Review: The Church Unique by Will Mancini

As an author, Will Mancini explores the dynamics of casting vision and moving the church forward through his book, Church Unique: How Missional Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture, and Create Movement.  He is also a talented church consultant or clarity evangelist, as he describes himself, bringing his valuable knowledge as a pastor and educator into the arena of vision casting for all-sized churches.  His group, Auxano, is named from the Greek word that Luke used to describe early church growth in the Book of Acts.  As a conference speaker, his charisma and knowledge of simplistically sharing the elements of steering the Church in today’s complexities provides the conferencees a blue-print plan of organizing their church.  He is multi-media and social media savvy, having a twitter post and blog spot in order to reach the new emerging leaders of today.  Will Mancini is influenced by his family and the job opportunities as a chemical engineer, pastor, and advertising agent.
  
The thesis of this book is that through a micro-cultural perspective of itself, the Church can identify its uniqueness or missional make-over through living the vision of God that creates a movement-oriented church, a surety to its DNA.  

He begins the book with an introduction where he delivers his story and process that is uniquely his to share.  He entices the reader to dig deeper and search for the elements of their own ministry context and the subsequent definitions of DNA.  He divides the book into four sections, each having specific connotations to visioning.  In his first section, author Mancini writes about recasting vision in respect to being a unique church.  He determines think-holes or barriers to leaderships, debunks the fallacies of strategic planning by allowing creativity to flourish and uses comprehensive historical perspectives to build a leader’s wider perspective of numerical church growth. Lastly, he compares church-goers and their identity with area space of ministry.

The second section of his book offers a clear path to clarifying vision, its benefits and barriers and how it is achieved and communicated.  He offers common-sense direction at pursuing God with an articulate vision or mantra. He stresses the importance of leading a life attuned to God and living out the vision He places upon His children.


Expressing the vision is the basis for the third section of the book.  This is the building-block process of declaring the definition of the vision.  It is the hands-on approach of seeing the vision with new eyes and reacting with certainty the way to embrace the missional mandate the Lord places upon individuals, leaders and churches.   Author Mancini offers a mapping tool to strategize a church’s mandate for vision and development.  In the expression phase, he explains in a further chapter the marks, the “clear ideal and the working definition of a disciple” that are the benchmarks of Christian examination.  [2008:154]   Mancini then furthers his framework analysis by expressing the urgency of communicating properly through being grounded, radical, connectional and daily evolutional.  Lastly in this section, he writes about the need to push forward, keep focus, measure progress, and ask for honest input.


Part four of the book advances the vision through never allowing the status quo to dictate your mission/ministry, keeping the vision aligned and attuned and by transforming hearts in the community in order to create community change.  The author closes by advancing thoughts of uniqueness upon each church, its culture and its community.


Several questions arise as to the author’s subject that is relevant to my context with Living Hope Fellowship: 1) what really is the most important thing to say to a core group to begin to cultivate the desire to communicate the vision of LHF at all levels? 2) After completing the conversation with a core group, how will we remind and disciple people in our church culture context that we are sent from God every day? 


With these questions in mind, I find that I have often dismissed or overlooked the importance of the aspects of vision.  Mancini carefully lays the ground-work for establishing a vision-conscious church.  The framework is intense and must be scaled to meet different church contexts, but there lies the element of uniqueness that he appreciatively communicates and admires. His usage of the Integration Model to justify weaving vision into the life of the church will expose the vision framework for full engagement among the congregation and leaders.


As a new church start-up and being vision-minded from the beginning, many times as a pastor, I have not contextualized the process repeatedly enough to integrate the vision in everything we do as a church.    In this respect, LHF suffers from lapsing or blurred vision, bad communication and from service fatigue.  In LHF’s current context, it is imperative that the vision be recast to develop a new personal formation of ownership, an ownership that leadership, core members and congregational members will buy into that generates an awareness of LHF as a unique church. In my ministry context, LHF is moving forward with some general discipleship standards as to this vision-process by the partnership forged with Senda Beth-el Church, a Spanish-speaking church, in order to develop an interest in starting a new Spanish-speaking church in Gladewater.  This is differentiating LHF among other churches in the community as collaborators in the Kingdom’s economy.  LHF is broadcasting a clear, simple message of how unique we are to the community.


