One of the realities of virtually any small group is that you have some people who are more verbal and some that are less. God seems to have created us in such a way that some people process things internally without speaking, and some process externally through speaking. If balanced properly this can work out but in practice the more verbal ones dominate the group and the less verbal ones say little, if anything. This presents a serious problem for the group. If the more verbal ones cannot be persuaded to restrain themselves they will kill the group, as people drop out. If the less verbal ones are not encouraged to speak, the group will lose what God may have contributed through them. Unfortunately the habits of decades are not easily broken. A wise individual will do his best to encourage the less verbal, and slow down the more verbal. Sadly, the leader is usually the most talkative, exacerbating the problem.
Am living through my third illness of the year, with four months to go. As I have remarked in the past, our present bodies are not meant to last, but for those who have truly placed their trust in Christ for salvation, new bodies are on the way. (1 Corinthians 15: 35-57)
God has blessed me with a room in the section of Boston that He had said I should live, and I intend to move in on the 1st. Thank you, Jesus, for your faithfulness.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Equipping Teams
The Lord Jesus has given me a vision for teams of people, with various giftings, traveling throughout the New England region. I base this on the following passage from Ephesians 4.
“And he (Jesus) gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” (Ephesians 4:11-14 ESV) The key word “until” indicates that these gifts must function until these things are accomplished. Modern day apostles (as distinct from the original company from whom the NT came) must be itinerant in nature in order to plant churches. (1 Cor. 9:2) This suggests that the other gifts are itinerant also.
These teams should be led by those with apostolic and prophetic gifts. Why? “God has appointed first in the church apostles, second prophets, third teachers.” (1 Cor. 12:28 ESV) The church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20 ESV) Most of the regular churches and house churches are led by those with shepherd/teacher giftings, which inevitably results in an inward focus that does not impact the perishing for the Kingdom of God. Apostles, prophets and evangelists look outward- to expand the Kingdom.
The need for equippers is acute. I weep when I hear people who have followed Christ for many years say that they don't know how to share their faith, or are afraid to do so. The Body of Christ needs evangelists to train people how to do this. I pray for God to identify and raise up those who will minister regionally, nationally and throughout the world.
“And he (Jesus) gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” (Ephesians 4:11-14 ESV) The key word “until” indicates that these gifts must function until these things are accomplished. Modern day apostles (as distinct from the original company from whom the NT came) must be itinerant in nature in order to plant churches. (1 Cor. 9:2) This suggests that the other gifts are itinerant also.
These teams should be led by those with apostolic and prophetic gifts. Why? “God has appointed first in the church apostles, second prophets, third teachers.” (1 Cor. 12:28 ESV) The church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20 ESV) Most of the regular churches and house churches are led by those with shepherd/teacher giftings, which inevitably results in an inward focus that does not impact the perishing for the Kingdom of God. Apostles, prophets and evangelists look outward- to expand the Kingdom.
The need for equippers is acute. I weep when I hear people who have followed Christ for many years say that they don't know how to share their faith, or are afraid to do so. The Body of Christ needs evangelists to train people how to do this. I pray for God to identify and raise up those who will minister regionally, nationally and throughout the world.
Visiting in R. I. & Quincy
God continues to bless me with the opportunity to visit brethren meeting in homes. Sunday morning I trekked to Rhode Island, through steady rain, to visit John & Cindy and the saints who gather at their home. When I was there last summer, a young woman named Shannon visited, en route to Berlin, where she planned to serve as a missionary with a campus ministry. Neither she nor I had visited in the interim. in God's timing she appeared again yesterday. She is a bubbly, fervent believer who, unlike most of her team, has committed to a second year in Germany. I shared on the theme of honor, and we enjoyed food and fellowship together. Cindy gave me a book by a man named Francis Chan ( Crazy Love) who seems to be taking the mega church he pastors down a house church path.
Traveled thru more rain to a group in Quincy, MA which I had not previously visited, although I had met some of the people. They are a younger group, with strong singing voices, most of whom went to school in Arkansas before moving to Boston to minister the gospel. A brother named Chris shared a well thought out and planned study on the theme of brokenness, using the Sermon on the Mount as his text. They are very open to connecting with the group in E. Cambridge. Drove home thru more rain to my temporary residence. Please pray that God will provide lodging for me in E. Boston.
