100 believers isolated by Covid-19 restrictions with an encouraging letter with codes for each “surprise” (‘You are Marvellous & Magnificent,’ ‘You are Mint for glory!’ etc) – and outlining plans for an October Week of Prayer with books to read/share in preparation – “Discover Jesus” (gospels of Mark & John, with Acts – with a small bundle of Discovery Bible Reading bookmarks”), & also “If you Can Eat … You Can Make Disciples,” & “Your Church Has Changed.” Also local news & how to stay connected with each other & their communities. A great initiative! What is your church doing to encourage, connect & share faith?

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Check out following-Jesus

peter — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 23:25:50 +0000

For books, inspirational case studies, videos, bookmarks etc for multiplying disciples, planting churches and cultivating movements, check following-Jesus.com

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To Vaccinate or Not … and our freedoms for church & mission

peter — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:59:06 +0000

If you hope for a discussion of the pros and cons of vaccination, claims or counter-claims for the latest scientific data, alternate cures or even the wildest conspiracy theories—you will be disappointed. This discussion paper raises questions and issues relating to God’s mission and church—and, our participation.

A dilemma of our freedoms

In countries where we have the privilege of making a choice—to be vaccinated or not—our freedom to choose is now creating a dilemma. Without medication or viable health systems, many in the world do not have choices. In epidemics and pandemics they simply die. But we have our rights, and the freedom to choose.

Moving towards 70-80% double vaccinated

As Australia’s more populous states move towards 70-80% double vaccination levels of adults, it seems that the double vaccinated may be given more freedoms—to travel, conduct business, go to restaurants, sporting venues and religious venues like mosques, temples and church buildings.

At the present time there are restrictions on attending worship services in church buildings in Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Church buildings were closed in some areas of Australia during the polio epidemic in the 1950s, and even today most recognise the need for this public health regulation.

Today, most church buildings across the most populous states of Australia are closed. Bible studies and worship events have been made available on internet platforms, and this has been appreciated by some—but, many are now Zoomed out!

With e-giving, tithes have continued to come into denominational offices, but local and mission offerings are way down. The sale of Bible Study Guides, and distribution numbers for internal communication papers and missionary magazines, have dropped drastically. Most Christian book shops have closed or operate at very limited capacity. Each of these is changing your church—the viability of entities and perhaps employment—and there is no end in sight.

A dilemma ahead—for church and mission

What will it mean when those able to show a vaccination card indicating they have been double-vaccinated are able to attend churches? What might be some implications from our freedoms of choice?

Those who have chosen not to vaccinate, will still have those freedoms protected—but they may not be able to go to church buildings. On the other hand, those who have chosen to be double vaccinated may be able to gather in church buildings.

And, even if church attendance is not regulated on the basis of vaccination certificates, those who have been vaccinated—as well as those at risk and those in employment categories that require vaccination, such as some health professionals, etc—will not want to be in church gatherings where the risks of infection are high and mingling with those who choose not to be vaccinated.

This dilemma raises a range of questions:

• When do we as individual Christians put aside our freedoms and consider the greater community health and good?

• It is not a matter of judging others, but how do we respond so as “not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in (our) brother’s (or sister’s) way” (Romans 14:13 NIV)?

• What could it mean if some churches became “safe places” for those who want the freedom not to be vaccinated—while others become the gathering places for the vaccinated?

• How could the idea of a network of households of faith provide unity across this diversity of choice and freedoms?

• And could options at this foundational level of church—the “two or three” gathered in Jesus’ name (Matthew 18:20)—provide a positive choice when inviting our friends, family and contacts to worship with us in church? At this level we know our friends and their convictions and choices, and we would not need to be checking their vaccination cards before entry.

With pubs, sporting venues and more businesses likely to open on the same basis as churches, we must not be distracted by the idea that we are facing religious persecution. And even if we were, we are inspired by the New Testament believers. When scattered, they saw it as an opportunity for mission—sharing and preaching the Word and gospel wherever they went (Acts 8:1-4).

When sent home—or with dilemmas arising from our freedoms to vaccinate or not vaccinate—what are our opportunities for church and mission?