Pastor Ben Bright is the Missional & Administration Pastor for LHF. This analysis was written as part of his studies at Fuller Seminary online.

Review: Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn

Publisher/Date: Waterbrook Multnomah, 2012


Too often in church we hear the word “no.” We are told what’s not okay, what we shouldn’t do, what’s not “right.” We are reminded of what we as Christians and the church oppose, but rarely is the word “yes” used regularly In The Gospel of Yes, Mike Glenn (pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church in the Nashville area of Tennessee) discusses why this is a shame and directly contradictory to the Gospel. He shares the stories of people who have accepted their “yes” from God (which is roughly defined, the gifts that God has for you, a culmination of your talents, your purpose, and the beauty you possess because of Christ).


There is not enough blogspace to fully explain how much I enjoyed this book. I found it eye-opening, humbling, and yet uplifting as I read. I realized that although I had accepted my “yes” from God, I all too frequently allow the world try to drown it out with many a “no.”


Beautifully illustrating basic truths such as our worth being in what God gave to save us, our glory in being made in His image, and why Jesus gave the Great Commandments of faith, Glenn explains how one simple word can carry such magnitude. The language is simple, easy to understand, and well-founded in Scripture.


While I believe that every Christian should read this book, leaders should especially because it reveals to us not only how to find our own “yes,” but how to help others find theirs, and encourage them in it. He speaks about the uniqueness of each believer and that in truth, one “yes” does NOT fit all. It is a great read all around and I encourage you to pick it up. 

I could go on and on about how fantastic this book is, but I don't want to give away too many spoilers; besides, there is little I could say to add or better interpret what has already been written within its pages.. Suffice it to say, if you don't read it, you're missing out. Mike Glenn is a gifted writer and this is truly a God-inspired, Scripture-centered work that will change the way you look at yourself, your life, your ministry, your heart, and God's heart.

(This video is a very rough cut. Please be patient with me.)

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF. This book was provided as part of Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books Program, though her opinions are all her own.

Time Is Running Out: Catalyst Swag Giveaway Ending Soon

Just two days left to enter for the Catalyst Swag Giveaway! Drawing will be June 3, 2012, ad we will be mailing out the packages the following week, so now's the time to enter!

You can enter on the original post here.

Here's a reminder of the prizes, just in case you need more motivation:

Go enter. Go now. :)

Catalyst Dallas 2012 Retrospective Day 3: Main Event 2

The last day of Catalyst Dallas was a bittersweet time. On one hand, you know that the speakers, the entertainment, and the worship will be as awesome (or more so) tha the previous two days (one day if you don't attend the Labs), but still, it's coming to an end and trust me, you don't want it to.  There's fun and games, and the emcees Trip Crosby and Tyler Stanton are hilarious. Once again, each speaker brings their "A-Game," and blesses the socks off the attendees. 

"In the gap between what is and what could be, there is an intercessor." - Nancy Duarte. Nancy is a consultant, founder, and CEO at Duarte, which offers presentation and design for churches, companies, and non-profits. She spoke on the common lack of presentation power among pastors and speakers in church. While much of her presentation was instructive with awesome graphics illustrating famous speeches, there was a passion for the spoken word and intense desire to help us learn to present the Gospel in a rich, compelling way. She pointed out that we can do anything, show anything, and accomplish dreams of reaching others when we give up our tired ruts, trust God, and allow ourselves to be dynamic.


Video 1: Family Dynamics

"Fear makes us posers. You are the kid of a King, and you gotta live like that!" - Bob Goff. If being around Bob Goff, the author of Love Does, for about 5 seconds doesn't get you excited and hyped-up, then you need to check your pulse. This man is clearly on FIRE for Jesus. His words nearly burst from the passion and zeal contained within them. He has a heart for Uganda and its people, and his organization has been the instrument of great and mighty change for the innocent there. He also has a heart for inspiring others to boldly...no, BOLDLY!! go forth in faith and follow the call of Jesus to love those around us, whether in your backyard or beyond an ocean. He spoke of how we hide in our comfort zones, safely integrating into our surroundings and changing NOTHING. Hearing him speak made me consider just how much I've been loving my fellow man and consider what I could do to pass that love on to others.

