Faith and what?

The book of James has a challenge for us! No I'm not talking about James' Blog at WhollyHoly (nice plug there for a mate - I know he'll do the same for me), I'm talking about Jesus' brother James.

He says, faith without action is dead. Absolutely useless. Maybe you're an activist and this means nothing to you. Or maybe you love reading blogs and doing absolutely nothing about your faith. Then this applies to you. Or maybe you know of the guys that go to church each week, enjoy the arnott's biscuits, enjoy the fellowship and then goes home to continue to live a life with no fruit or action.

Calling all Salvationists! It's time for a vibrant faith, that believes for the impossible, expressed in action that wants to win the world for Jesus! A faith expressed in action. Fighting for the oppressed, praying for your local school, visiting the sick lady in the church, saying hello at the Salvos Store around the corner, inviting your friend over for dinner...

You wanna read of faith in action, check out some of the blogs at mercypeacegrace and of course there are many others!

Dear Jesus, I wanna take my faith to the next level. I'm sick of playing the religion game. I'm sicking of playing the theology game. I'm ready for a radical faith, expressed in daring action. Amen! Share

Church Planting & Evangelism

Is Church Planting the most effective way to evangelise today?

This has been an issue to think about in some of my studies recently, and straight off the cuff we probably say, 'YES!'
I believe Church Planting can definitely inspire some new, fresh, innovative ways of evangelising, that existing churches struggle to comprehend. New church plants do have some issues that we need to be aware of though, and wary not make mistakes others have made. For instance, some church plants can emerge from a frustration with the existing structures, and just become a new hip version of church that isn't evangelising any more than the church they emerged from! Or a church plant may have been planted from a community of faith that is struggling and unhealthy, and then the new church 'does church' the same exact way, 10 km down the road, and wonders why they aren't successful either... Church planting is great, but it does not gaurantee effective evangelism and it does not gaurantee growth.

Two of the ways forward for The Salvation Army is Corps Planting, but very importantly growing healthy corps. How can we ignite the missional potential of local corps? Local corps that have a group of committed Christians, local corps that are talking about wanting to make a difference... Corps planting needs to be encouraged, and so does unleasing the latent potential that exists within every congregation that exists in the Salvation Army. If only every corps saw themselves as a passionate, soldout community of people working together to change the world, then using all the wisdom God gives them to change the world for Jesus' sake! Share

Reaching the subcultures

How far would you go to reach the subcultures in our communities with the gospel of Jesus? Interesting question.

Looking at the provocative picture to the left, we are left wondering, how we would even begin to consider reaching into some cultures; but we need to.

Take for example, a Goth becomes a believer in Jesus. Do we now compel the new Christian to lose the black clothing, and lose the ear pearcings, in order to fit into our established Christian communities? What about the concept that God is light and no darkness is found in him, will we use that as a way to compel the new believer to join our circles and fit in our ranks?

The debate really is about, how far can we incarnate the gospel of Jesus into particular subcultures. My thought would be that we start with our belief/understanding of Jesus (Christology) and with that foundational teaching we do Mission (Missiology) and then our expression of Church will derive itself from that (Ecclesiology).

So we're trying to reach the goth culture for Jesus. We would understand that Jesus is calling people to follow after him, to be a disciple, to leave the life of sin and go into the world and make other disciples. We would understand that Jesus says very little about what clothes to wear. We may even dress like a goth and connect with the goths in this way (knowing that our belief in Jesus is not compromised simply because we are wearing a different set of clothes). Goths start to follow Jesus and then a Church is established in this subculture, in which Goths can continue to be Goths, but be passionate for Jesus, passionate about holiness and passionate about the great commission.

Interesting thoughts. Am I pushing it too far? Let us know your thoughts. Share

When is enough, enough?

How long do you continue to pour resources into a church that won't budge, nor grow, nor change? How long do you care before you crack? How much time do you invest before the time is up? Do we continue to love and support and pamper, because we are simply a local church where 'God is love' and there is no condemnation or judgement?