Traveled thru more rain to a group in Quincy, MA which I had not previously visited, although I had met some of the people. They are a younger group, with strong singing voices, most of whom went to school in Arkansas before moving to Boston to minister the gospel. A brother named Chris shared a well thought out and planned study on the theme of brokenness, using the Sermon on the Mount as his text. They are very open to connecting with the group in E. Cambridge. Drove home thru more rain to my temporary residence. Please pray that God will provide lodging for me in E. Boston.
Computer Problems
Those of you who have read my blog for awhile know that i am a graduate of Techno Dunce University. I have tried to post a blog entry all this week. Last wednesday I met with John & Bruce, two brothers with strategic vision, who are catalytic for this area & the world. It was a privilege to connect them together, the beginning of what I trust will be a fruitful relationship for the Kingdom of God. On Friday I got together with my friend Josh. God is preparing him for abundant fruitfulness in Him. I thank God for our relationship as he & his wife prepare to go to Asia for three weeks.
Most of this last week has been spent in preparing for M. T.'s wedding, culminating in our celebrating on Saturday. I had no idea how much work this would involve, including memorizing the wedding ceremony & reciting it about seventy times beforehand. But God was glorified as we prayed together, gave a brief message about His perspective on marriage, and celebrated with Him.
As I have said numerous times 99% of our time, money and energy goes into a ceremony and a reception, that while unique, will only last a few hours. Virtually no time, money or energy goes into preparing people to live for a lifetime in a God honoring way. Just about anyone can speak vows and plan a party. Far too few come to the end of their time on earth married to the same person, and having fulfilled the Ephesians 5 desire to have their relationship reflect that between Christ and the church.
Most of this last week has been spent in preparing for M. T.'s wedding, culminating in our celebrating on Saturday. I had no idea how much work this would involve, including memorizing the wedding ceremony & reciting it about seventy times beforehand. But God was glorified as we prayed together, gave a brief message about His perspective on marriage, and celebrated with Him.
As I have said numerous times 99% of our time, money and energy goes into a ceremony and a reception, that while unique, will only last a few hours. Virtually no time, money or energy goes into preparing people to live for a lifetime in a God honoring way. Just about anyone can speak vows and plan a party. Far too few come to the end of their time on earth married to the same person, and having fulfilled the Ephesians 5 desire to have their relationship reflect that between Christ and the church.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Equipping Teams
The Lord has given me a vision for small teams of people, with various giftings, traveling at least regionally to encourage the saints.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Trigger words etc.
As I continue to interact with people, it seems that we all have "trigger words," ones that set off an adverse reaction in us, usually because of some experience in our past. The problem is that most of these are not readily apparent to the uninitiated speaker using the particular word. If only two people are interacting it seems much more feasible to work through these communication roadblocks; the greater the number the more difficult.
Traditions are another problematic area. When we do things over an extended period of time (generations, centuries) it is almost inevitable that we forget why we do them. Traditions will persist for a time after the reason is lost, eventually they come crashing down. Sadly, oftentimes the original reason that sparked the tradition is a good one.
Today, as i took my walk, I fell in with a man trekking in the same direction. I regret to say that my normal response would be to say hi & good-bye & continue on my way. (My exercising is more important than conversing with him) Today, by the grace of God, I adjusted to his pace, listened to him discourse on woodworking, civic responsibility, and the problems of the woman with whom he lives. As a result I now know his name, his residential & business locations, and can pray for and follow up on him with the hope of introducing him to Christ. We need to see people as the reason why God keeps us here, rather than as interruptions to our plans. I think of the analogy of a retail store whose employees are so busy stocking etc. that they don't respond to customer inquiries.
Traditions are another problematic area. When we do things over an extended period of time (generations, centuries) it is almost inevitable that we forget why we do them. Traditions will persist for a time after the reason is lost, eventually they come crashing down. Sadly, oftentimes the original reason that sparked the tradition is a good one.
Today, as i took my walk, I fell in with a man trekking in the same direction. I regret to say that my normal response would be to say hi & good-bye & continue on my way. (My exercising is more important than conversing with him) Today, by the grace of God, I adjusted to his pace, listened to him discourse on woodworking, civic responsibility, and the problems of the woman with whom he lives. As a result I now know his name, his residential & business locations, and can pray for and follow up on him with the hope of introducing him to Christ. We need to see people as the reason why God keeps us here, rather than as interruptions to our plans. I think of the analogy of a retail store whose employees are so busy stocking etc. that they don't respond to customer inquiries.