Video 2: Compassion International

"Engage before judging..." - Pastor Rudy Rasmus.The pastor of St. John's (Methodist) Downtown Church in Houston, this somewhat soft-spoken man with a beaded beard and grandfatherly air brings wisdom, depth, and love wherever he goes . He spoke honestly and openly about his troubled past and healing. He was emphatic that "being present" was acting in love first, and not in accordance to our preconceived ideas about people based on what we see. His words struck may of us, even if we had thought we were non-judgmental before. I personally would love to visit his church and see the great work they do with the homeless in downtown Houston, Texas.

Video 3: FaithVillage.com

"God's not bothered by your big request, He's bothered by your small faith" - Perry Noble. Southern as they come, Perry Noble spoke with power and presence. He talked of being bold, that in our bold presence we can do great things. He reminded us that we have a God with us more powerful than the world in which we live and that we have the ability to affect change. He also spoke of our frustrations when things aren't what we expect--"We don't follow [Christ] for what He gives us, but for who He is." Who is He? The sovereign One who created it all and gives us the strength to bring change to others. 


Video 4: Hello Somebody

"The grass is always greener where it's watered!!!! - Judah Smith. An intensely powerful speaker, Judah Smith shared an unusual and compelling message--GO HOME! Intertwined with jokes about bacon, parenting, and shouting "Amen!" in church, he brought a message that was unexpected after a series of speakers that spoke of global influence and traveling to help those around the world; while there are those who are called to do these things,, for majority of us, our ministry is right at home. Our hometowns, our families, and our friends. He points out that many Christians would more eagerly go across the oceans to minister to strangers than have coffee with an atheist family member. He reminded us that not everyone is called to travel the world and instead of being envious of those who pastor megachurches in big cities or build orphanages in Africa, we should look in our sphere of influence and "water our own grass"--bring that passion and desire to those in our neighborhoods and communities. This was especially impacting for me because I spent my teenage life planning and plotting to escape the small-town part of Texas I grew up in. I even did escape for awhile, living in Austin, texas, with a comfy city job and a duplex in a fun neighborhood, only to find myself right back here, somewhat kicking and screaming inside. I see how God places us where He wants us, and instead of pining over what we wanted, we need to love what we have and minister to those right in front of our noses.

Video 5: Amazima

And so, Catalyst Dallas 2012 ended with people empassioned, excited, and carryig a LOT home to mull and pray over. I pray that the nuggets I shared here bless you as much as they blessed me.


Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF.

Cataylst Dallas Retrospective: Day 2: Main Event

Well dear friends, this is Erin reflecting on the second day of Cataylst Dallas did not disappoint.  This year's theme is "Be Present," and we were met bright and early at 7:00am by the Catalyst Be Present Bees with a "Lonestar State" breakfast (breakfast taquitos) and welcome to the 3500 attendees.  DJ Promote kept us busy while waiting for the seating to open; he has a divine talent for mixing tunes that enterianed both young and old.  Check him out on his blog at http://www.thepartystartsnow.blogspot.com/.

Video 1: AdoptionJourney.org

We started the morning off in worship lead by the Cataylst House worship band and it was truley awsome.  All the songs lead us into moments of reflection with the speakers.  They taught us to be "Be Present."  One of the best take-aways from the speakers was the following quoate, "It is out of our failures that gain our greatest triumphs." --John Maxwell.  Next Andy Stanley took the stage, and like previous times at Cataylst brought a messege that made you think out the things in your life that have overlooked. "Your only unique rolein this world is father or mother to your child. Everything else, you can bereplaced." and "Great leaders create an environment where they get to stand back and watch it work without them." were some of his best.

Video 2: Trade of Innocents

Next came the grossest thing ever.  The audience made a giant ball of ABC gum\.  This brought a new denifition to world of fellowship.  They had each of us chew some Big League Chew and the pass it down (with rubber gloves) to centerstage, where it formed it massive gum pile. And yes, a guy took a bite and chewed it for a prize.

Video 3: Land of 1000 Hills

We returned from our dinner break to the musical stylings of Gungor and the after dinner teaching of Matt Chandler.  God thru him brought a strong messege on our "Be Present" Theme.  "Ministry is a STUPID trade-off for a relationship with Jesus Christ." and  "God doesn't have to force people to love Him; He just shows them who He is." -- Matt Chandler

After this amazing day of inspirational teaching, I felt a. that my toes had been stepped on, and b. my eyes had been opened. It was a refreshing experience that still fuels me right now.

