Missional Resource Teams

Change of location

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:51:00 +0000

I'm no longer posting to this site. Please go to http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/ and subscribe in the small box in the right column. Thanks!

John

10:2b Story (Part Three)

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:28:00 +0000

*Note: we will discontinue this blog soon. To continue to receive exactly the same posts, go to "StoriesfromtheRevolution" and subscribe to the that blog (scroll down the right column and type your address in the subscription box).http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/2010/08/102b-story-part-one.html

Great comment from Carolyn Spence (Clovis, NM) in response to Mike Deaton's interview in yesterday's post:

OK, agreed! We need the opportunity to see it practised. My mother (89 years young) cried to experience the very tiny taste of our gathering in Clovis with MRT members from Albuquerque and Colorado saying, "now I see what you mean"... If you are going to spread a virus, personal physical contact works best... Carolyn

Today, we have an interview with JoEtta Deaton. She tells a similar story. To paraphrase: "By visiting some of the house churches in Brighton (CO), I experienced a whole different paradigm of church. What I saw was church that flowed out of listening to Jesus. This was transformational and I want to begin to try this out when we go back to Virginia".

(JW: This is the third of seven LK10 Practices. Church = a spiritual family focused on listening to Jesus.)

Now, listen to JoEtta tell the story in her own words below. Share with us your response to what she has to say.

John

10:2b Story (Part Two)

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

As Hobby and his apostolic partner, Robbie James, began praying the 10:2b Prayer (see yesterday's post) the Lord of the Harvest began arranging divine encounters. In the video below you will hear about one of those encounters with Mike Deaton, a professor at James Madison University in Virginia, and his wife JoEtta. (More from JoEtta tomorrow.)

Notice that Mike and JoEtta were already committed to planting house churches. But, two years of very limited success had made them hungry to learn. We have found this to be true for people who are answers to the 10:2b Prayer. In every situation, God has worked in their lives to prepare them. They have been "thrust out" by the Lord of the Harvest and are already motivated. You might say that "God does the heavy lifting" in preparing these church planters.

See what else you hear in Mike's story.

John

10:2b Story (Part One)

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:41:00 +0000

*Note: we will discontinue this blog soon. To continue to receive exactly the same posts, go to "StoriesfromtheRevolution" and subscribe to the that blog (scroll down the right column and type your address in the subscription box). http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/2010/08/102b-story-part-one.html

The DNA of our Luke Ten Community focuses on seven key practices. (To see all seven, go here: http://lk10.com/media/lk10_visionpaper_2_0.pdf )

The fourth practice is in obedience to Jesus' command in Luke 10, verse 2, part b. We sometimes call this the "10:2b Prayer". This was Jesus' solution to a specific problem. Namely, "the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few". To Jesus the answer was obvious - ask the Harvest Master for more laborers.

So, what does a "10:2b answer" look like? In this three part series, you will see three examples of harvest laborers sent out by the Harvest Master.

First, in the video below (the first of three parts), you will see Hobby Chapin who was a "10:2b answer" here in Denver over a year ago. Hobby has become a good friend and a very effective church planter in Brighton (north of Denver). Tomorrow, you will see what happened as Hobby prayed the 10:2b Prayer.

John

City Networks and Listening

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

We've talked about the idea that "church emerges out of listening". What this means is that we really believe that Jesus is the Head or Leader of each individual church and that, as we listen to Him, He brings the agenda for each meeting.

This same thing is true on the larger level. The house churches in Denver are connected in a relational network. Jesus is also the Head or Leader of this expression of church, and, as we listen to Him, He brings the agenda for the network as well. Church, at every level, emerges out of listening.

See below for two encouraging examples of what people in the Denver Network are hearing. One has to do with connecting women across the city. The other has to do with helping people, especially new believers, learn the Bible.

What a concept! Jesus really is the Head of His church on every level. And, He really is expert at building His church on every level (Mt. 16:18). Our job is not to do a great job of figuring it all out but to do a great job of listening to Him.

