Last Sunday some of our London members attended the district meeting with the Conference Personal Ministries Director Eustace Williams. The agenda of the meeting was to do SWOT analysis of each local church in the district and to plan for cooperation and accountability in ministry.
As different churches analyzed their Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats and then presented them an observation was made that churches move in different directions and are on different stages. It was noted that our London congregations are ahead of others in terms of planning to act for change.
Your elders did this exercise a months ago and reviewed with our NCD coach Nick Rhone on October 1st. This past Sunday church members added more to the list, and it became obvious that we need to do this at a larger setting – the General Business meeting. Simply because private opinions, as valuable as they are, do not truly represent public view.
While we keep our Vision clear – becoming a Church where every believer is a minister – we also need to connect it with our current reality to chart the appropriate course.
Meanwhile, do not loose the main perspective what this is all about: The Lord’s Harvest. Jesus spoke to His disciples in Luke 10:2 “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Two words in this statement have been always softened in translation.
Jesus told us not to simply ASK, or even PRAY, but to BEG as though our life depends on it. Both Matthew (9:38) and Luke uses very strong Greek word deomai, which is same as when the leper begged Jesus for healing (Luke 5:12), same as demoniac pleading with Christ (Luke 8:28), same as the father of a possessed boy imploring Jesus for healing (Luke 9:38). Bottom line here – plead, beseech, implore, beg the Lord of the Harvest as though your life depends on it – to be SENT OUT in the field. One would expect here a commonly used word apostelo. Instead Gospel writers used much stronger word ekballo, which means to throw out, to kick out, to cast out against one’s will. Same word describes Jesus casting out demons out of people (Matthew 8:16). Same action as what will be done to the lazy children of God’s kingdom – cast out into outer darkness (Matthew 8:12).
Considering these “corrections” are you ready to BEG our Lord of the Harvest to KICK us OUT of our comfort zone into the field of His harvest?
Are you ready to PLEAD with the Lord personally to THROW you OUT of your balanced life into the plentiful harvest field? By the way what do you mean “balanced” life? What are you balancing it with? Kingdom of God on one side & ……….what is “balancing” the Kingdom in your life?
Pray for the harvest, regardless of what it may cost you!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Adventist Faith in "Soon and Very Soon"
Time seems to be gaining speed every day, we are in a late fall and it fells like our summer chores are not done yet. 161 years ago this time of the year believers chose not to harvest their fields expecting Jesus to come.
Imagine counting days, looking around at things you got used to and expecting it all to be burned up. How exactly should one be living when expecting to face his or her life's record at the judgment bar of God in just a few more weeks? Am I really ready to meet Jesus? Have I done all in my power to help others—my friends, relatives, and even strangers—to be ready to meet Him too?
This month (October 2005) marks an important anniversary for Seventh-day Adventists. It holds the 161st anniversary of both the Day of Great Expectation—October 22, 1844—and the Day of Great Disappointment—October 23, 1844. This anniversary brings year after year a degree of embarrassment for some within our ranks whom, I suspect, would just as soon forget anything and everything connected with 1844.
Why did they preach the “soon” coming of Jesus? Well, because Jesus Himself said so—four times, for instance, in the very last book of the New Testament—and three times alone in its very last chapter!”
“Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 3:11).
“Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 22:7).
“Behold, I come quickly” (verse 12).
“Surely I come quickly” (verse 20).
And He said that almost 2000 years ago. How soon is soon? I don’t know. All I know that His patience allowed the delay, not wishing that anyone would perish. (2Peter 3:9) Since then, 2000 years ago Peter wrote to the Christians of his day, telling them not only to earnestly “look” for Christ’s second coming but also to attempt to “hasten” it along, by quickly finishing the work Christ had given them to do in spreading the gospel to everyone (2 Peter 3:12).
Eighteen hundred years later Ellen White underscored the same idea. Less than two years before her death in 1915 she wrote: “By giving the gospel to the world, it is in our power to hasten the coming of the day of God.” (Review and Herald, Nov. 13, 1913; cited in God’s Amazing Grace, 353.)
LeRoy Edwin Froom, in his monumental work, Movement of Destiny, helpfully points out that Ellen White echoes Peter a total of 45 times in the 61 years between 1850 and 1911. Each time she says essentially the same thing: If we Adventists had properly done our job, the Lord would have come before now.
Apostle Paul preaching in Athens teld the Greek philosophers of that city, “[God] hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained” (Acts 17:31).
Dr. Froom goes on to cite another 13 statements, made between 1863 and 1915—a parallel period of 52 years—in which Ellen White echoes Paul, indicating that there is a final “backstop” date, a “predetermined boundary line irrevocably ‘fixed,’” beyond which God will not indefinitely wait.
My dear brothers and sisters, we’ve got work to do! And we should pull together closer in support of each even more as we see the Day Approaching.
Imagine counting days, looking around at things you got used to and expecting it all to be burned up. How exactly should one be living when expecting to face his or her life's record at the judgment bar of God in just a few more weeks? Am I really ready to meet Jesus? Have I done all in my power to help others—my friends, relatives, and even strangers—to be ready to meet Him too?