Video 4: The Last Letter

Erin McGinnis is the Media Arts & Services Coordinator for LHF, and freely admits his faith isn't strong enough to take a bite out of a massive ABC gum ball, no matter how great the prize.

Catalyst Dallas 2012 Retrospective, Day 1: Labs - Melissa

Melissa and Erin McGinnis are currently attending the Catalyst Leadership Conference in Dallas. They will each be posting a retrospective of each day. Below is Melissa's retrospective, interspersed with videos from different organizations represented at the conference.

Video 1: BookShout

Session 1: Mark Batterson

Author of Soulprint, The Circle Maker, and others, this guy exudes humility, honesty, and the Presence of God. He spoke with a fervor that was tangible, touching each person in the audience. He spoke of prayer not as just a conversation with God (though that is important), but as a way of keeping ourselves so wrapped up in God that we let go of our own expectations and watch Him make changes and the amazing impact. In his own words, “When you pray regularly, you can live in the expectation that God will change everything.” He told numerous stories about how prayer were answered in his life, the lives of his friends and those who’ve contacted him after reading his books, a US Congressman, and in his church. He spoke of “drawing a circle,” giving focus to our prayers and setting a canvas for God to paint a masterpiece, which he elaborates on more in his book The Circle Maker. I could’ve listened to him speak twice as long or longer. I have always said that I am no “prayer warrior,” and that prayer was something I needed to “work on,” but after hearing him speak, I realize how significant a part prayer really is to ministry.

Session 2: Chris Seay

The founder of Ecclesia Church Houston, Chris Seay is one of those people that immediately comes to mind for me when I think of “street ministry.” His insights on reaching the lost are so open, honest, and simple, he could truly be called a modern-day Paul. His main point is that to reach your neighbor, you have to find common ground and build a true relationship upon that, rather than constantly dwell on what differentiates. His point, which aligns with Paul’s style of ministry, is that if your neighbors are watching “The Sopranos,” then you should be familiar too, so that you have a basis to understand them and relate to them in a relevant and dynamic way. He is clearly passionate about this, and his passion is infectious. In this session, I felt reaffirmed in my own views regarding relationships and relevancy, and reigited to keep pressing on.

Video 2: Christian Healthcare Ministries

Session 3: Jon Acuff

This was easily the session I most looked forward to today. Jon Acuff is the author of the books Stuff Christians Like (which he signed my copy of today!), and Quitter. He also writes the Stuff Christians Like blog, and works for financial guru Dave Ramsey. He is delightfully funny, and hearing him describe his own thoughts running through his head make me feel less concerned about the circus that performs in my head constantly. In all seriousness, however, what he had to say was incredibly insightful. He outlined three things that leaders need to remember:

1.  Don’t compare. (Direct quote: “You cannot compare your
beginning to someone else’s middle.”)

2. Be smart about social media.

3. Ignore the voices. – He elaborated on how the voices we hear in our heads are
never positive.

He also talked about Jesus in his leadership was “Present” (“Be Present” is this year’s Catalyst theme). All in all, Acuff did not disappoint. Open, honest, insightful, witty, and relevant (not wanting to overuse that word, but it was consistently so all day), he pinpointed some of the things that I personally struggle with (especially comparisons and those nasty little voices).

Session 4: Carlos Whittaker, Amena Brown, & Michael Gungor

This session was almost a sightseeing experience. It was directly aimed at worship leaders, which I am not, unless you count leading kids in "Every Move I Make." Carlos Whittaker is a worship leader and recording artist, Amena Brown a poet (and a fantastic one), and Michael Gungor the lead singer of the band Gungor. Although I greatly enjoyed the session, it was the conversations afterward that truly inspired me. With Amena Brown, I was able to express appreciation for her work and laugh a bit (she has a great sense of humor), and with Carlos Whittaker and a young college student from Oklahoma--we had a brief but meaningful conversation about being the people God created us to be.

And I got to take this photo, where I look awful. I was making a comment and accidentally snapped the photo before I was ready. 