John

From Christal Haner: One of the amazing benefits of house church is the close community that we share within our own house churches. One of the more difficult areas of house church is the lack of that broader sense of connectivity within the body of Christ. For a couple years our network (ASPEN) has been putting together a semi-annual women's retreat. So far it has just been about 16 of the women from our network coming together to check in and worship together over a weekend. While I was praying about it for the Fall retreat, I felt a strong need to open up our women's retreat to the entire Denver house church network. So, we would like to invite all of the women in your house churches to be a part of our women's retreat this fall.

From Sean Hyatt: I am writing to ask for your help in praying and listening about a project/vision I feel the Lord has put on my heart. I've chosen to send this email to you specific guys & gals because I am close to you and I trust you to pray and truly listen to what the Lord might speak to you on this. Thank you ahead of time for reading this lengthy email :))

I would like to write, illustrate, and produce a new full-color home Bible study chart. We used to use these as an evangelism and soul-winning tool in the denomination I grew up in. They are designed so that you can teach an individual, family or group for about 12 weeks, an hour or two each week, in the comfort of their home or somewhere out in public in their territory. It is basically like Bible 101. Someone who is interested in learning more about the Bible (or who is simply hungry for God) can go thru this home Bible study with you and learn all about the Bible and all the major stories and themes in the Bible, including the gospel message. It is a powerful soul-winning tool for an individual or a group, and a powerful discipleship tool as well.

Before, when we taught weekly home Bible studies to seekers, at the end of the 12 or so weeks when the study was finished (since all we had to offer them was traditional church) we basically said, "Congratulations! Now that you're saved, you get to come to our church, sit on a cold pew, stare at the back of peoples heads, and marinate for a decade or so" :) ... but now that we understand organic church planting, once the study is done we can simply keep meeting weekly in their home (or the coffee shop or workplace or park or wherever), and a new church is planted with their oikos. A much better situation after the Bible study is done.

There was a time when I was a teenager and a young adult that I was teaching multiple ongoing weekly 'chart' Bible studies in multiple homes, and winning multiple sinners to Jesus...it was a very exciting and fulfilling time. Colorful chart Bible studies also are great for teaching children or teens or young adults (or anyone without a basic biblical foundation) all the basics about the Bible, Jesus, the gospel, and the kingdom of God.

Any and all feedback or ideas, positive or negative, are welcome (truly!). I just want to get some further direction from the Lord before proceeding...

What are you investing in?

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Dear LK10 Friends,

(In case you were wondering, this blog is part of the ministry of LK10.)

Most of us have left the traditional church and are no longer investing in church buildings or traditional programs. This should free up significant resources to help those in need both inside and outside of our house churches. I'm hearing lots of good stories where this really is happening.

Another highly valued investment in the New Testament church was that of church planting (see Paul's comments in 1 Cor. 9). Hopefully you have identified proven apostolic church planters in your area to help financially.

It's along this line of church planting that I would like to ask you to consider investing in LK10. Our mission is to connect and equip the growing number of men and women who are planting house churches. Over the last two years we've come through the start-up phase of our ministry on a "shoestring" budget. Our Board of Directors now feels that the Lord is calling us to significantly increase the scope of our work and has asked me to share this with everyone in the LK10 Community.

My request of you is simply that you read our LK10 Donor Report and ask the Lord if this is something He wants you to help with. You can find the Report here under the heading of "Support the work of Luke Ten" :

http://www.lk10resources.com/practice-6.html

If the Lord wants you to help, you have two options. The first is to use the Paypal "Donate" button on this blog. The second option is to send me an email and let me know that you would like the address where you can send a check. Send the email to DenverWH@aol.com

Whether you are directed to contribute or not, I appreciate you taking the time to read our Report.

John

Sarah Young (3)

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Here's an example of the devotional reading from August 3 in Jesus Calling. As you read it, you will see that it's something Sarah felt the Lord spoke personally to her.

This is valuable to those of us who are learning to hear God's voice because it gives us an example. It helps answer the question that I've heard many times, "So, what kind of things does God say to you when you listen to Him?" For those of us who were trained to believe that God only speaks today through Scripture, these examples are quite important.

