Apostolic Imbecility
I have arrived home from 10 days in Russia and another 6 in Portugal. Both trips were fantastic opportunities to see how God is working throughout the globe.
We visited two cities in Russia and met with the leaders of 5 different churches in both Moscow and Ryazan. Soon I will add a link page with information on these churches if you want to pray or help financially in the future. As the economy grows in Russia, their expenses increase as well. Though they can now meet freely throughout the country, they are still perceived as “sects” for many in the culture. But, they press on! It is encouraging to see how they persevere, and are willing to be creative in order to reach their cities. We were able to spend some time with them and pray for them, as well as teach some on incarnational mission. Please let me know if you are interested more in the work in Russia.
Now, Portugal was a different deal. We left the snow in Russia (it snowed every day we were there) and found sun! Ericeira, Portugal was the site for our Christian Associates Leadership Summit. Alan Hirsch, who co-authored The Shaping of Things to Come, and now his new book, The Forgotten Ways, shared with us during the entire event. The main theme was on the Apostolic Genius, which for me, is a way of viewing the work of “church planting” as developing an organic set of healthy systems. The body of Christ is, in fact, a body - everyone working together in unity is needed to build a healthy church.
For those of you who know me, I have been avoiding the “church planting” term for a long while. One of the reasons is honestly not wanting to reproduce a hierarchichal system (I do not ever want to be a senior pastor), and another is that I don’t want the responsibility. My mantra has been, “I just want to do mission!”
Well, God had to change my heart and mind in Portugal. I believe He did, even though I feel I am still a reluctant apostle. For those of you who are scared by the term apostle - you shouldn’t be. Without apostles and prophets, there cannot be a healthy church. All you have to do is read Ephesians 4:11 and on for that news… Part of the problem with the Western church has been its unwillingness to empower apostles and prophets, and to let all the power rest in pastors and teachers. Apostles and prophets naturally press the kingdom out, while shepherds and teachers gather and teach. Both of these are needed for a healthy church. (Meanwhile, evangelists work well between both worlds!)
Alan Hirsch uses the term “Apostolic Genius” in The Forgotten Ways - and he would say that every believer actually has the church planting gene. I am still considering this idea, but enough for now to say that I am willing to go forward with planting churches in Santa Barbara in existing cultures. I have no training for this, so I have to rely upon this God given gene, the Holy Spirit, and others who want to be involved in these movements as well… which is you! Thanks so much for reading this, praying for us, giving toward the ministry, and serving alongside us.
The work is some times on the razors edge. This week I had to call 911 at the Village Apartments. Our friends without homes are often teetering close to destruction themselves. As we move more into a State Street movement, who knows what we will find in bars and pubs. But, I strongly believe that Jesus is calling us to join Him there, where He has always been.
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