Sunday, November 11, 2012
New Church Plant Joins the ARC!
6:29 AM | 
Posted by
Mike Bradley
We are excited to announce that a
new church plant outside of Tampa, FL – 242 on the Move – has been accepted
into membership in The Alliance of Renewal Churches (ARC). In July of 2008 at
the ARC Southwest Gathering in Huntington Beach, CA, ARC member, Kody Kirchoff,
and his wife, Lisa, returned with a freshness of spirit, and a new vision and
call for their life. They felt called to begin missional communities and a “new
kind” of church and ministry life, giving ownership to all, making it less
about church and Sunday, and more about intentional ministry lifestyle and
family based upon Acts 2:42-47.
However, three years passed as they
were serving in another ministry as they were waiting for the time and place
where God would lead and have them launch this ministry. As Kody and Lisa felt
God releasing them from the present ministry they were involved in, God
simultaneously spoke and confirmed their calling on June 17th, 2011 to launch
this ministry. Thus began “donthaveaname.com” on July 17th, 2011, meeting under
a picnic Pavilion at Alderman Ford Park outside of FishHawk Ranch, FL.
Kody writes the following: “The
ministry began with five couples and their children, and celebrated Sundays
together at rotating public parks throughout the community and area. We placed
high value and importance on Individual lifestyles of ministry. Reaching neighbors, co-workers,
classmates, and friends in the community was “where church is.” With this
value, the “donthaveaname.com” family gathered multiple times during the week
for fellowship and relational and family building, teaching, worship, prayer,
eating, and lots of fun; always inviting and welcoming whomever desired to see
and fell this new movement!
We asked the community to help name
this ministry movement, and through September and October of 2011, over 1000
name ideas were submitted, finally combining two entries and prayerfully
finalizing the name 242 On The Move! As we look back over the last year, 242 On
The Move has grown tremendously in our calling, vision, direction,
effectiveness, and love for one another! We continue to be lights in the
community, living missional community together with a great focus on marriage
and family, and celebrating our individual lifestyles of ministry that point
and direct all to Christ! We continue to celebrate numerous times throughout
the week for teaching, eating, prayer, planning, and lots of fun!
And we continue to be “On the
Move”, living out Acts 2:42-47, as we are still meeting in public places,
parks, and in the heart of the community on Sundays, and doing prayer walks,
assisting community groups, businesses, and schools throughout the week.
The year has been tremendous as we continue to ‘detox’
ourselves and others from some of the barriers we have felt and have know from
organized church, and moving all to create a atmosphere of ‘Jesus’ Fellowship,
Discipleship, and Family.”
242 On the Move is now nearing
launching phase 2, and pray and plan for numerous 242 movements in the next
years (Vision 30 in 30, 30 242’s in 30 years). Kody and Lisa have a passion to
train and equip others to lead these ministries, and see themselves eventually
moving out of their pastoral roles, and overseeing the 242 movement.
We are excited to have Kody, Lisa,
and the entire 242 Family as members of the ARC. We look forward to partnering
with them in ministry for years to come that souls might be saved, disciples
made, and whole and healthy leaders developed! Welcome 242!
Monday, November 5, 2012
SoCal Pastor Joins the ARC!
We are excited to welcome Pastor Stephen Lien to membership in the
Alliance of Renewal Churches. Steve is located in Southern California
and writes the following:“I was brought me up in a devout Christian home; my father was an evangelical Lutheran pastor. But my faith life was upended when we moved from New York City to a small town in Minnesota when I was fourteen years old. That’s when I was invited to be part of a Youth for Christ ministry and singing group that God used in a wonderful way to call me into a more personal relationship with Him; my faith moved from my head to my heart and consumed my life! I discovered a new joy and intimacy that has never left.
After High School I attended Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle, Washington for a year, then traveled with a Youth for Christ International singing team in Southeast Asia. I graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, and from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. I landed in Watertown, South Dakota for my first call as a Lutheran pastor. Since then I’ve served congregations in South Dakota, Texas, Iowa and California. I presently serve Ascension Lutheran Church in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
I met my wife, Joanne, when I was the pastor’s kid in New York. The Arthur Hall family, who were serving as medical missionaries in South Africa, were supported by the congregation my father served. When the Hall’s came to the US on furlough, they visited us in New York. The Lien and Hall families became friends and, many years later, after getting acquainted as adults at LBI and again at Augsburg College, Joanne and I were married in 1975.
Joanne is a Registered Nurse who has served most of her career in long-term and hospice care. She is currently the Director of Patient Care Services at Hospice Partners of Southern California, based in Santa Monica. Joanne and I have three grown and married children and are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren, six of whom are four and under!