These are questions I was wondering with a friend last night. If a church is unwilling to change and do what is necessary to reach the lost, be involved in mission, help the needy, etc, when is enough, enough?

Our desire is to go into all the world and make disciples. Should we close corps that are disobedient? What about closing corps that never grow, and always have the same people, week after week and never do any practical mission?

What are the effective ways of helping soldiers to see the bigger picture, to think outside the square and to reach outside the world in which they currently live?

Lots of questions at the moment... But here's my big one... Do we appoint good officers to lousy corps, or allow good officers to create new expressions of Salvation Army ministry? Share

Calling all Apostles!

I once had an argument with a guy who insisted that there are no longer any apostles. The nice heated discussion started when I said something about being an 'apostle'. He didn't like that. I mean, how dare I equate my life to that of Paul or Barnabas or Peter.

But I believe in the Word of God.

Eph 4:11-12 says, 'So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up... (TNIV)

Just because I'm passionate doesn't make me an evangelist. I believe I'm an apostle. Someone who pioneers communities of faith. Someone who is 'sent' by God to fulfill a task.

Do you sit in church frustrated at times, and want to do something, or say something, to bring glory to God? Do you ever think of ministries you could start that could change the world? Do you ever dream of planting churches? Maybe you're an apostle.

CALLING ALL APOSTLES. It's time to step up and pioneer. It's time to innovate and create. It's time to invest in people's lives, so that people would come to faith in Jesus!

Would you pray with me... 'God, use us to change the World. Empower us by your Holy Spirit. May we live and breathe as Jesus would today. Salvation for the World, we pray in the name of Jesus! AMEN!'

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Church Planting: The Foundation

What makes a Church, a Church? Some say it is simply: Worship, Discipleship and Mission

Church planting is an effective methodology for successful evangelism in the future. We can tire ourselves out in fixing churches that are on the decline, and some are gifted to do that (see Ezekiel 37), but Church planting births new growth, new expressions of worship, new expressions of discipleship and creative opportunities for mission.

Build a team that are willing to take the Word for God and their strong belief in Jesus as Lord, and allow God to use them to bring others to himself. We need more than just humility and servanthood, but we need strong leadership and a passion for God as well, to pioneer new worshipping faith communities.

The foundation for church planting is:

* A strong, united team of people, passionate about growing the Kingdom, and reforming society

* Worship

* Discpleship

* Mission

Lets put Church Planting back on the agenda. Share

Heart to God, Hand to Man

Here's a thought: In the Salvation Army, have we let our hand for man extend beyond our heart for God? That is, have we seeked to serve others so much so, that we have gone beyond our ability to disciple and therefore people serve in TSA without a relationship with Jesus?

There's a debate to be had here. We may know the 'Good Samaritan' story, that encourages us to help those in need. Now, do we continue to expand social ministries; even if we expand without Christian influence, but knowing that humanity will be better off in the physical realm? Or do we hinder the practical support for humanity, because we don't have enough Soldiers to fulfill the 'evangelical' task? What's your thoughts?

The big question is, how does the Salvation Army seek to move forward to integrate what we have segregated as Evangelical Ministry and Social Work (Corps & Social, Heart to God & Hand to man, etc)? Is merely employing Salvo Chaplains to fill secular Social Work enough?

No easy answers.

Integrate or Die. Share

Skpe: Change in the Communication World

Who wants to pay for overseas calls anymore? You simply download a program called Skype, and the other person downloads Skype and you both have a webcam and you're set. Free video calls to your friends overseas? What a Revolution?! My Uncle was recently chatting with my Dad living overseas in Michigan, USA, for one whole hour for FREE.

What about Telstra and Optus? Their whole income through Overseas calls is in jeopardy! This brings a complete change in the Communication arena...

Here's my thought for the Christian community today: Are we in need of some sort of missional method (call it emerging, call it what you will), that differs from methods used years ago (methods that used to work, but no longer work) ? Do we need to work at welcoming people that aren't Christians into communities of believers, as opposed to inviting them to a Church Building? Is it more about sharing 'life' together (whatever that means) as opposed to running nice smelling 'Christian Programs'?