Two for One
I have been quite dilatory in posting so will give two for one, the first, more of an itinerary of people visited; the second a few thoughts on themes/questions that have arisen.
On Sunday, August 8th, had the privilege of visiting a group in S. Hadley, an offshoot of a group in Conn. I'm thankful for Wayne & Charlene's faithfulness over many years. Am praying for their group's outreach to the college campus next door. One young couple comes from Pittsfield, where I grew up.
On Wednesday evening had the privilege of dinner at the home of Steve & Donna, a couple I am getting to know. Donna worked very hard to prepare a delicious meal & Steve educated me on the theme of storm chasing. We discussed and prayed for their outreach to people in a housing project in the Worchester area. She has a gift in inspiring worship, and he has a rare serenity exuding from his spirit.
On Thursday visited Ben & Jill & their infant daughter April. Ben has a number of gifts & interests. Am thankful for our time together. That evening met with the support/accountability group- prayed and counseled together. Friday evening had dinner, fellowship & prayer with John, Danielle & their family. What a precious couple in God's sight. John displayed a rare responsiveness that gives me great encouragement for his walk with Christ in the future. We talked over many things, including outreach to his neighbors, with whom he enjoys good relationship.
Saturday spent much of the day driving to & back from the Cape, where we rehearsed M. T. & C's upcoming wedding, a beach affair, which requires me to project much more loudly than I am accustomed to doing. We worked through everything, pausing to ask God's help & grace at one point. Looking forward to celebrating with God on what He has done in bringing them together.
Finally on Sunday, did a doubleheader, visiting with a group in NH in the morning, and with my home HC in E. Cambridge in the evening. I had fellowshipped with the NH group for a full year, some years ago, and it was a particular pleasure to do so again. Kids are growing up, teenagers are becoming young adults, and God is sparking more of an outward focus. Our brother Ross visited as well- a pleasure to see & have interaction with him. Am very encouraged by Kent, Rick & Larissa.
Delighted to worship with the saints in E. Cambridge again. God is faithful & I am delighted that they have thrived in my absence. Thanked them for sending me out, which enabled me to bear fruit in the Kingdom.
On Sunday, August 8th, had the privilege of visiting a group in S. Hadley, an offshoot of a group in Conn. I'm thankful for Wayne & Charlene's faithfulness over many years. Am praying for their group's outreach to the college campus next door. One young couple comes from Pittsfield, where I grew up.
On Wednesday evening had the privilege of dinner at the home of Steve & Donna, a couple I am getting to know. Donna worked very hard to prepare a delicious meal & Steve educated me on the theme of storm chasing. We discussed and prayed for their outreach to people in a housing project in the Worchester area. She has a gift in inspiring worship, and he has a rare serenity exuding from his spirit.
On Thursday visited Ben & Jill & their infant daughter April. Ben has a number of gifts & interests. Am thankful for our time together. That evening met with the support/accountability group- prayed and counseled together. Friday evening had dinner, fellowship & prayer with John, Danielle & their family. What a precious couple in God's sight. John displayed a rare responsiveness that gives me great encouragement for his walk with Christ in the future. We talked over many things, including outreach to his neighbors, with whom he enjoys good relationship.
Saturday spent much of the day driving to & back from the Cape, where we rehearsed M. T. & C's upcoming wedding, a beach affair, which requires me to project much more loudly than I am accustomed to doing. We worked through everything, pausing to ask God's help & grace at one point. Looking forward to celebrating with God on what He has done in bringing them together.
Finally on Sunday, did a doubleheader, visiting with a group in NH in the morning, and with my home HC in E. Cambridge in the evening. I had fellowshipped with the NH group for a full year, some years ago, and it was a particular pleasure to do so again. Kids are growing up, teenagers are becoming young adults, and God is sparking more of an outward focus. Our brother Ross visited as well- a pleasure to see & have interaction with him. Am very encouraged by Kent, Rick & Larissa.
Delighted to worship with the saints in E. Cambridge again. God is faithful & I am delighted that they have thrived in my absence. Thanked them for sending me out, which enabled me to bear fruit in the Kingdom.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Honor
dear saints,
this past week has gone by in a blur. I'm e-mailing, editing, visiting & trying to encourage the saints. Wednesday had me getting up at 5:40, to drive to Cambridge by eight, to meet with my brother Gary. Discussed the continually controversial question of the belief that many Christians have in restricting participation in the Lord's Supper (communion) to baptized believers. In a nutshell, I find no Biblical evidence to support that view point. Then off to have lunch & fellowship with Chris from Quincy. I hope to visit this group soon. Met up with my potential Timothy, a brother named Josh in mid afternoon. We will see what develops as he & his wife pray about an intentional leadership mentoring season. Then off in late afternoon to send out our brother Anthony to the D. R. A number of us gathered together to pray for him. Finally that evening got together with M. T. & C. Rex to work on wedding prep & to discuss Biblical financial principles.