Seems to me that this same sort of thing can happen in CO2s (churches of two) and in our simple churches. That is, we can help each other by sharing the kinds of things we are hearing from God.

Share with us your impressions about what Sarah wrote below.

John

From Jesus Calling on August 3...

Watch your words diligently. Words have such great power to bless or to wound. When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damaged others as well as yourself. This ability to verbalized is an awesome privilege, granted only to those I created in My image. You need help in wielding this mighty power responsibly.

Though the world applauds quick-witted retorts, My instructions about communication are quite different: "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." (James 1:19). Ask My Spirit to help you whenever you speak. I have trained you to pray - "Help me, Holy Spirit" - before answering the phone, and you have seen the benefits of this discipline. Simply apply the same discipline to communicating with people around you. If they are silent, pray before speaking to them. If they are talking, pray before responding. These are split-second prayers, but they put you in touch with My Presence. In this way, your speaking comes under the control of My Spirit. As positive speech patterns replace your negative ones, the increase in your Joy will amaze you.

Sarah Young (2)

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Sarah Young continues describing a turning point in her spiritual journey. The year is 1993 and, although she had been a Jesus follower for many years, she now begins listening for God's voice.

My journaling had changed from monologue to dialogue. Soon, messages began to flow more freely, and I bought a special notebook, to record these words. This new way of communicating with God became the high point of my day. I know these writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but they were helping me grow closer to God.

...This practice of listening to God has increased my intimacy with Him more than any other spiritual discipline, so I want to share some of the messages I have received.

Sarah's daily devotional, "Jesus Calling", is simply 365 short examples of the messages she has received from the Lord. I'll include one of them tomorrow so you can see what it's like.

What I want to emphasize today is that this "practice of listening" is at the heart of our Luke Ten Community. This is a "community of practice" where we are...

*sharing what we are hearing as we listen as individuals

*sharing what we are hearing as we listen with one other person (CO2)

*sharing what we are hearing as we listen with our spiritual family (simple church)

The whole thing is pretty simple, isn't it.

John

Sarah Young (1)

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:30:00 +0000

For the first time in a long time, I've begun reading a daily devotional book. I'll tell you about the author, Sarah Young, and you'll understand why.

Sarah writes that in 1993 her relationship with God changed dramatically...

I had been writing in prayer journals for years, but that was one-way communication: I did all the talking. I knew that God communicated with me through the bible, but I yearned for more. Increasingly, I wanted to hear what God had to say to me personally on a given day.

I decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever I believed He was saying. I felt awkward the first time I tried this, but I received a message. It was short, biblical, and appropriate. It addressed topics that were current in my life: trust, fear, and closeness to God. I responded by writing in my prayer journal.

Many of us in the Luke Ten Community have been on a similar journey. Longing to hear what God might say to us personally on a given day. Feeling awkward when we first begin. But, being aware of "spontaneous thoughts" and writing them down. Finding that they are often both biblical and appropriate.

Take a minute and, in the comments below, share what this journey has been like for you.

More from Sarah tomorrow.

John

CO2 - The Hyatt Family (4)

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:57:00 +0000

In response to the story about the Hyatt family doing CO2, Jared Looney, a church planter in NYC, posted this comment yesterday...

We recently did S.A.S.H.E.T. as a family. That is, my wife, my five year old daughter, and me. My wife and I had practiced this tool in various settings before, but doing it as a family with our 5 year old was pretty awesome.

Isn't that encouraging! Nothing excites me more than stories of children, even young children, responding to these simple ways of doing/being church.

Today, in the fourth and last part of this interview, Sean tells how his family has shared CO2 with other families and individuals. Notice again how natural and almost effortless this is. It creates a whole new picture for the term "church planting".

Also makes me think of the title of Roland Allen's famous book: The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church.

Your thoughts?