Telstra's mission is most likely not to provide International Phone lines so people can connect via the phone, but part of their mission statement would probably be to provide the most effective way of connecting friends from one country to another.

Our mission is not to bring people to a Church building. Our mission is for people to believe in Jesus Christ and become a Disciple of him. If there's better ways to fulfill that, then lets explore...

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What's the Mission for the Church?

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The False Dichotomy of Mission

Have we understood the message yet?

God wants us to have holistic mission? An integration of both evangelism and social action. Reaching lost souls, and serving humanity! I probably wouldn't do this topic justice, so to read more about integrated mission, check out www.urbanarmy.blogspot.com for some great blogs about this...

For those who can't be bothered clicking on the link, here's a quote:

'Those who would limit Jesus to the saving of souls and those who see him merely as introducing new ethical principles are both wrong. The purpose of God in Christ is neither simply to redeem individuals nor merely to teach the world some new thoughts. Gods purpose in Christ is to establish a new community that points to the plan of God for the world...the living witness of the Christian community is intended both to demonstrate and to anticipate the future of the world that has arrived in the person of Jesus Christ' (Jim Wallis) Share

Uniform Wearing in The Salvation Army

I'm sick of people thinking I'm a Security Guard!

On Southbank in Melbourne (on Sunday) we rallied against Human Trafficking and a number of Salvos were there. (Well done to guys like Dave and Sonia and others that put the day together!).

I started to reflect a little after the event, especially when it came to uniform. I looked around and knew myself that there were plenty of salvos around (not enough to have much influence for rallying though!), but from the communities perspective, they would hardly know we were Salvation Army! Now, I'm not going on to advocate strongly for our traditional uniform, just hear me out though...

We were not visible. We have so many different uniforms, we don't even look like an army!! Some people were wearing the trad stuff, some were wearing plain jackets over the traditional uniform, some with the polo shirts, some with salvo t-shirts (small, medium and large red shields!), etc, etc. Now, my point is not that there was diversity necessarily, but the fact that there was so much diversity that the community can not tell who we are.

Here's my thesis... You may agree or disagree (depending on your age most likely)... Lets get a T-Shirt, with a big red shield and we all wear it. We then acheive two things: Everybody is visible and they know who we are, and also, I don't get labelled as a Security Guard!!! Share

Shaping the system

Here's a thought. Are you shaping the system you are a part of, or is the system shaping you?

Many of us know the Salvation Army is now a strongly beuracratic organisation, where decisions are made via levels of management and control measures are in operation to ensure the smooth running of the organisation. Being a cadet, I can somewhat tangibly feel myself entering into this system. There is not an issue in this, unless when you are entering into a new system (maybe a new job, even your family probably has its on little ways of operating) that is not all it can be.

Here's the dilemma. I love the Salvation Army, and I cry out for it to be fulfilling the Great Commission which Jesus calls us to. The question for me is, am I being shaped by the system? If I am, is the culture/surroundings I find myself in, worth being shaped into? The next question is, if the system I find myself in, is not all it can be, am I merely becoming a product of this system, or am I transforming it from the inside, out?

It's all about Jesus. It's all about souls and justice. Holistic healing. Transforming the World. Shape the system to make it be, all that God wants it to be! Share

Form Vs Essence: Does style matter in Salvation Army Meetings?

I have a cheeseburger. A beautiful, tasty cheeseburger, with only 12 grams of fat. If I take away the pickles from the cheeseburger, do I still have a cheeseburger? Did you say yes? Good. If I take away the pickles and the piece of cheese, do I still have a cheeseburger? No. I now have a hamburger.

What is it, that if we took it away from a Salvation Army worship service, it would no longer be 'Salvation Army'? Let me ask you:

* If we took away the contemporary band from a Salvation Army service, could it possibly still be 'Salvation Army'?

* If we took away the brass band, the timbrels and the songsters away from a Salvation Army service, could it still be run in such a way that it is still, 'Salvation Army'?

I would say yes to the above. What makes us the Salvation Army is deeper than the Form of our meetings, the style that we have. What makes a Salvation Army meeting truly 'Salvo' is the ungirding theology that makes up that meeting. These are the main fundamental attributes that I believe give us the Essence of who we are:


* Our doctrines (e.g. We believe in... the trinity, sin, redemption, etc.)
* Soul Saving. We are after all a SALVATION army.
* Warfare. We are after all a Salvation ARMY.
* Holiness. A holiness movement!
* Social Justice. Seeking to set the captives free, feed the hungry, etc.

If we have Salvation Army meetings (Worship Services) that are based on those fundamentals, then I personally believe let it be whatever style works, as long as it is reaching the community around them!

Final comment: If we want to see existing churches grow and also plant churches, then we need to allow freedom in worship styles, meanwhile sticking to the fundamental theology that defines us as a movement. Share

Pauline Cycle of Mission

Have a quick look at this... I found this on the net, but I was reading it last night from a book from David Hesselgrave called, 'Planting Churches Cross-Culturally'. We first of all commission Christians to go and do ministry, then we reach people, share the gospel, people get saved, they connect with a community of faith, they become leaders, and mature believers and then we send them out to commission other believers.

Question: Do many of our churches ever get to STEP 2? Lets have the power of the Holy Spirit move and lets see this cycle become a reality. Thank you Jesus.

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CHURCH PLANTING TIME!

Lets get it back on the map. Lets get it back on the horizon. It's Church Planting time.

Lets not spend all our days just trying to revamp the crusty. Wagner says its easier to have new babies than to raise the dead. We spend so much time and energy into bringing health into Churches that are dying, and I question about whether there's another additional, valid option: to plant new churches.

Churches that are struggling, have a choice. It's either "slow painful death, or deep painful change" (Paul Borden). Although Churches that are healthy, they need to arrive at a point, where they are ready and willing to plant new congregations, new communities of faith, that reach people that were untouchable/unreachable in their original setting.

I really want to plant churches. I don't want to maintain the status quo, and I'm not satisfied with Christians just swapping churches every couple of years when their needs aren't being met, and they're challenged to grow. It's time. New Churches, new Christians, new solidiers and new officers. God is doing a new thing and his Spirit is beginning to move in power.

So what time is it everyone?? You guessed it... It's Church Planting Time!! Share

I consider our Church to be Traditional?

The Australia Southern Territory did a Natural Church Development survey back in 2005, and struggled with the question, 'Do you consider your church to be traditional?'

A guy named Joe S Ellis says, 'Traditionalism elevates expedient forms or practises to a sacrosanct position and insists on their perpetuation. Traditions frequently outlive any semblance of reason. Tradition may become a handicap...'

Are you still with me? The Salvation Army struggled generally with this question, maybe because in the past we've focused too much on preserving the form of the Army, as opposed to the mission of the Army. See, our mission is to reach the lost. The form that that takes should look different as our world changes/progresses. (If I'm still singing 'Shout to the Lord' in 2040, I'll shoot myself - and Darlene from Hillsong church will probably shoot me too).

Lets recapture the thought, that the Salvation Army is about bringing salvation to the lost, and within that, reforming society. We are not called to go into all the world and make brass players. Nor are we called to make soliders who just sit in church on Sundays. We are called to build an army sold out to Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. Lets seek first the Kingdom of God and let everything else be secondary to that.

Whose with me? Whose gonna change their world for Jesus? Don't be sold out to holding onto traditions, but hold on to the author and perfector of our faith - JESUS! Share

City Outreach Stories 2

Tonight there was just three of us (Pete, Jo and Shaun), and we met up in the western suburbs for some prayer and outreach into the community. We read some things from the Bible, Isaiah chapter 58 and 61... The Holy Spirit was already moving, so we were excited to get out onto the town.

So we went down to some shops in Altona, and wondered what God wanted us to do. We looked around and saw heaps of Shopping Trolleys just hanging around, so we spent the next hour cleaning them up. We continued to pray that God would continue to use us, then all of a sudden we saw Shaun's sister at the shops, around midnight. We got to talking a little, and she asked what were we doing. We said, 'We're just cleaning up some trolleys.' And then she responds, 'ohh, ok.... cool.' (Whatever takes your fancy!)

Following that God encounter we went off to the main street in Altona and prayed over a 'pasta' shop that had recently had stories of sexual immorality and other things happen in the shop. So we prayed against those things in the name of Jesus, and then went home at about 1:30pm. It was a pretty good night, and God will bless those that step out in faith to achieve something for him. Share

Organised Religion

True story: Back when I was running Kid's Church, I asked a mother whether she would bring her children along. She said with a hint of sarcasm, 'Sorry, I'm not into organised religion.' I quickly replied, 'Organised? Turn up an hour early and you'll realise we're not into being organised!'

Is it said of late, that our culture (Australia) is open to things of spirituality, Angels and God, but have turned their backs on the church. Why is it that we still operate our churches the same that we did in 1950, yet expect to still reach our culture? Let's face the reality, that we need our churches to know what it means to be missional and then practice it. 'Worship music' that predates the life of Jesus, is not gonna cut it, for a younger generation, who watch the latest Video Hits...

As a younger generation lives in what some label as 'postmodernism', to what extent do we need to hold onto modernist structures, that were functional/effective back in their days? How do we 'organise' our Christianity for this generation, so that all are seen as equal, yet some are in positions that require leadership? How do we allow there to be diversity (as opposed to the modernist viewpoint of uniformity), while still allowing God to grow the Salvation Army? How do we 'organise' a large (growing?) organisation, so that people are empowered and not controlled, yet still work within the Lord's boundaries? Are you with me? Interesting questions... I love the Salvation Army. I love it so much, that I will work hard for it to change, in order that a new generation of young people are involved and passionate about its cause. Share

City Outreach Stories

Well, last night I caught up with a few mates. We spent a little time praying for each other and then we went off into the city of Melbourne at 11pm. A couple of the girls (Jo and Sarah) went off by themselves and found a drunk girl that needed some comfort. They ended up walking her all the way home to the Docklands, and along the way told her about the hope we have in Jesus! How cool!

Simon and I were walking along, constantly praying that the Holy Spirit would lead us. All of a sudden, I had a little thought in my mind, so I said to Simon, 'I think I want to pray outside this shop...' Anyway, I prayer briefly and meanwhile some security guard was looking on... We started a conversation with this man, and he turned out to be a Muslim man and we talked for well over an hour about, his beliefs and our beliefs. We said, we believe that when we pray to God, we can only do that through Jesus Christ. (He didn't get saved, but it was great to share/teach about Jesus!)

Later on, we found a busker (from Williamstown) that we talked too about a month ago. He asked what we were doing and I boldly answered, 'We've just been talking to a Muslim guy, trying to convince him to believe in Jesus.' Then he's like, 'Ohh, I know a song my mate wrote, saying, I don't believe in Jesus...' Then for some reason I said he should go buy the Passion of Christ movie and watch it. All of a sudden, he said, 'Ok, cool. I might do that.'

One more story! Jo and Sarah were standing outside Melbourne Central Station at 2am Saturday morning, and began talking to a guy. The guy was a 21 year old, who use to go to the Lutheran Church. The conversation takes off and Jo ends up sharing a history lesson on what the early Salvation Army is about. He seems intrigued, and Jo believes God used them to reignite a guy that had fallen away from the faith.

What an AWESOME night! Share

Street Surfer Bus Reaching a Community

For the last couple of months I've been the chairperson of the Street Surfer Bus Committee. What a really awesome privilege that is.

The Street Surfer is a community bus in the western suburbs of Melbourne that has been going out into the streets mainly fridays and saturdays.

It has been amazing that in the last few months many new Christian volunteers from local churches have been starting to help on the bus.

New creative initiatives like these need to be thought of. Get a pad and pen and brainstorm some ideas, then work really hard and put some legs on the idea! (Don't do what I sometimes do... never give up too early if you believe you need to develop a new idea).

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