See Your Church Has Changed, Signs Publishing, 2021 — www.following-Jesus.com

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If Your Church Is Closed … Be the Church

peter — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 03:09:01 +0000

Church buildings are closed, with believers scattered into multiply households of faith. The task of the pastor has just become more complex and challenging.

This “guide to growing churches at home” is available as FREE PDF download. The links in the book are live, taking pastors and leaders of households of faith straight to multiple resources.

Jesus’ vision and mission is not changed by a global crisis, nor by the distress and disorientation with which we struggle. But, we are being nudged to be the church—and not just go to church. Get this e-book with its practical insights and ideas to help your multiplying churches thrive during these challenging times.

Victor Kulakov, senior discipleship pastor, (Auckland, New Zealand) says this is: “A much, much needed resource. I look forward to sharing it with our pastors.”

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Church buildings are closed.

peter — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 21:26:33 +0000

Knowing that New Testament believers did not go to a church building for a worship service does not entirely alleviate our sense of loss or disorientation today. But, remember what Jesus said. Speaking of church, His promised: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:15-20 NIV; cf., 16:13-21). What might it look like? Check out updates on https://www.following-jesus.com/church-at-home/

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Martin Luther’s response to the Plague

peter — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 20:33:55 +0000

“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my persence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, <strong>he will surely find me and I have done what He has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above.”–Luther’s Works, Vol. 43, page 132.

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Churches are closed! Church@Home

peter — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 21:41:57 +0000

As of midday today (Monday March 23) ALL churches in Australia are to be closed. State Premiers are urging – don’t even get together with friends. It is too dangerous. Do not put others at risk, and do not spread the risk. It is really time to be Church@Home.

You can FaceTime friends and neighbours – but do NOT gather. See www.following-jesus.com for ideas on how to do Discovery Bible Reading over the phone, by FaceTime, or by Zoom/Skype with family, neighbours and friends.

I will keep up-dating and suggesting specific ideas. Our neighbours have been checking on us – and we are talking with all our neighbours by phone and from balcony-to-balcony. The crisis is strengthening community – with opportunities to be Church@Home.

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The building is closed–but the Church is open!

peter — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 17:38:18 +0000

For inspiration for being Church@Home, see Following the Apostles’ Vision. Read it and the New Testament letters as a group–and pastors, this is a great resource as you rethink how to pastor multiple churches. See www.following-jesus.com

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If Your Church Closes – be the Church@HOME

peter — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 21:26:57 +0000

Places of worship can be closed overnight by natural disasters, civil unrest, terrorist attacks, state decrees or negative social media campaigns. At the present time local churches are being closed to slow the devastating impact of the covid-19 pandemic, and many are choosing to self-quarantine or isolate to protect themselves and others.

How will we respond? What will you do?

If going to church, enjoying worship music, praising God, listening to a sermon, catching up with friends, and enjoying fellowship around a shared lunch has been your routine, the closing of your church for whatever reason will be a big loss.

Perhaps for you, going to church has been your weekly outing—to get out of the house, to see others. For many young adults, church has been a place to connect socially. For you, it may have been your lifeline to escape—to find support, encouragement and warmth from fellow believers. Perhaps church has been your opportunity to enjoy a safe, peaceful place—to experience God’s embrace with some who understand? For many, having church close is a disaster.

Church in the New Testament

Going to a church building for a church service was not what happened in New Testament times. All the early churches met in homes. They were small, based in households.

There were no church sermons until the end of the 2nd century after Jesus, and no church buildings until the 4th century. It was Constantine who financed and gifted the first church buildings—changing the very essence of church.

Just months before His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus used the word church—which means a gathering, without buildings or political and religious connotations. Early believers did not go to a church building, but were the church in their homes and communities. So, if your church shuts down, you can be Church.

What might it look like?

It might be very small, but Jesus spoke of church as “where two or three come together in (His) name” (Matthew 18:15-20; cf., 16:13-21). And, think of the positives of being the Church.

Here is a description of the church, just after it was birthed by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost day—

The believers, described as the church, “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (of Jesus’ resurrection), and fellowship (with each other and the Spirit), sharing in the Lord’s Supper and prayer” (Acts 2:42 NLT).