John

CO2 - The Hyatt Family (3)

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

There's lots of talk these days about "the missional church". The thinking is that the church needs to stop being so inwardly focused and become concerned about the needs of the world. We are told that this is accomplished by exhorting believers to change their focus and become more concerned about the lost and needy.

In the short video below, Sean tells a story that illustrates the alternative approach that LK10 takes towards becoming missional. Being missional is certainly a good thing. But, how this comes about is the critical element.

We believe that Jesus followers become more missional not by focusing on mission and trying harder but rather by focusing on listening to God. In other words, mission is not the starting place but rather the by-product of hearing God's voice. This kind of mission is natural, spontaneous and joyful.

So, two questions to ponder as you watch the video...

1. Imagine if there were hundreds (or thousands) of households in your city who were doing what the Hyatts are doing. What kind of learning would be going on in the hearts and minds of the children in those families? Doesn't this kind of "Christian education" beat what goes on in most Sunday School classes?

2. And, imagine the cumulative effect of hundreds (or thousands) of small family-centered "mission projects". How would that impact your city or region?

Your thoughts?

John

CO2 - The Hyatt Family (2)

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In today's short video below (3 minutes), Sean explains two things that might seem impossible to those of us who have spent our entire lives in traditional church.

First, he explains how he has trained his two boys (aged 7 and 10) to facilitate the family's daily CO2 (CO5!) time.

(Observation: children and teens often "get" CO2 more easily and more quickly than adults who have been in the current religious "system" for years.)

Second, he tells a story that illustrates that worship flows spontaneously out of listening.

(Observation: Simple church (CO2) is built on the belief that Jesus is really present when we meet in His name and that He is a great "worship leader". Worship is no longer something that we have to "make happen". It emerges naturally out of listening to Jesus.)

Love to hear your comments about the video below.

John

CO2 - The Hyatt Family (1)

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:19:00 +0000

A CO2 (church of two) is simple. Two people committed to two practices as close to daily as possible.

But, the CO2 concept is also highly adaptable. Sean Hyatt has applied it to his family. (Since he has a wife and three young children, it's now a CO5!) The result is a simple way that families can function as churches (think "church = vibrant family of Jesus".

Over the next four days, I'll be sharing an interview with Sean where he tells how this has worked out in his family. Today, Sean explains that this is a model that has been sustainable over time and that he loves what it has produced in his family.

Two things for you to think about. First, what would happen to the church in America (or wherever you live) if this practice became normative for every family? Second, is there anyone you need to pass this on to?

John

Please share your comments below.

House church article in USA Today

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Last week there was a positive article about house church on the front page of The Denver Post. See http://www.denverpost.com/ci_15547588?source=email

Now, comes a similar article in USA Today. What do you make of this? What encourages you about this? What potential problems do you see? Post your comments below.

John

'House churches' keep worship small, simple, friendly

Updated 1d 21h ago | Comments 116 | Recommend 11


Enlarge	By Karl Gehring, Denver Post, AP

Darren Boyer, center kneeling beside the couch, prays with, from right clockwise, Susan Dennison, Tasha Gustafson and Jolene Larson, asking for God's wisdom regarding an upcoming decision that Brent Tribble, left, will make about his life, during a non-denominational "house church" service at Boyer's Brighton, Colo. home. The number of these new, small, organic churches is growing, according to the Barna Group

DALLAS (AP) — To get to church on a recent Sunday morning, the Yeldell family walked no farther than their own living room to greet fellow worshippers.

The members of this "house church" are part of what experts say is a fundamental shift in the way U.S. Christians think about church. Skip the sermons, costly church buildings and large, faceless crowds, they say. House church is about relationships forged in small faith communities.

In general, house churches consist of 12 to 15 people who share what's going on in their lives, often turning to Scriptures for guidance. They rely on the Holy Spirit or spontaneity to lead the direction of their weekly gatherings.

"I think part of the appeal for some in the house church movement is the desire to return to a simpler expression of church," said Ed Stetzer, a seminary professor and president of Lifeway Research, which is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. "For many, church has become too much (like a) business while they just want to live like the Bible."

