IHA and ADH
IHA
INCARNATIONAL An incarnational community cooperatively goes into cultures that already exist, and become like them to reach them. They believe that God is already present in these cultures and therefore, their role as missionaries is not to bring God into that group, or take that group out of the culture into a sacred space, but they help others to see how God is already working in and around them in the ordinary as well as the miraculous.
HOLISTIC A holistic community sees God's hand in the ordinary situations of life. They are able to see and understand the prevenient grace of God at work in places that have not been reached by the church. Rather than relying on programs and services to proclaim the gospel, they are able to show the gospel lived out in their ordinary lives and in ordinary situations. People then see a spirituality that is holistic, meaningful, and relevant to their yearnings for an almighty God that meets them where they are at and a church that meets them in the same way- where they are, as they are.
APOSTOLIC An apostolic community recognizes the responsibility that each believer has been given to play a role in the kingdom. Each member is a leader. As each member is living by the two-fold practice of LISTEN & OBEY, they are simultaneously learning how to feed themselves spiritually and be accountable and communal. They therefore, become less reliant on community for spiritual nourishment, while choosing to be involved in community out of obedience, love, accountability, friendship, worship, wisdom, and co-labor-ship. The apostolic community typically shares a common set of "missionary practices." These are spiritual disciplines that provide common ground for the community as well as a means for the members of the community to LISTEN & OBEY. As the members of the community gather, these lifestyle disciplines provide an informal liturgy for the community, with much to share, and much reason to worship the Lord together.
ADH
ATTRACTIONAL An attractional organization seeks to create a spiritually comfortable and sanctified place within a culture that can serve as it's community's hub. They then attempt to invite people into this space, with the hopes of extracting them out of their old community and transplanting them into the new christian community. The focus is on providing alternative 3rd places so that people can meet new friends, and find new clubs, and new activities to be involved with during the week. This type of organization is also sometimes referred to as "EXTRACTIONAL."
DUALISTIC A dualistic paradigm sees the world as divided between the sacred and the ordinary. Although God is in both places, we are expected to encounter him more fully and deeply in the sacred spaces than in the ordinary. This is because sacred spaces are designed for an encounter with God. Through the use of architecture, lighting, artwork, alters, ceremonies, music, etc... these spaces are also protected against unnecessary distractions or possible stumbling blocks that could hinder someone from making a connection with God or with another believer in fellowship.
HIERARCHICAL A hierarchical organization is an organization that is characterized by the separation of clergy and laity. The laity entrust the work of the kingdom to the few qualified leaders, who then provide vision for the laity and the steps necessary to achieve that vision. The clergy (or staff) provide services to the laity which include: the sacred space to meet, a vision for the organization's role in the Kingdom, teaching (in the form of a sunday message, and often classes offered during the week), small group coordination and management, mission trips, counseling, etc...
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
I recently attended a local Acts 29 workshop for Pastors and church planters. The guest speaker was a guy by the name of Jonathon Dodson. He was a very intelligent dude in his 30's, who brought a huge amount of info to the thirty men sitting. I was able to take some notes and have decided to post his outline while I await the MP3.
The premise (for those in attendance) was to "deconstruct' the way we think and/or do church.
I. Missional Church
What is it?
-Not a church with a mission
All churches have a mission i.e. doctrine, social
A missional church is a church AS a mission, not a church WITH a mission.
So then we must make a conceptual shift between old church and missional church
Vocation
Church WITH a Mission
•what you do
•extraordinary (elitist)
•project forums - event driven
Natural
Church As a mission
•who you are
•optional • essential core
ordinary people
people focus (disciple)
Three things need to happen for shift
•correctional (head)
•practical reorient life back into mission
•effectual
This is not a dichotomy!
Missio dei means the God sender. Mission is an attribute of God, and is not something God does! We must have a better understanding of theology proper. If you want to have a church you must start right now!
Three ways not to be missional
•event driven (consumeristic)
•evangelism driven (soul winning at expense of social renewal)
This has also become answer driven; right spiritual answer, ticket to glory. The right answer does not mean salvation; believing right fact, brings no discernable evidence
• social driven
Missiology syncretized
Syncretistic missiology
•institutional church- forced
•intuitive missional church - natural
Gives example of "gospel conversion" using Colossians 1:3 as proof text.
•Christ
•church
•mission
When planting, you actually don't launch a church, you really launch a service, because doing church as a mission means you are the church already doing the church work in the context of your own life.
You cannot be missional inviting people to hear a sermon 1.5 hrs per week
Quote- 'You are saved into full time ministry, not to go into ministry" Jonathon Dodson
(At this point he gives an example of communal commands. Not necessary to publish this ex.)