Thursday met with our brother John to explore direction for an incipient regional leaders group that has met twice thus far. I am praying that God will raise up a regional itinerant team to minister to the house churches in New England.
I had not previously studied the theme of honor Biblically. While I knew it lodged in the Scripture I had no idea of the theme's prevalence. The "honor" word group is mentioned almost two hundred times, Old and New Testaments, including eight different places in which children are told to honor their parents. ( I think this is life long, in contrast to obeying parents, which I interpret as ceasing at adulthood.) Romans 12:10b "In honor giving preference to one another."
this past week has gone by in a blur. I'm e-mailing, editing, visiting & trying to encourage the saints. Wednesday had me getting up at 5:40, to drive to Cambridge by eight, to meet with my brother Gary. Discussed the continually controversial question of the belief that many Christians have in restricting participation in the Lord's Supper (communion) to baptized believers. In a nutshell, I find no Biblical evidence to support that view point. Then off to have lunch & fellowship with Chris from Quincy. I hope to visit this group soon. Met up with my potential Timothy, a brother named Josh in mid afternoon. We will see what develops as he & his wife pray about an intentional leadership mentoring season. Then off in late afternoon to send out our brother Anthony to the D. R. A number of us gathered together to pray for him. Finally that evening got together with M. T. & C. Rex to work on wedding prep & to discuss Biblical financial principles.
Thursday met with our brother John to explore direction for an incipient regional leaders group that has met twice thus far. I am praying that God will raise up a regional itinerant team to minister to the house churches in New England.
I had not previously studied the theme of honor Biblically. While I knew it lodged in the Scripture I had no idea of the theme's prevalence. The "honor" word group is mentioned almost two hundred times, Old and New Testaments, including eight different places in which children are told to honor their parents. ( I think this is life long, in contrast to obeying parents, which I interpret as ceasing at adulthood.) Romans 12:10b "In honor giving preference to one another."
Monday, August 2, 2010
Body of Christ
Saturday celebrated the wedding of Jose & Ashley, a young couple from the E. Cambridge house church. How the Body of Christ needs the example of godly married couples who persevere, by the grace of God, to the ends of their days in God honoring relationship. So many people contributed their various gifts and talents for free to bless the newlyweds. Musicians, cooks, a sound engineer, videographer, and a clean-up crew of at least twenty who worked for hours taking everything down and restoring the church to its original condition. Along the way the Holy Spirit ministered to many.
On Sunday went to the Sutton house church. They've grown since my last visit but retain their relaxed living room atmosphere. Spoke a little about my travels and the recurring themes. Although this group does not have a musician to facilitate worship they don't let that bother him but praise God in song anyway. I thank Ken & Anne for their ongoing hospitality.
Sunday evening saw me in Bolton, Ma fellowshipping with a group of young brethren. More nice hospitality & a fascinating skit in which our brother Ben played a reporter from the "Roman Times," and our brother Matt B portrayed a Pharisee based on the traditions of men passage in Mark 7 and the authority question in Mark 11.
Today I was blessed again with fellowship, prayer, and a walk with our brother Steve. He and his wife Donna have ministered in the Worchester projects for several years and are seeing good fruit. I look forward with great anticipation to what God will do with them in the future.
On Sunday went to the Sutton house church. They've grown since my last visit but retain their relaxed living room atmosphere. Spoke a little about my travels and the recurring themes. Although this group does not have a musician to facilitate worship they don't let that bother him but praise God in song anyway. I thank Ken & Anne for their ongoing hospitality.
Sunday evening saw me in Bolton, Ma fellowshipping with a group of young brethren. More nice hospitality & a fascinating skit in which our brother Ben played a reporter from the "Roman Times," and our brother Matt B portrayed a Pharisee based on the traditions of men passage in Mark 7 and the authority question in Mark 11.
Today I was blessed again with fellowship, prayer, and a walk with our brother Steve. He and his wife Donna have ministered in the Worchester projects for several years and are seeing good fruit. I look forward with great anticipation to what God will do with them in the future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)