House church proponents claim their small groups are sort of a throwback to the early Christian church in that they have no clergy and everyone is expected to contribute to the teaching, singing and praying...

Read the entire article here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-07-22-housechurch21_ST_N.htm?csp=usat.me

Women in MRTs?

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Yesterday's post featured a video of one of the Denver MRTs sending greetings to a similar group in New Zealand. In the video, five men share some of what they appreciate about their team.

Carolyn Spencer (Clovis, NM) responded with an important question...

Hi, Are all the seven MRT's (in Denver) a group of guys only? Is connecting together this way something done more easily when its just a group of guys, or is it just as effective when its mixed company? Would this group be as comfortable if a female leader joined you at Sojourner's Coffee Shop? What is your take on including women in MRT? Carolyn

Carolyn,

Thank you for asking this question! Some of the MRTs in Denver do have women members. And, I believe my MRT would actually be more effective if there were women as a part of the team. I believe that female apostolic church planters are just as "called" and just as effective as men. I believe that it is preferable to have a MRT with both men an women.

As you know, we are coming out of a period when women were often limited in their leadership roles in the church. In the Luke Ten Community, we believe that church = family and, in that context, spiritual mothers are just as important as spiritual fathers for a healthy family. I want Luke Ten to be an environment where women are encouraged to function that way both in house churches and as apostolic church planters.

So, Carolyn, thanks for asking that question so that I could clarify our values! And, to both men and women readers, please send me stories where you see women functioning in this kind of leadership.

John

From Denver to New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:33:00 +0000

What if there were small groups of Jesus followers meeting weekly to connect with one another and to listen to God for their city or region. And, what if these groups were so simple that they could multiply rapidly?

That's what an MRT is. The initials stand for Missional Resource Team. MRTs form around two practices or rhythms that allow for structure without hierarchy. In addition to six groups in Denver, the concept has spread organically to many other locations.

In the video below, a Denver MRT shares what they are learning and sends greetings to a group in New Zealand.

John

Boss or Father?

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Learning to hear God's voice changes everything.

First, and most important, it changes our relationship with God. Here's how John Eldredge says it...

Whatever our situation in life - butcher, baker, candlestick maker - our deepest and most pressing need is to learn to walk with God. To hear his voice. To follow him intimately. It is the most essential turn of events that could every take place in the life of any human being, for it brings us back to the source of life. Everything else we long for can then flow forth from this union. Walking With God, xi.

A second thing that changes is how we approach ministry or mission. As with Jesus, mission flows from listening. See Jn. 5:19.

See the short video below for my interview with my friend, Hugh Brandt, on this subject of learning to hear God's voice.

Share with us your comments on what Hugh has to say.

John

Front page of the Denver Post

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:17:00 +0000

I was very encouraged with this article on house churches that was on the front page of the Denver Post today.

John

DENVER AND THE WEST

Growing number of worshipers make themselves at home

By Electa Draper
The Denver Post

POSTED: 07/19/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT

UPDATED: 07/19/2010 11:59:53 AM MDT

Darren Boyer hosted a non-denominational House Church service at his Brighton home Thursday night, July 15, 2010. Those gathered prayed, discussed scriptures from the New Testament and served themselves Holy Communion. Boyer, left, cooked waffles and served them before the group moved to the living room for Bible study. At the table are Tasha Gustafson, in middle with whipped cream, Brent Tribble, Chris Dennison, and Jolene Larson, in pink. (Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)

Jolene Larson, one of the people who gathered Thursday at a Brighton home, reads a passage from the Bible. (Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)

Megachurch, meet microchurch.

Growing numbers of Coloradans believe the tiny house church, also called a simple church or an organic church, might be the mightier transformer of Christian lives.

A recliner becomes a pulpit. A sofa and some armchairs serve as pews.

Where two or more people are gathered in his name, Jesus said, there he is. House churches range in size from two people to a dozen or slightly more.

Some prefer the name "simple church" because there are congregations that meet at coffee shops, parks or other venues.