Session II.
institutional
pulpit- (all you know)
adopts programs of mission
intuitive missional not rely on teaching preaching alone
repent of old stuff
create a culture of prayer
discern missional leadership patterns bible
Finally, ends session talking about ways to be intuitive in your descriptions of sin and the need for repentance as it relates to our post mod culture.
Quote- ''biblical exegesis is like underwear, it holds everything up"
'' people will complain because their idols are being removed"
(on implementing Missional concept in your church)
I asked who his mentors were? He responds by asking, dead or alive? I say, both.
•John Piper
•Tim Chester
•Abraham Kiper
Recommended Books
•You can change by Tim Chester
•Future of faith by Harvey Hex
•Praying life by Paul Miller
The premise (for those in attendance) was to "deconstruct' the way we think and/or do church.
I. Missional Church
What is it?
-Not a church with a mission
All churches have a mission i.e. doctrine, social
A missional church is a church AS a mission, not a church WITH a mission.
So then we must make a conceptual shift between old church and missional church
Vocation
Church WITH a Mission
•what you do
•extraordinary (elitist)
•project forums - event driven
Natural
Church As a mission
•who you are
•optional • essential core
ordinary people
people focus (disciple)
Three things need to happen for shift
•correctional (head)
•practical reorient life back into mission
•effectual
This is not a dichotomy!
Missio dei means the God sender. Mission is an attribute of God, and is not something God does! We must have a better understanding of theology proper. If you want to have a church you must start right now!
Three ways not to be missional
•event driven (consumeristic)
•evangelism driven (soul winning at expense of social renewal)
This has also become answer driven; right spiritual answer, ticket to glory. The right answer does not mean salvation; believing right fact, brings no discernable evidence
• social driven
Missiology syncretized
Syncretistic missiology
•institutional church- forced
•intuitive missional church - natural
Gives example of "gospel conversion" using Colossians 1:3 as proof text.
•Christ
•church
•mission
When planting, you actually don't launch a church, you really launch a service, because doing church as a mission means you are the church already doing the church work in the context of your own life.
You cannot be missional inviting people to hear a sermon 1.5 hrs per week
Quote- 'You are saved into full time ministry, not to go into ministry" Jonathon Dodson
(At this point he gives an example of communal commands. Not necessary to publish this ex.)
Session II.
institutional
pulpit- (all you know)
adopts programs of mission
intuitive missional not rely on teaching preaching alone
repent of old stuff
create a culture of prayer
discern missional leadership patterns bible
Finally, ends session talking about ways to be intuitive in your descriptions of sin and the need for repentance as it relates to our post mod culture.
Quote- ''biblical exegesis is like underwear, it holds everything up"
'' people will complain because their idols are being removed"
(on implementing Missional concept in your church)
I asked who his mentors were? He responds by asking, dead or alive? I say, both.
•John Piper
•Tim Chester
•Abraham Kiper
Recommended Books
•You can change by Tim Chester
•Future of faith by Harvey Hex
•Praying life by Paul Miller
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Evening Prayer
I pray tonight, for all those sorts and conditions of men to whom Jesus gave special thought and care;
For those lacking food or drink or raiment (clothing),
For the sick and all who are wasted by disease,
For the blind,
For the maimed and lame,
For lepers,
For prisoners,
For those oppressed by an injustice,
For the lost sheep of our human society,
For fallen women,
For all lonely strangers within our gates,
For the worried and anxious,
For those who are living faithful lives in obscurity,
For those who are fighting bravely in unpopular causes,
For all whoa re laboring diligently in Your vineyard.
Grant, O Father, that Your loving kindness in causing my own lines to fall in pleasant places may not make me less sensitive to the needs of others less privileged, but rather more incline me to lay their burdens upon my own heart. And if any adversity should befall myself, then let me not brood upon my own sorrows, as if I alone in the world were suffering, but rather let me busy myself in the compassionate service of all who need my help. Thus let the power of my Lord Christ be strong within me and His peace invade my spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer from A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie, 1949
For those lacking food or drink or raiment (clothing),
For the sick and all who are wasted by disease,
For the blind,
For the maimed and lame,
For lepers,
For prisoners,
For those oppressed by an injustice,
For the lost sheep of our human society,
For fallen women,
For all lonely strangers within our gates,
For the worried and anxious,
For those who are living faithful lives in obscurity,
For those who are fighting bravely in unpopular causes,
For all whoa re laboring diligently in Your vineyard.