Video 3: A21 Campaign

 

Session 5: Reggie Joiner

The closing session of the day, Reggie Joiner, like Chris Seay, spoke on reaching outside our own world to minister in a meaningful and direct way to those who need to hear it. He used a example of a girl named Jen that he and others have been ministering to; she is a Taoist, churched as a teen, but walked away because of questions and doubts she had that were never answered. He talked about relating to our neighbors as friends first, rather than just a mission, even to the point that we will still be friends with them even if they never believe what we believe. His passion was evident, and, like with Chris Seay, I felt ignited to press in and build relationships with those around me who do not know Christ. Again, I could’ve listened to him speak much longer than he did, and it is because I was so attuned to what he said that I did not take good notes and cannot write more.

Reggie Joiner is the creator of ORANGE Ministry.

Video 4: Kammok International, LLC

I am REALLY looking forward to Day 1 of the Main Event!

Melissa McGinnis is the Children’s Ministry Director for LHF.

Coming This Week: CATALYST Experience

From Wednesday, May 8, through Friday, May 11, Erin & Melissa McGinnis will be attending the CATALYST Dallas Leadership Conference at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrolton, Texas.

We are excited to bring you, our readers, a daily retrospective of each day's sessions, as well as short video clips featuring different organizations set up at the conference.

It's going to be an amazing time of learning, fellowship, laughs, worship, and teaching. We are blessed to be able to share it with you. Be Present!

www.catalystdallas.com

The Lines of My City by Brother Ben

**This writing comes from an assignment for Brother Ben's Master's Program at Fuller Seminary in California. Description of the project remains to assist with context.**

Local Exegesis Project:
1) Spend time touring your community setting, and notice how space is divided, how and where the structures are built, etc. Ask God to reveal insights about the people and the social, physical or psychological environment;
2) eat at a place you normally would not have eaten, noticing the others around you, the “community” the restaurant attracts, etc;
3) educate yourself about the people and/or organizations in your region that are striving to redemptively engage the population of that area;
4) and, consider taking members of your ministry team with you to share the experience.

The Lines of My City: Exegeting a Rural East Texas Community

​Native to my space, the community of Gladewater, Texas is fascinating, and perplexing, even in its dismal, tranquil state of economic depression. It is my space, much of which has not changed over my life span. Once booming from the discovery of oil over 80 years ago, the discovery wells are silent now…for the most part. Ruins of refineries and pipelines transect the surface of my space. The town-center is set apart in neat rows and columns of streets, but approaching a well site, the roads twist and turn to compensate for whatever obstacle. Along the way, progression stopped and the course altered. The lines, held in perpetuity, remain silent reminders of a bygone day of success, increase and generosity.

​It is evident that lines separate and divide this once prideful town. There are barriers such as Union Pacific’s rail line that has for over a century designated economic status and livable space. There is a crossroad intersection of two important federal highways. But there are still places of discrimination forever locked away from public eye but known and not trodden upon. Tranquil family neighborhoods during my lifetime have given way to row houses of irresponsible and addiction-laden tenants. They were built as “soul nurturing” but have fallen into “life denying” structures in my community setting. Hardships bring tension in all areas of town and with stress come friction within the family unit, socially and culturally. No one is homeless at night, for there are far too many unoccupied homes to "squat" in. Families live recklessly in exposed environments of unsanitary and non-forgiving conditions. While these conditions are bleak, something is happening in Gladewater.

Transformation is just beyond the crest of a new horizon. But, where is this hope-filled ingredient today and where is God at work in this city called Gladewater? Do these lines transect the Church or ordinary people?

​My assignment brings me to Don Omar’s taco stand, a downtown eatery that very few people attend. The family-owned, Spanish-speaking diner is a place with great service, complimentary smiles and abundant proportions. A small Hispanic family operates this with their children close to their side. They are pride-filled and always happy, two values they are teaching their children about success. Sadly, few in Gladewater trod their way. Their clientele is mainly the Spanish-speaking working class, to which Gladewater has yet to recognize as a part of their growing and rapidly changing cultural diversity. The wisdom of these two parents is positively colliding with their children’s educational endeavors to pursue equality, equilibrium and excellence within their community.

​I am also fortunate to be aware of Miss Katherine’s and Miss Earnestine’s*, et al, once-a-month free meal prepared solely by their volunteer efforts. Their plan is to feed the community’s hungry people a soulful meal while they serve and pray. Their outreach effort has grown during the current economic crisis. They are unique ladies of distinction helping from their heart and serving with their hands.