The key element is that the group is small enough for everyone to participate fully and to connect intimately. In this, the new followers believe, they are like the earliest Christians, who also met in small groups in homes.

A house church is not about one person standing up and talking for 45 minutes, says former Presbyterian pastor John White, a consultant who helped launch the house-church movement in Colorado 12 years ago.

Back then, he couldn't find anybody local doing it, and little was written about it. Now, the movement is flourishing.

"Traditional church works fine for a lot of people, but there's a growing number of people for whom it's not working," White said...

Read the full article here http://www.denverpost.com/ci_15547588?source=email

Trouble for Dan Bo Bo

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:36:00 +0000

Dan (name withheld for security reasons) has been a house church guy for a long time. God has used him to train church planters in many countries around the world.

I sent him a copy of our new eBook. He graciously took time to read it and sent back some encouraging comments as well as some stories of his own experiences that illustrate some of our values. See below for a wonderful story about hearing God's voice.

John

China: In teaching the servant leaders "How to Hear God", I used my relationship with my wife as an illustration: One day while I was teaching these students, my wife called me in China from the States. My Chinese interpreter took the call and handed me the cell phone.

After I finished our conversation, I asked the students about what if I didn't recognize my wife's voice and were to have asked her, 'Who is this?" They didn't know much English but several students shouted back to me "Trouble for Dan Bo Bo!"(My Chinese name) Then I asked them about how our Heavenly Father must feel when we don't recognize and obey His voice and say to Him, "Who is this?" This illustration transformed their concept of hearing and obeying God.

Beta

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:20:00 +0000

I continue to be encouraged at how our new eBook is being used. In some situations, husbands and wives are using it for 30 days. (See email from Mike below.) In others situations, it's two friends. (See email from Maree below.)

What I want to emphasize today is that this is a beta version. We need you to "field test" it and let us know what works and what needs improvement. As you can tell when you read the daily entries, this is a community project. Thanks for your help!

If you haven't gotten your copy yet, just let me know at DenverWH@aol.com

John

Mike in Virginia:

Thx for sending the CO2 e-book. It looks great. I'm hoping to use it with (my wife). Would you mind, John, if I forward this to a friend in KS with whom I spent about 2 weeks practicing CO2. He's hoping to start this with his wife.

Maree in Australia:

Just finished reading the e book, what a fantastic job you've done and what a thrill to find Sharon and I on the last 2 pages!! Even if our story doesn't make the final cut (it is a long one and feel free to edit ) I feel very humble and grateful that our story was considered part of the Co2 journey.

I have found such freedom in telling friends and clients about my listening journey. Where as before I was stuck in finding the words or conviction to invite them to church, now I know that they can have Jesus without all the baggage. And with a real 2 way relationship.

Just thought I'd share a few insights from my Co2 journey

My listening and journal time has become so precious, my journal entries have totally blown me away, it was almost overwhelming. The Lord told me to go back over all the promises he has given me and to Proclaim and Declare them. He said "Proclaiming them builds your faith, creates expectation and hope. It is an act of faith and obedience. Declaring lets the devil know we are in business. My word is creation. The powers of hell cannot stand against my word. Go back and Proclaim and Declare the promises I have given you"

One day when questioning the Lord about sharing 'everything' with Sharon I wrote "You are in a covenant with Sharon, Co2 is a covenant relationship. You are free to share with Sharon unless I say no"

And on another day "Co2 is like a crash course in prophetic, because you believe you will hear from me and you are expectant I can speak knowing I have your attention.You share it, speak it out which builds your faith.You come again expectant for more. I am delighted to give. I have so much to give."

I thought I had lost my journal the other day and it occurred to me that it is my most treasured and precious possession.

Thanks for the great blog and insights I look forward to reading it each day.

Checking in as sad

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I'm checking in today as sad.

I've had two different conversations this week with Christians who have been in church for a long time. They are good people who love Jesus. In many ways, they are very mature and have a deep desire to serve God. They know Scripture and are diligently seeking to live it out. So, what's missing?