Grant, O Father, that Your loving kindness in causing my own lines to fall in pleasant places may not make me less sensitive to the needs of others less privileged, but rather more incline me to lay their burdens upon my own heart. And if any adversity should befall myself, then let me not brood upon my own sorrows, as if I alone in the world were suffering, but rather let me busy myself in the compassionate service of all who need my help. Thus let the power of my Lord Christ be strong within me and His peace invade my spirit. Amen
Evening Prayer from A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie, 1949
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Litany of Humility
Oh Jesus meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Written by Rafael Cardinal Merry Del Val
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Written by Rafael Cardinal Merry Del Val
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Another beggar illustration Acts 3
I am amazed once again this week as I study yet another account of God's providential hand on the life of a single beggar.
This week our text lays out a perfect illustration of the mercy, purpose and most importantly, the supremacy of God over all things. Even a debilitating disease such as lameness.
What fascinates me about this passage is that if we would be honest with ourselves we should be willing to admit that we are truly no different than this beggar sitting at the gate beautiful.
So many times in life’s journey we find ourselves desperate for God. There are points where I have discovered an endless sense of frustration and hopelessness unless Christ be not for me.
The thought of never being able to contribute to God's Kingdom due to past mistakes is a killer. Then we know there are many a people struggling with guilt and shame.
Perhaps you find yourself in a situation that is to secretive to announce, lest everything around you fall apart? Or maybe the marriage that has consumed your entire life has only become worse as the years press on and you feel stuck without hope?
Just maybe you are one with a disease and you're having to hold on to family and friends and to whatever shimmer of hope someone has given you?
Think with me a moment..
Was this beggars inability to help feed himself, or work and contribute to society out of God's sovereign control? Did this beggar somehow find himself off heavens radar for 40 years to just now be noticed?
God had a plan for him though it never ever seemed to have come to pass, until suddenly on a normal day of begging, God showed up.
We see several elements of the healing here that we can apply to our spiritual, emotional and physical infirmities and afflictions.
First, he had to be broken and humble. Next, he needed to be a willing participant to God's moving.(some of us find ourselves bitter or angry and resentful and unfortunately we will remain as we are with no hope in sight)
Then this beggar needed to look with expectancy, and finally, he needed to appropriate a measure of faith given to him from God to obey the Apostles orders to take hold of, and to rise.
(Never exercising muscles you have not used for years or even know about takes a tremendous amount of determination and trust in God.)
The result- he leaped up for joy and shouted praises to God! He became free and liberated.
If you are in a position of being pressed down hard upon the floor of your circumstance, show some contrition before God. Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.
Just as He did for this beggar...so He shall do for you.
Do you believe this?
This week our text lays out a perfect illustration of the mercy, purpose and most importantly, the supremacy of God over all things. Even a debilitating disease such as lameness.
What fascinates me about this passage is that if we would be honest with ourselves we should be willing to admit that we are truly no different than this beggar sitting at the gate beautiful.
So many times in life’s journey we find ourselves desperate for God. There are points where I have discovered an endless sense of frustration and hopelessness unless Christ be not for me.
The thought of never being able to contribute to God's Kingdom due to past mistakes is a killer. Then we know there are many a people struggling with guilt and shame.
Perhaps you find yourself in a situation that is to secretive to announce, lest everything around you fall apart? Or maybe the marriage that has consumed your entire life has only become worse as the years press on and you feel stuck without hope?
Just maybe you are one with a disease and you're having to hold on to family and friends and to whatever shimmer of hope someone has given you?
Think with me a moment..
Was this beggars inability to help feed himself, or work and contribute to society out of God's sovereign control? Did this beggar somehow find himself off heavens radar for 40 years to just now be noticed?
God had a plan for him though it never ever seemed to have come to pass, until suddenly on a normal day of begging, God showed up.
We see several elements of the healing here that we can apply to our spiritual, emotional and physical infirmities and afflictions.
First, he had to be broken and humble. Next, he needed to be a willing participant to God's moving.(some of us find ourselves bitter or angry and resentful and unfortunately we will remain as we are with no hope in sight)
Then this beggar needed to look with expectancy, and finally, he needed to appropriate a measure of faith given to him from God to obey the Apostles orders to take hold of, and to rise.
(Never exercising muscles you have not used for years or even know about takes a tremendous amount of determination and trust in God.)
The result- he leaped up for joy and shouted praises to God! He became free and liberated.
If you are in a position of being pressed down hard upon the floor of your circumstance, show some contrition before God. Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.
Just as He did for this beggar...so He shall do for you.
Do you believe this?
Monday, May 24, 2010
A firm grip (1 thess 3:8)
So often life seems to be like an ocean of perpetual trouble. Wave after wave and swell after swell all amounts to a persistent hardship. As the trials and temptations come, we always find ourselves within a heartbeat or two of either victory or defeat.
If you are like me you have asked God on a number of occasions- why all the tests? I have even answered my own question with; because you are such a sinner, that’s why! As if this is to bring any comfort to my situation, right?