​Societal forces and local influences of race and color are still hampering our ability in Gladewater to flourish. Strangely, with all sides at an impasse, heritage and fear are the driving preventative agents. In local political arenas of school and city, a generation of emerging leaders with new ideas and new foundations are squelched by older fear-bearing authoritarians. Long past are the days of the United Way funding these programs, for Gladewater’s propensity to give generously plummets yearly. But God is working through this new leadership in our community in unconventional ways to transform community. They are the unrecognized parents and the adults/youth willing to volunteer their time and resources to make things happen. They are the service-oriented members of the community willing to give with no receipt of award, medal or trophy. They are the bi-vocational pastors and lay people with commitment to serve God beyond salary. They are individuals or common partnerships tired of a system of organization that feeds the egos of the elected politicos and going beyond measure to see that God’s redemptive plan is carried to all including the power hungry. Yet, these are individuals that are in positions of weakness. These heroes of my town allow their hearts to shape their ministry and God to set the agenda of passion for serving others. Their approach to success or failure is regulated by their stamina of volunteerism, provisional resource base and their attitude to conform to drive change forward.

​My excursion is a unique one into the depths of searching for God. My instilled compassion and activism for the unfortunate and weary has always been a driving factor of my service to God’s Kingdom, but I have been weakened in my attempts by arrogant family pride and communal stigma attachment of helping the hurting and denied. My work with this MAGL** program has been an educational eye-opener to what and why I have always been trying to accomplish. This exegesis project will provide me the determination that if “big cities can change then small communities can likewise.” In my context to ministry, envisioning the “what” is often dreaming, but Living Hope Fellowship can begin the faith journey of offering the Word of God to others in their native language. Fortunately, the MAGL program connections with fellow colleagues are linking us with personnel to accomplish these tasks. We will soon be speaking to a Spanish-speaking pastor about coming to LHF. As for me, I find God by crossing the line from ordinary to the uncommon, usually not with the status quo. There is great potential in my environment to seek the exceptional means of finding God. Just seek between the lines!

*Miss Katherine & Miss Earnestine are volunteers with the group Caring Hearts, a local community outreach in Gladewater.

**MAGL refers to the Masters in Global Leadership Program at Fuller Seminiary.

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administrative Pastor at LHF, and is currently studying online for his MAGL at Fuller Seminary.

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 10 (Last Day)

Last Day of Master of Arts in Global Leadership, Cohort Sequence
Worship: Anointing with oil and Sending Forth

When is the right time to develop leaders?
Recommend a Book: Leadership Jazz---book
What do I think leadership is in my context?
What is my definition of leadership?
“Leadership is the process of aligning abilities of all areas to produce a common desired result of influence.” Influence!
Ephesians 4:11-13
New International Version (NIV)
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Leadership is embedded in my community.
Equip, prepare, order, confirm are all descriptions of the action involved with leadership
Book recommendation: The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson
[4] “Jesus as the truth gets far more attention than Jesus as the way.”
[:1]
In what ways do you experience our culture as impersonal as opposed to personal?
[:22] to follow Jesus means that we can’t separate what Jesus is saying from what Jesus is doing and the way he is doing it.
[:30] the devil is content to leave the matter of ends…uncontested. His tempting is devoted exclusively to ways…
What are the implications to my ministry?
Book recommendation: Deep Mentoring by Randy Reese

So what? What does this program mean to me?
I believe that God has spoken to me through this week in a way of better understanding the need I have in adapting to various changes that constantly pass through my ministry and helped me to focus my leadership skills in ways to clarity and resolve. A theology of exploration is a way of viewing the BIGNESS of God with no limitations and to inspire new leadership to think through visional eyes and be strong enough to overcome diversity and recognize fruitfulness.
H healing by the Holy Spirit
O obedience to Jesus, living in the midst of God
P presence
E equals hope in the mission of God, Missio Dei
Class Book Review: Exiles by Michael Frost
Hold fast to most dangerous hope filled stories and memories
Exodus: God sets the Israelites free from Egypt, a seditious story
-Gospel stories of Jesus…..dangerous memories
Church: smallboatbigsea in Manly, Australia
Thesis is that in post-Christendom, the biblical metaphor most applicable is that of the exile:
Chapters: dangerous memories, dangerous promises, dangerous criticisms, dangerous songs
Memories:
[:10] recollections of the promises made by Jesus and his daring agenda for human society.
Promises:
We will: Be authentic, serve a cause greater than ourselves, create missional community, be generous and practice hospitality, will work righteously.
Criticisms:
Exiles must practice critical distance from their context. [:18]
Religious critique
Political critique
You have been an unjust empire!
You have not cared for God’s creation!
You have not protected God’s children!
Songs: What does corporate worship look like?
Communal: everyone is involved
Contextual: it has been a style that naturally reflects the lifestyles, rhythms and interest of the surrounding culture.
Ambient: multi-sensory, uses visual art, music that sets the mood
Ritualized: ancient, rituals, labyrinths
Spirit-filled singing: songs that are God, not self, directed
Worship is bigger than corporate singing; it is a life that pleases God.
The whole of our lives can be God-glorifying