This month (October 2005) marks an important anniversary for Seventh-day Adventists. It holds the 161st anniversary of both the Day of Great Expectation—October 22, 1844—and the Day of Great Disappointment—October 23, 1844. This anniversary brings year after year a degree of embarrassment for some within our ranks whom, I suspect, would just as soon forget anything and everything connected with 1844.
Why did they preach the “soon” coming of Jesus? Well, because Jesus Himself said so—four times, for instance, in the very last book of the New Testament—and three times alone in its very last chapter!”
“Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 3:11).
“Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 22:7).
“Behold, I come quickly” (verse 12).
“Surely I come quickly” (verse 20).
And He said that almost 2000 years ago. How soon is soon? I don’t know. All I know that His patience allowed the delay, not wishing that anyone would perish. (2Peter 3:9) Since then, 2000 years ago Peter wrote to the Christians of his day, telling them not only to earnestly “look” for Christ’s second coming but also to attempt to “hasten” it along, by quickly finishing the work Christ had given them to do in spreading the gospel to everyone (2 Peter 3:12).
Eighteen hundred years later Ellen White underscored the same idea. Less than two years before her death in 1915 she wrote: “By giving the gospel to the world, it is in our power to hasten the coming of the day of God.” (Review and Herald, Nov. 13, 1913; cited in God’s Amazing Grace, 353.)
LeRoy Edwin Froom, in his monumental work, Movement of Destiny, helpfully points out that Ellen White echoes Peter a total of 45 times in the 61 years between 1850 and 1911. Each time she says essentially the same thing: If we Adventists had properly done our job, the Lord would have come before now.
Apostle Paul preaching in Athens teld the Greek philosophers of that city, “[God] hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained” (Acts 17:31).
Dr. Froom goes on to cite another 13 statements, made between 1863 and 1915—a parallel period of 52 years—in which Ellen White echoes Paul, indicating that there is a final “backstop” date, a “predetermined boundary line irrevocably ‘fixed,’” beyond which God will not indefinitely wait.
My dear brothers and sisters, we’ve got work to do! And we should pull together closer in support of each even more as we see the Day Approaching.
Saturday, October 8, 2005
Forward Strategy
This past Sunday as we arrived at Oshawa for yet another constituency session we were expecting a lengthy argumentative meeting. Then the President Derrick Nichols opened the session presenting the Vision for the future of the Conference, and he got my attention, my support, my “YES! & AMEN!”
"Every Member a Minister!" – he began. WOW! We did not compare notes. We did not talk lately at all. Yet, I believe, that the Holy Spirit is moving today many pastors, administrators, leaders of our Movement to go to the next level of putting into practice God’s Vision of every believer being engaged in ministry according to a unique calling God gives each individual. I enjoy working for the Conference of churches that encourages and facilitates this Biblical principle.
Then comes the latest Messenger in the mail. The first page of editorial is again from our President, starting with a preamble: “Everything continues in a state of rest unless it is compelled to change by forces placed upon it.”
Just a day before – last Sabbath – I had worked 8 hours with Nicholas Rhone. First with elders of the South, then the North churches, and then just two of us – analyzing the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, threats of moving the churches forward. The change is never easy – yet it is necessary.
A few months ago at Andrews one of the presenters made a remark – “evolutionists wait for things to happen, creationists make things happen.” Which one are you? Do we sit, wait, and let things happen, or evolve, if you wish? Or should we get creative, tap into God’s Will and discover Him at work, with us being co-laborers? The later option motivates me.
In the process of implementing the recommendations of the NCD (Natural Church Development) program you have successfully accomplished the first step. The need for gift-oriented ministry placement was understood and supported. The Nominating Committee began its work making use of the database already, matching people’s gifts and interests for service with the ministries that are most needed for efficient work of the Church.
As we consider our immediate and overarching need of Spiritual Growth in our church we’ll use following strategy:
North Church
"Every Member a Minister!" – he began. WOW! We did not compare notes. We did not talk lately at all. Yet, I believe, that the Holy Spirit is moving today many pastors, administrators, leaders of our Movement to go to the next level of putting into practice God’s Vision of every believer being engaged in ministry according to a unique calling God gives each individual. I enjoy working for the Conference of churches that encourages and facilitates this Biblical principle.
Then comes the latest Messenger in the mail. The first page of editorial is again from our President, starting with a preamble: “Everything continues in a state of rest unless it is compelled to change by forces placed upon it.”
Just a day before – last Sabbath – I had worked 8 hours with Nicholas Rhone. First with elders of the South, then the North churches, and then just two of us – analyzing the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, threats of moving the churches forward. The change is never easy – yet it is necessary.
A few months ago at Andrews one of the presenters made a remark – “evolutionists wait for things to happen, creationists make things happen.” Which one are you? Do we sit, wait, and let things happen, or evolve, if you wish? Or should we get creative, tap into God’s Will and discover Him at work, with us being co-laborers? The later option motivates me.