In both cases, these dear folks have almost no idea how to hear God's voice. It makes me sad that people could spend so much time in churches that haven't helped them with what surely is at the heart of a "personal relationship with Jesus". By definition, friends carry on conversations. They talk to each other. They listen to each other. They dialogue.

How is it that we have invited people into a "personal relationship" with Someone that never personally speaks to us??? "My sheep listen to my voice" (Jn. 10:3, 4, 16, 37)

I'm also happy. Because it was so much fun to share with these two people how to hear His voice. And, to tell stories about what we've heard. As individuals. And, as churches. In fact, once a person understands listening, church planting is easy. As we noted a few days ago, Mary is our model. Mary "who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said." (Lk. 10:39)

I'm also happy that we can offer people the new eBook which is designed as a 30 day journey for two people who want to deepen their ability to listen to God. The stories are already beginning to come in about the eBook.

John Parker (Merced, CA) is passing the eBook along to the church planters he is training. Here's an email dialogue with one of those people.

John: Attached find an eBook you and your wife can start using today. It is a 30 day action book for CO2. My friend John White who wrote it just sent it to me yesterday. It’s brand new! I think you’ll like it. Another “A God Nod” !! J

Mike: Yes, you're right I like this very much, I have just begun to get into it but what I have seen so far is great. Yup, its a God nod I think. I will start the 30 day exercise tomorrow because today I'm going through all the links and watching the videos. You can thank your friend John for me too the next time you chat with him. I really appreciate what you're both doing!! Praise the Lord!!!!

The eBook: "It's really good!"

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

See below for an encouraging email from Roger Bullard to the leader of a ministry in Colorado Springs explaining the CO2 process and the new eBook. We would love to hear your comments about the eBook also.

If don't have a copy of the CO2 eBook yet, just shoot me an email and I'll send you a free copy.

John at DenverWH@aol.com

I can see how this process (ie, CO2) could be used in with (your ministry).... It's (the eBook) is really good and I would encourage you to click on the link and watch the video on page 4, for sure. John White is the leader that I have talked about in earlier emails.

A little crotchety and impatient at 72 last year, I failed to give Virkler and SASHET the value deserved in this process. After tennis and over a meal at Mom’s in Fountain, my friend Richard convinced me of the value it has, even in a marriage relationship. Joyce and I are now doing SASHET and really seeing its value.

...SASHET is a way to go to the heart in a beautiful way and Virkler is the principles of hearing God’s voice... Small groups with everyone participating, is likely the best discipling process and tool for leadership development. Starting as small as two (CO2), we have a building block that will multiply. Periodically, those doing CO2 can come together over a meal, some worship and share their testimonies.

It is fascinating to me how it is portrayed in Luke 19 that the last stop, just before Jesus was entering Jerusalem, that He does CO2 with Zacheus and salvation came to his whole household (v. 9). Then Jesus gives that memorable parable of the talents and the value He puts on multiplication.

Guinea pigs needed

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:21:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, the "church of two" (CO2) concept is spreading rapidly. We are hearing stories of wonderful transformation through this simple tool from many places. In a desire to help people understand how to get maximum benefit from a CO2, Tim Pynes and I have created an eBook called "The Church of Two: The Overlooked Principle at the Heart of Jesus' Ministry that Can Change Lives and Transform Communities". (How's that for a title!) This online book is designed to be a practical, 30 day journey that two people would go on together.

We are at the stage now where we need some feedback from other people to produce the final edition. Currently, the eBook is 38 pages long. Each page is a few comments and sometimes a short video about one aspect of the "church of two". We want each page to be something that could be read/watched in around 5 minutes or less. We want to get down to 30 pages - one page a day for a month. So, we want feedback on which pages are most effective and which are least effective and could be eliminated. And, any other ways that the eBook could be improved.

So, my question is - would you be willing to review the eBook and give us your comments. What works? What could be improved? What could be eliminated?

I can see two ways you might do this.

The first is that you could just read through the whole thing in probably less than an hour and tell us what you think.