Learning Task
What is one area of your ministry where you are functioning under the Christendom paradigm?
What is one thing that you could change about your current ministry context to make it more in line with the exile paradigm?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Whenever there are 16 people from throughout the world gathered together within the same framework and context of ministry, you know that God is involved in what you are doing.
Most likely, I will never see these same Christian brothers and sisters again on this side of heaven; but rest assured we will have a grand reunion on that side of heaven. As we individually drifted away from our time together, many tears of joy and sadness streamed from my face and heart. They have been on the journey with me for over 18 months and we have bonded and contemplated the same mysteries of the Gospel. In life, we all have our assignment in one way or another from God. Most of us recognize it, some ignore and others are stranded in self-denial. I blessed each brother and sister in Christ to go their separate way to do their separate calling from God. My heart is sad, but my spirit is rejoicing that I have been called to be a part of something eternal. I am blessed by being with them.
Those that have followed me along my path these two weeks, I hope that you will make contact with me and share some of your contexts of ministry and devotion to God. I look forward to hearing from you. ben@livinghope4etexas.com
See you on the journey,
Brother Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF.

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Weekend and Day 6

This weekend was an awesome experience. I rented a car and drove all around the Los Angeles area. I visited downtown LA and the west side including Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
No doubt this is a beautiful place that God has created but I couldn't stop thinking about consumerism, commercialism, exploitation, idealisms and hurting that is visible to the naked eye. This is Culture World USA and much of what we do, say, watch, act and respond is associated with and connected to this area. You know....I wondered quite often in the midst of things, where is God in all of this? Is He at work in the world in Los Angeles, Burbank, Orange County, Saddleback....GLADEWATER? What if we bought into the "Jesus thing" as well as we buy into the latest fads and fashions? Could we transform little ol' Gladewater? What if other churches just came up beside us and we worked together instead of competing against each other? Lots of questions. If you have answers, let me know or call collect!

In a sad note, I was in Beverly Hills when Whitney Houston's story surfaced. Even sadder were the thrill seekers that arrived on the spot just after they announced her demise. It was a feeding frenzy. I was saddened by humanity.

On a happier note, I was able to go to the Saddleback Church to hear Pastor Rick Warren preach and attend their service. He is the author and presenter of the program "40 Days of Purpose" that we are studying and involved with at LHF. I am bringing home many ideas from their church to throw at you for our context of their ministry ideas. Be ready!

This weeks course deals with Global Leadership Implications to Ministry. It is the first half of the course. The second half will be building a plan of action for myself with implications to LHF. Here are some of the notes from today's lecture that are relevant to LHF:

Major trends in global ministry:
1. Globalization
2. Shifting of global economic and political powers (Zakharia 2010:_______)
3. Technological innovation
4. Changing World demographics
A. worldwide migration
B. growing urban population (Viv Grigg:______________)
C. growing youth population
5. Climate of post-modernity (How can we reconcile the presence of evil with absolute goodness?)
6. Climate of “religious pluralism” and “secularism” (Acts 4:10-12)
7. The Gospel from everywhere to everyone


Which one resonates in my context (LHF)?

Which one word stands for my context?
Experience, Authenticity, Dialogue, Community, Tangible, Adapting [Email me back and tell me which one you would choose.]

What is urgent? Make disciples----how can we get leaders in place? Can they see authenticity in their life? How do you do discipleship to post-moderns?
RELATIONSHIP

There is no “one-way” to lead in terms of global leadership. It’s not easy.

So, what’s unique in my context?