We know however that God is good, and that there is nothing He will withhold from those who walk uprightly. Even the super saints better known as the Apostles had difficulties. This should be a great comfort to us in whatever we face today.
In the text before us, we read that the afflictions pressed so gravely against the Apostles and their companions that life became grievous. Satan hindered their work, all the while men scourge and beat them for the good news. What a day job, huh?
In suffering, we tend to hold on to any type of good news, especially when it comes as a result from the cause of our suffering.
Such was the case with Paul and the believers in Thessalonica.
Paul had sent Timothy to them only to find out that they were holding firm to their faith. This good news seemed to overshadow Paul’s dark imprisonment.
Nothing hurts the inner man more deeply then hearing that one of our brothers or sisters have given up on the race and have turned their backs on Christ. However, nothing brings more joy to our weary heart knowing that our brothers and sisters whom we may have lost contact with over time are still running, enduring and trusting. This makes our joy complete.
Standing firm in our faith can only be attributed to persevering in the effectual call provided by the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, we have personal responsibility to follow hard, and to abide. Ask God to strengthen your grip today.
If you are like me you have asked God on a number of occasions- why all the tests? I have even answered my own question with; because you are such a sinner, that’s why! As if this is to bring any comfort to my situation, right?
We know however that God is good, and that there is nothing He will withhold from those who walk uprightly. Even the super saints better known as the Apostles had difficulties. This should be a great comfort to us in whatever we face today.
In the text before us, we read that the afflictions pressed so gravely against the Apostles and their companions that life became grievous. Satan hindered their work, all the while men scourge and beat them for the good news. What a day job, huh?
In suffering, we tend to hold on to any type of good news, especially when it comes as a result from the cause of our suffering.
Such was the case with Paul and the believers in Thessalonica.
Paul had sent Timothy to them only to find out that they were holding firm to their faith. This good news seemed to overshadow Paul’s dark imprisonment.
Nothing hurts the inner man more deeply then hearing that one of our brothers or sisters have given up on the race and have turned their backs on Christ. However, nothing brings more joy to our weary heart knowing that our brothers and sisters whom we may have lost contact with over time are still running, enduring and trusting. This makes our joy complete.
Standing firm in our faith can only be attributed to persevering in the effectual call provided by the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, we have personal responsibility to follow hard, and to abide. Ask God to strengthen your grip today.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Tap In
We exit 1 Thess. two with one last thought found in V.13.
When the true believers recieved the Word of God as truth and not from man, it found it's way into their heart only to work it's self out powerfully.
There is a lot nonsense in the world today.It would be hard pressed to number all of the philosophies, ideal's, and religions that dominate societies culture. It is almost as if the world is spinning in circles with so many belief systems, all of which point a way to some form of life or tranquility, or promise.
The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3 that God has placed eternity into the hearts of man. This explains that man's great search began from the point of conception.
One man once said that every road leads to God, but only one road leads to heaven.
The Apostles had truth. The Apostles spoke truth, and desired only to be pleasing to God while doing so. Thankfully, the truth prevailed powerfully into the hearts that would recieve it, but not to everyone.
When one believes in the inspired Word of God, they become infused with the knowledge of truth, then powerfully transformed into the image of God through a process called sanctification. The truth of God is the cause for the transformation, and, one cannot not bear fruit if undertaken by it's power.
Seek to tap into Gods Word today and allow it to drive you into His presence. At that very moment you will find, like the believers in Thessalonica, a powerful transforming process begin in your heart, that will never dissappoint.
Tap In...
When the true believers recieved the Word of God as truth and not from man, it found it's way into their heart only to work it's self out powerfully.
There is a lot nonsense in the world today.It would be hard pressed to number all of the philosophies, ideal's, and religions that dominate societies culture. It is almost as if the world is spinning in circles with so many belief systems, all of which point a way to some form of life or tranquility, or promise.
The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3 that God has placed eternity into the hearts of man. This explains that man's great search began from the point of conception.
One man once said that every road leads to God, but only one road leads to heaven.
The Apostles had truth. The Apostles spoke truth, and desired only to be pleasing to God while doing so. Thankfully, the truth prevailed powerfully into the hearts that would recieve it, but not to everyone.
When one believes in the inspired Word of God, they become infused with the knowledge of truth, then powerfully transformed into the image of God through a process called sanctification. The truth of God is the cause for the transformation, and, one cannot not bear fruit if undertaken by it's power.
Seek to tap into Gods Word today and allow it to drive you into His presence. At that very moment you will find, like the believers in Thessalonica, a powerful transforming process begin in your heart, that will never dissappoint.
Tap In...
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