They “shared everything they had … with those in need.” At that time, they could also gather in the temple courts but they “met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.” And, “there was a deep sense of awe”—and many miracles (Acts 2:43-47).

It will be different. There will not be the excitement of a worship team, but maybe the sense of “awe” with the Spirit’s leading in quiet prayer and Bible reflection will be more dramatic. There may not be the variety of food at the fellowship lunch, but the shared conversations with a hot drink or a little food—and the Lord’s Supper—with close friends or family who care and sense God’s presence, with fill you with peace, encouragement and comfort.

A GUIDE TO BEING CHURCH@HOME

Keep it simple and enjoyable. Some may wish to simply sit and watch a Bible lesson and/or worship service online. Others want something more interactive and focused.

Options for Worship & Bible discussion

Download a Discovery Bible Reading bookmark—and checkout the videos
https://www.following-jesus.com/resources/

1. Bible reading—using Discovery Bible Reading
Choose a Bible book to read over the coming weeks
—Mark is a great place to start.

2. Read the Gospels—using Discovery Bible Reading
Journey through the story of Jesus in sequence—reading through the Gospels.

Videos x 5 https://www.following-jesus.com/videos/following-jesus/

Books: Peter Roennfeldt, Following Jesus (Signs 2017)

Plan to read one guide each week, and journey through the life story of Jesus, discussing, sharing and applying. A transformational experience.

3. Read Acts—using Discovery Bible Reading
Experience the excitement of the early church—reading through Acts.

Videos x 5 https://www.following-jesus.com/videos/following-the-spirit/

Books: Peter Roennfeldt, Following the Spirit (Signs 2018)

Plan to read one guide each week, and journey through Acts, discussing, sharing and applying. An inspiring journey.

4. Read the New Testament Epistles—using Discovery Bible Reading
Rediscover what the early church was like—as you explore these letters.

Books: Peter Roennfeldt, Following the Apostles’ Vision (Signs 2019)

Plan to read one epistle during each week with the guide/chapter. Challenging and inspiring.

BE THE CHURCH@HOME

Here are some ideas that will enrich your Church@Home experience—

1. Meal. Plan a simple breakfast, brunch or lunch together—but try to do something a little special. Eat outside or in an open space for social distancing.

2. Lord’s Supper. Have some flat bread (or biscuits) and grape juice on the table, and celebrate the Lord’s Supper as an Agape Meal each time you meet.

3. Set a time. It could be 10 am—after breakfast or brunch. Also plan how long you will spend in worship—don’t go on-and-on. You will meet next week again. Maybe sit outside in a garden, with space to protect all.

4. Involve children, teens and youth. Engage all with age-relevant activities—stories, crafts, songs; and involve all in reading and the Discover Bible Reading discussions.

5. Plan for an offering. Encourage all to continue to contribute tithes and offerings to their churches through e-giving. But, also collect an offering to support some vulnerable people that the group knows who may be finding things tough at the moment.

Check with a vulnerable person as to what is needed, purchase the item and let them know when you will leave it at their door. This giving can meet the direct immediate needs of those around you.

6. Music. It is great if you have some—either live or streamed—but, don’t feel it is absolutely necessary. And, if you can’t sing—don’t. Maybe read a hymn or song.

7. Invite neighbors. While keeping numbers small and maintaining appropriate quarantine and social distancing, many will be needing fellowship, encouragement and support. This is a time when you can be church in your community.

8. Outdoor activities. Plan to walk or drive (in separate cars) to meet outdoors—in a forest or park, on a beach, or around a lake—to walk and share, while maintaining social distancing as required.

9. Connect with others by social media. Use Facetime or Zoom conferencing to connect your small Church@HOME with others doing the same thing.

KEEP IT SIMPLE, EASY TO DO, RELAXED AND ENJOYABLE. Be the CHURCH

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The Harbor of Hope Church Plant

peter — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 09:16:37 +0000

The Harbor of Hope is an Adventist church plant in Benton Harbor, Michigan (USA). Good story of entering the community, praying for folk, connecting with needs= and leading people to Jesus. Check out this video report – or interview with the planter to get ideas and inspiration.

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