While the Dones are not going back to the institutional church no matter how much it is “tweaked”, most of them have not abandoned God. In fact, some say that they have left “the church” to preserve their faith. And, the kind of church they are interested in looks surprisingly like the church portrayed in the book of Acts. Here are some of the characteristics of that church…
Here’s the big idea… Jesus, who Himself is the Good Shepherd (Jn. 10:11), was broken hearted over the unshepherded people. From this heart flowed a passionate and laser-focused strategy for the rapid and massive multiplication of quality shepherds.
In understanding Paul’s relationship with these people in Philippi (10:2b answers), I want you to focus on the fact that they occupied a place in his heart. They were not a task, they were not part of a program. They resided in the deepest part of Paul.
“…the choice of the gathering place was formational for the self-understanding and the organizational structures of the individual churches to such an extent that the ancient oikos can be seen as the formational model for ecclesiology.” Gehring, P. 255.
Feel free to email any questions to me (John White at john.lk@gmail.com) or the LK10 Board. LK10 Monthly Budget (Approved by Board on 7/8/2015) John
So, look for apostles disguised as ordinary men and women. (Many of these people may not even realize that they have an apostolic calling!) Ask big and look for a large number of apostles in your region or people group. And, look for different kinds of apostles. Each one will have their own distinct calling. And, many of them will need help from you to be clear about this.
Instead of investing in church buildings, church programs and church staffs, believers will need to see the value of investing in those who are called to begin and nurture church planting movements. This thoroughly Biblical concept must be once again understood, taught and practiced by the church. Let’s invest the next $500,000,000,000 the way Scripture directs us to!
There are some who say that the primary focus of church planting should be among the lost, those who don’t yet know Jesus. We strongly disagree with this. While it is a great thing to plant churches among the lost, we think it is also both valid and important to join Jesus in birthing house churches among those who are already followers of Jesus.
When I am praying Lk 10:2b, one type of “harvest worker” that I am asking for and looking for is a “person(s) of peace”. A household where the shalom of God has already been at work preveniently (look it up!). They may or may not currently be followers of Jesus. But, when they hear that “the Kingdom of God is near you” (Lk 10:9), they respond with great joy and welcome the King into their home. That home becomes a base of operations for the Kingdom in that neighborhood or people group. That person (or persons) becomes the leader (spiritual parent) of the new church.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE LK10 BOARD Dr. Kent Smith is a professor at the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University and is one of the
We’d love to hear from you. Our staff try to reply to messages within 2 business days (but usually much faster)!
Cultivate consistent connection with Jesus in community (without having to figure it all out). Order the book today.