In the process of implementing the recommendations of the NCD (Natural Church Development) program you have successfully accomplished the first step. The need for gift-oriented ministry placement was understood and supported. The Nominating Committee began its work making use of the database already, matching people’s gifts and interests for service with the ministries that are most needed for efficient work of the Church.
As we consider our immediate and overarching need of Spiritual Growth in our church we’ll use following strategy:
North Church
- Recruiting leaders for small groups and starting a training TURBO Group from October 15 to December 10
- Leaders ready to start house churches, small groups will be presented to the church December 10 and begin to recruit people for groups
- January 15th will be an official launch and 8 small groups will be started by the end of January. Pastor Alex will provide coaching and further training to all leaders
- By September 2006 groups will be ready to multiply and receive new believers as we prepare for a city wide evangelistic effort.
South Church
- Preaching for 3 months on various aspects of Loving Relationships
- Intentional extended hospitality – visiting with church families on days other that Sabbath, and for purposes other than church business. Each family is expected to invite a new guest at least once per month
- Restart our Cultural Diversity Program, and run it consistently.
- Provide a Biblical Conflict Resolution training, going beyond management and tolerance principles taught in the secular society.
- Recognizing and celebrating people’s milestones as a family.
Saturday, October 1, 2005
Forward on our knees...
As we approach the time of considering the future directions and leadership appointments in our church we must recognize our need for prayer more than ever.
These words were spoken from the General Conference pulpit by Ellen White in 1893: “We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”
As we look into the future, let us remember how God has led our church in the past. Let us remember what has been accomplished in the years past and move forward on our knees in prayer for guidance.
I invite you all, everyone reading this memo to commit yourself to pray for the Nominating Committee members and its function. Surround your peers with your prayers, that God’s Will would be revealed through the actions of the Church.
Our approach to the Nominating Process will be different in a way that we will consider the spiritual giftedness of the congregation and work to match gifts and ministries, adding functionality to all essential church structures.
I am appealing to all for fervent prayer.
If you pray for repentance – remember that God is the One who gives it (Acts 11:18), and remember that our personal charisma is not the key to God’s Grace and Mercy. Repentance is required of anyone who wants to encounter God and live. The price of it is putting offences to death; so, plead for forgiveness.
If you pray out of desperation – remember, worship is already prayer, and pray with passion that is planted in your heart.
If you pray from a hungry heart – it’s O.K. to have holy addiction, the true craving of our soul to taste and see that the Lord is Good. And remember that God is also hungry for a relationship with us.
If you don’t know what to do - pray for wisdom and guidance, that our eyes would be always upon God. (2nd Chronicles 20:12)
If you pray to intercede be confident that the “holy nudge” works power. This selfless prayer possesses purity that exceeds every other form of prayer.
If you pray for total surrender remember it would not leave you untouched! It is about becoming like Jesus.
If you pray out of struggle – remember Jacob – don’t let God go! Victory is yours.
If your prayer is adoration – praise God that we want nothing but Him.
If your prayer is for emptying – remember that God wants to fill us with his Spirit, and it begins the moment we repent.
If you pray for commitment – let it carry you beyond mere intention, into personal responsibility, and God will make provisions for us not to fail.
Pray without ceasing! Even if you do nothing else – pray…
These words were spoken from the General Conference pulpit by Ellen White in 1893: “We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”
As we look into the future, let us remember how God has led our church in the past. Let us remember what has been accomplished in the years past and move forward on our knees in prayer for guidance.
I invite you all, everyone reading this memo to commit yourself to pray for the Nominating Committee members and its function. Surround your peers with your prayers, that God’s Will would be revealed through the actions of the Church.
Our approach to the Nominating Process will be different in a way that we will consider the spiritual giftedness of the congregation and work to match gifts and ministries, adding functionality to all essential church structures.
I am appealing to all for fervent prayer.
If you pray for repentance – remember that God is the One who gives it (Acts 11:18), and remember that our personal charisma is not the key to God’s Grace and Mercy. Repentance is required of anyone who wants to encounter God and live. The price of it is putting offences to death; so, plead for forgiveness.
If you pray out of desperation – remember, worship is already prayer, and pray with passion that is planted in your heart.
If you pray from a hungry heart – it’s O.K. to have holy addiction, the true craving of our soul to taste and see that the Lord is Good. And remember that God is also hungry for a relationship with us.
If you don’t know what to do - pray for wisdom and guidance, that our eyes would be always upon God. (2nd Chronicles 20:12)
If you pray to intercede be confident that the “holy nudge” works power. This selfless prayer possesses purity that exceeds every other form of prayer.
If you pray for total surrender remember it would not leave you untouched! It is about becoming like Jesus.
If you pray out of struggle – remember Jacob – don’t let God go! Victory is yours.
If your prayer is adoration – praise God that we want nothing but Him.
If your prayer is for emptying – remember that God wants to fill us with his Spirit, and it begins the moment we repent.
If you pray for commitment – let it carry you beyond mere intention, into personal responsibility, and God will make provisions for us not to fail.
Pray without ceasing! Even if you do nothing else – pray…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)