I was asked to attend a workshop led by Pastor Scotty Smith, the first of a two-part series entitled "Restoring Broken Things." Pastor Smith began by showing a four-part picture which represented the over-arching story of Scripture: Creation, Fall, Love (the Cross), Life (the final resurrection). Smith noted that dignity preceded the Fall. We were made for "unashamed nakedness." And in presenting Christ to other, we can look for these "echoes of Eden." Before the prohibition in Eden there was provision. The fall resulted in every sphere of life being broken. Blame shifting began with … [Read more...] about Scotty Smith – Restoring Broken Things – GCA
Steve Childers – Plenary Session I- GCA
Steve Childers began by describing that he was able to visit a dungeon recently where African slaves were once kept. He reminded us that William Wilberforce struggled deeply with whether he should serve God or parliament. In the movie Amazing Grace, there is a powerful scene where a woman tells Wilberforce that He can do both. So too, we surely want our lives to account. We too, like Wilberforce, need to align our purposes with God's. God loves to manifest his presence and pour out his power on those who will dare to align their purposes more with his. [Note: I was able to put this up … [Read more...] about Steve Childers – Plenary Session I- GCA
Global Church Advancement – What is it?
Global Church Advancement (GCA) is an organization committed to advancing church planting movements through Kingdom partnerships. Vision: To see God glorified and his kingdom come among all nations through the global advancement of His church. Mission: To establish Kingdom Partnerships through which leaders are equipped to start, grow, and multiply Gospel-Centered Churches among all nations. Gospel-centered churches focus on good news for the lost (evangelism), good news for the found (spiritual formation), and good news for the community (societal transformation). Strategy: To help our … [Read more...] about Global Church Advancement – What is it?
Global Church Advancement Conference – I
I arrived in Orlando, FL a few hours ago to live-blog the Global Church Advancement Conference. Since there are a number of parallel sessions throughout the week, the conference organizers have asked me to post on specific sessions. Tomorrow I'll be posting on the opening session by Steve Childers on the importance of grasping God's vision for His kingdom as a church planter. Later I'll post on a session by Scotty Smith called Learning to Lead with Gospel Astonishment. And in the evening I'll post on a session by Drew Goodsmanson called The Internet & The Sovereignty of God. Here's a … [Read more...] about Global Church Advancement Conference – I
Do Hard Things – The Rebelution
Alex and Brett Harris recently sent me a copy of their manuscript with a request that I consider adding an endorsement. I was honored by the request and glad to add a few good words about this excellent book. My endorsement:"In a culture of low expectations, non-stop entertainment and short attention spans, teenagers Alex and Brett Harris provide a voice of reason and a stirring exhortation to productive action in the name of Christ. As a university professor, I am not unaware of the Gen Y propensity to demand more recognition for less effort and to associate self-esteem with mere being … [Read more...] about Do Hard Things – The Rebelution