Church Unique by Will Mancini
--we are unique in our context
--a church should focus on developing strengths rather than enhancing limitations
--vision needs to be a lifestyle
--discover your kingdom concept
--develop your concept
--Distinction between “talking about the organization to the people” and “talking to people about the organization.” [:20]
[:47] invest in the values not the method
[:53] leader’s role requires stewarding…draw attention to this uniqueness
[:84] ascertaining the Kingdom concept
local predicament
apostolic esprit
collective potential
[:197-198] vision advancement
[:208] don’t align hearts but attuned their hearts
[:233] Integration Model

I don't expect each of you to understand all of my note taking, but if you can just "take-away" one thing: RELATIONSHIP is the key to vision success.
I will be praying for LHF to encounter such a spirit of enthusiasm...I can already see God's hand at work in much of what is happening now at LHF.

See you on the journey,
Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 5

We concluded the final day of this class with the last few verses of Haggai 2:20-23, The Problem of Power.

Are you facing a work situation in which you feel inadequate or afraid? Perhaps this was the consensus of Haggai. If we allow ourselves the value that God places on us
as His children then we are:
-overwhelmed with extreme confidence, and
-we recognize the affirmation as in scripture, "I have chosen you!"

Receiving God's empowerment means...that we shall be convicted that God is greater than all the obstacles we face.

Verse 23 provides us with a glimpse of our identity formation. It provides the "Who we are" and the "whose we are."
-"I will take you...I will make you like my signet ring."
-"I have chosen you...my servant."

Who we believe God to be
determines
Who we become
determines
Who we think others are
determines
What we do...How we live...
What we live for...Why we do stuff.

I hope that you join me in a reflection time asking these questions:
-God, who are you...to me?
-What are the assumptions I take for granted about myself?
-God what do you want to tell me?

The morning on Friday was a wrap-up of the entire week where we make this conclusion:
The church is the social movement of the Spirit for the sake of the Kingdom.

It is my hope that as I have been able to share this week with you each these ideas of organizational dynamics and structure,
that you will witness Living Hope Fellowship to grow stronger in its leadership and empowerment of others for Christ.

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF.

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 4

Today began with the continuation of the passage and readings from the Book of Haggai. In our verses today, Haggai 2:10-19, the prophet speaks about connecting life and ministry. It is deeply rooted in the text and it took me four time of reading and concentrating to understand the implications it may have to my life and LHF.

Haggai:
-makes clear the message of hope,
-shows the line of distinction where God affirms that the activities of the Temple will not cleanup sin; only repentance and obedience,
-purveys to us as modern-day Christians a message that in applying this passage, if we harbor wrong feelings, sins, or connecting with sinful people, we will be contaminated [vs 11-15],
-implies that of holy living, discipled living is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
-warns us of the lack of personal and corporate purity seriously affects the progress of the church's work.

The people only called upon God for their comfort. Sometimes that is our own method of operation, too.
Haggai concludes that:
-disobedience renders even sacrificial worship unacceptable.
-we must allow at all cost for God to be sovereign in our life,
-and God doesn't overlook internal impurity even when there is outward ministry success.

With this basis, we discussed, listened and achieved a full understanding of emotional intelligence in our studies today. What does that mean? Emotional Intelligence
moves us to pursue goals, fuels or sustains motivation, drives or colors our perception of reality and events, and shapes and directs our actions.

It doesn't mean being nicer;
It doesn't mean being more or less emotional;
But EI uses the awareness of one's own emotions and others emotions,
to build healthy relations and to serve and lead more effectively.

There are two reasons for leadership failure:
-an inability to manage relationships well and
-an inability to implement change successfully.

Stop and think about yourself. That's what I did today and came away with some new insights into my emotional behavior.
Have you ever:
-demonstrated anger that didn't make sense to you?
-been unable to express what you had to say?
-felt like the other person wasn't really there?
-been unable to listen attentively because of your mood?

Man, that really says a lot to me about the way that my emotional behavior and the way I am "wired."
Along with the identity of this emotional intelligence came the comprehensive learning of the way to work through this and achieve optimum relational management.

Today was definitely a hard day. I thank Brother Dean and Brother Ellis for their prayers of support and strength for allowing me the educational opportunity to achieve my desired goal.

Tomorrow is a half day, but I will be reporting the conclusion of this class.

I look forward to being with each of you on Feb. 19 as I preach the 2nd point in our Purpose-Driven Life Series, FELLOWSHIP.

See you on the journey,
Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF.