Update

It's been a while. I've had my head down focusing on getting the foundations put in place for our simple church network (TWO 14 NETWORK). This has involved a job search, recruiting, tons of relational connections and some training. Now things are starting to catch some traction.

On the job front, I'm selling health insurance for a company that caters to self employed people. We offer customized packages at great prices. Looks like an excellent fit in that it is a relational job with flexibility. My boss is an awesome guy that knows what he's doing. This job is a huge answer to prayer.

Concerning the network, we have 5 couples meeting in our home on Sunday nights. They are praying about making the cut over to pure simple church with the goal of identifying and reaching their sphere of influence. Church plants will happen out of that effort. God has brought together a great core team of folks who have enough discontent with the status quo, vision and gusto to launch out into something new. One couple is already gathering people for our first plant outside of our original group. It seems like every week I meet another potential simple church planter. Very exciting times!

Missionally, we are meeting neighbors, and combining intentional efforts with spontaneous encounters to move relationships toward Jesus. This is a long term investment and is somewhat slow going. Nevertheless, we're here for the long haul. Jesus incarnated the gospel and so should we. Many in our group are helping another couple in the group with their Halloween festival this Thursday night in their apartment complex. They've got games, inflatables, prizes and all kinds of cool stuff going on. The Popes are throwing a "hallowiener" is this Sat night. We're passing out the best candy, free hot dogs, bottled water and projecting the Wii on the garage door for people to play. This is an exposure event designed to turn strangers into acquaintances.

So, for now, we're getting ready to transition the Sunday night meeting into a neighborhood church, launch another church, getting all the legal stuff setup (tax stuff), working on a website, and most importantly, reaching out to others.

Some have asked about my job situation wondering if I will ultimately be paid by the church/network. The answer is no. During the first 6-12 months I am receiving some supplementary funds from a couple of churches and a few individuals to help bridge the gap until my insurance business gets traction. However, this is not permanent, nor will the network pay any of our missionary planter/pastors. Having unpaid pastor/planters is an integral part of our strategy to be authentic with people who don't know Jesus. I know first hand that payment for ministry can actually be a HUGE roadblock for people who are suspicious about the gospel. Therefore, I need a job for credibility with them as well as with those who I am expecting to lead these new churches.

I want to say a big "THANK YOU" to all of you who've prayed for us and given out of your generosity! The provision and obscene grace that God has given us is astounding. Shayla and I revel how God has shown up for us in the last two months. Please continue to pray for us -that God will be glorified in the faithfulness of his people and for effective ministry.

One mouth, two ears

Funny thing about us humans... we can communicate but oftentimes we don't. We front and appear to be listening while mentally preparing our rebuttal statements. I bet there's a term for people talking AT each other instead of TO each other. Perhaps communication dysfunction, or correspondence retardation, or mouth/ear/brain disorder. I don’t know.

What I do know is that I observe this phenomenon all the time. The usual suspects are political “discussions” or “debates.” In this sphere, Republicans label Democrats as baby killers and Democrats berate Republicans as “imperialists” with no compassion for the poor. Libertarians, don’t enter the “conversation” because they are “apathetic” and just want everyone to get along.

As of late, I’ve observed this phenomenon in another arena, namely church methodology/ecclesiology. As many of you know, Shayla and I are venturing out on a journey that we believe God has called us on. This journey includes no longer being a paid pastor of an institutional church, getting another job, living on mission and starting house churches. The conversations I’ve been having with some have been painfully predictable. Institutional church Christian: “How are you going to do leadership? Who will run it? What about doctrinal purity? You’re going to meet in a house? When will you get a building? House churches just don’t make sense to me.” House church Christian: “Institutional church is so regimented and full of consumers. Worship at an institutional church is entertainment. Where are the relationships? Money is used on salaries and staff not the kingdom.”

The truth is, both models are just that, models. They are not right or wrong. Each one has inherent strengths and weaknesses. House churches struggle to be on mission and outward focused as much as institutional churches. Consumerism is rampant in both. IC has program consumers, HC has relationship consumers. Both have leadership issues. Both have problems. Both also have tremendous plusses as well.
IC (particularly mega churches) have major resources in land, buildings and funds. These assets can be capitalized on for mission in the community as co-work centers, soup kitchens, food banks, meeting rooms, education and training centers, recreational facilities, etc. For a great example check out Hope For New York sponsored by Redeemer Presbyterian. On the other hand, house churches can utilize their small size to quickly adapt and plant more quickly and more efficiently. Since leadership responsibility is small in terms of numbers, the pool of potential leaders of churches is increased significantly. The end result is quicker multiplication and viral growth. HC’s also tend to have shorter assimilation processes for unbelievers to become friends and family of the local body.

The bottom line is that everything has pros and cons. Everything. We would be wise to heed the proverbial saying… God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason. We as the body of Christ should be especially conscious of this truth. Jesus, help us to listen to you by listening to each other!