The second, which would be even better, is that you would use the book as it is designed to be used and go through it with another person for 30 days. The very best would be going through it with a person new to the concept. And, then, tell us what you think. Either one day at a time or all at once.

Also, please forward this request to anyone in your circle of friends who you think might be willing to help.

To find the book, go here http://regionalrevolutionaries.blogspot.com/ Then, look in the right column under "Read the CO2 Book". Click on "Two Are Better Than One".

So, let me know if this is something you could help with. And, please let me know if you have any questions or comments about this.

Thanks!

John

DenverWH@aol.com

Man/woman of peace (7): The listening church

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Sixth insight: Listening is the center point of church.

As I've been living in this passage (Lk. 10:38-42) this week, what has emerged is another important adjective to place before the word "church". Maybe it's the most important adjective. We have "house" church, "organic" church, "simple" church. All of these are good. Each one conveys an important aspect of what God is doing.

I now want to add "listening" church.

Seeing the Martha and Mary story as a church planting story (i.e., connected to Jesus' teaching in the first part of the chapter) sheds new light on the meaning of a "person of peace". On one level, Martha is that person because she "opened her home to him" (10:38). This is what Jesus described in 10:8. "When you enter a town and are welcomed..."

However, at a much deeper level, Mary is the true "person of peace" because she "sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said." (10:39) And, of course, Jesus encourages Martha to join Mary at this deeper place.

Seeing this as a story about church planting leads us to paraphrase and expand the dialogue this way...

Martha, you don't yet understand the true nature of church. You are anxious about all kinds of good things but they are keeping you from the best thing. You are anxious about preparing food and taking care of the children. You are anxious about Bible study and good doctrine. You are anxious about singing and worship. You are anxious about being missional - taking care of the poor and reaching the lost. All of these are good but sometimes the good is the enemy of the best.

I want you to put them all aside and come over here and sit at my feet and give your full attention to listening to Me. When you do that, church begins for you. When you do that, you and Mary become a "church of two". Trust me when I tell you that all of the things you are anxious about will get taken care of if you give your full attention to simply listening to me. This is the true nature and activity of church. Two (or more) people seeking first an intimate conversational relationship with Me. Everything else will flow from that.

The churches that Jesus planted functioned the same way He did. (Jn. 5:19) They did nothing on their own initiative. They focused on listening to Jesus and only doing what He directed. They were...

Listening churches.

Your thoughts?

John

Man/woman of peace (6): More about women!

noreply@blogger.com (John White) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Fifth insight: Telling an alternate story changes the culture

I'm suggesting again that the placement of the Martha and Mary story is significant. In the first part of Luke 10, Jesus explains the principles of church planting. Then, in v. 38-42, those principles come to life. And, in this real-life example, the "man of peace" is a woman/women.

The Martha and Mary story also sets the tone for what will follow in the growth of the early church. The role of women as "people of peace" and even house church leaders is one of the major themes woven throughout the account of Luke, the historian (see Lk. 1:1-4).

Keep Lk. 10:38-42 (and the picture above) in mind as you read these observations from Roger Gehring about the story of Lydia in Acts 16.

Luke also portrays Lydia as the first Christian in Macedonia. Can we elevate her to leader of the church in her house on this basis alone? It is a very real possibility... we need to recognized that with his report Luke also wants to say that, in spite of his Jewish training, Paul is willing to establish a church with a group of women. By implying that, in contrast to the synagogue, women alone were allowed to found a Christian church, Luke indirectly points to a difference in the status of women in the two religious groups at that time. House Church and Mission, p. 212

So, in giving the account of Martha and Mary and later, Lydia and others*, Luke is his changing culture by telling an alternate story/stories. Perhaps this is a key for changing our culture as well. Your thoughts on this?

John

*Approximately one-fourth of the coworkers mentioned in the Pauline Epistles are women. If we add Nympha, mentioned in Colossians, and Lydia, in Acts there are a total of twelve women: Eudodia, Julia, Junia, Lydia, Mary, Nympha, Persis, Phoebe, Prisca, Syntyche, Tryphaena, and Tryphosa. Gehring, p. 211.