I’ve chosen to join ARC partly because of the lives and witness of two close friends, Jon Anderson and Nathan Hoff who are both ARC members. I’ve been drawn to and blessed by these men’s vital faith and witness. But the more compelling reason for joining is that God is doing something new in my life, calling me to greater boldness and unequivocal witness for Him, a renewal if you will. Joining ARC feels like I’m coming home to the strong, Biblical, Evangelical roots that have so informed and shaped my life and ministry. I feel like a rather extended sojourn in the wilderness is ending. I eagerly anticipate the rich fellowship and camaraderie enjoyed among God’s people and look forward to getting acquainted with others of like mind.”
Welcome to the ARC, Stephen!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
ARC Leaders and Spouses form Life-Giving Community
Providing a variety of opportunities to develop authentic, life-giving
relationships with one another is an important aspect of the mission God has
given us in the ARC. These relationships in turn become the context in which we
can experience authentic transformation, grow as disciples of Jesus, and live
more effective missional lives. One
example of ARC pastors creating an opportunity to develop and grow in authentic
relationship with one another is a couples group started by ARC Pastor, Joe
Johnson and his wife Judy in Southern California. This group has
graciously agreed to share how coming together as spouses in a context where
being in authentic relationship with one another is highly valued is impacting
their lives. – ARC Director, Mike
Bradley
Joe Johnson writes: “One of
the most fun things I am doing with Judy is gathering four other pastor couples
together for a monthly small group hosted and led by a different couple each
month in their home. We all bring food with a theme selected by the host. The
four couples are Jeremey and Michelle King, Radiant Church, Garden Grove;
Nathan and Joy Hoff, Trinity Lutheran, San Pedro; Bob and Tara Mabry, Hope
Community, Long Beach; and Jon and
Chris Anderson, City on a Hill, Redondo Beach.”
Judy Johnson shares: “When I am
overwhelmed with a busy schedule, many roles, and the routine ups and downs of
life, I sometimes forget who I am. This is a place of loneliness, fear
and self-condemnation. How greatly I need the gentleness, truth, humor,
and love of these dear friends who each show me a facet of myself. This
group regularly calls me back to integrity and rest. Just by being ourselves
we are clay pots who offer refreshing sips of living water to each other.”
Michelle King writes: “The nature
of this group is such we are able to take our program hats off and are free to
simply be. I was invited by my husband who had relationship with the all the
men and to say that I was reluctant would be an understatement. Reluctant
because nights away are precious, reluctant because I didn't want to sit around
and hear pastors compare their ‘amazing ministries,’ reluctant because I needed
a place to rest and be nourished not another venue to put on a pretty face. Our
first night set the tone. It was hosted by our elder members, Joe and Judy. I
really believe their candor paved the way for each of us to come as we were
that night and it has carried on. In these short months, it has been an honor
to gather as we pause and consider life with one another, praise, pray, laugh
and did I mentions eat? We now move things on our calendar to make these
nights. This reluctant pastor's wife has been won over by a simple and genuine
community.”
Nathan Hoff share: “The enemy of our souls would isolate us, limit our vision, and accuse. The Friend of our souls has done just the opposite through this group. We are drawn into joyful communion with one another and our Lord. My vision has been expanded. The enemy's pointed finger at me is replaced with friends who point me to the Lamb of God. Receiving personal ministry and also ministry as a couple from one another have been highlights. Belly-laughing and personal ministry that touches wounds with Jesus' healing along with great food and company make for a great night.”
Nathan Hoff share: “The enemy of our souls would isolate us, limit our vision, and accuse. The Friend of our souls has done just the opposite through this group. We are drawn into joyful communion with one another and our Lord. My vision has been expanded. The enemy's pointed finger at me is replaced with friends who point me to the Lamb of God. Receiving personal ministry and also ministry as a couple from one another have been highlights. Belly-laughing and personal ministry that touches wounds with Jesus' healing along with great food and company make for a great night.”
Chris Anderson writes: “The
blessing of this group caught me off-guard. Just a few months into a new
call half way across the country Joe invited us to join in a group of MORE new
people.... and PASTORS besides! I went. In a lonely time, My Father gave
me instant friends! I never felt like the ‘outsider.’ We are all people on the same great
adventure. I love our time together and Judy even said my tears were beautiful.
God speaks right to my heart through these people. Such a gift!!!
Tara Mabry shares: “Just one more
things to do! Dang it! That was what I was thinking. But then I thought
about my family's time with Joe and Judy in Show Low, AZ where we had
ministered together and I knew the time would have great value. During
our first time together Joe asked us to share some difficult things in our
lives, and when we all were in tears, we could feel the empathy and kindness of
each other. I knew that this was a safe group to laugh with and cry with. In
all honesty, I am honored to be a part of such a remarkable group of people.”
And Bob Mabry writes: “It's a
tricky thing for pastors to find rest. I know that Jesus himself is my
Sabbath Rest. This gathering of pastors and spouses.... actually for me it is
just a gathering of friends, it is a place of rest. Great place to laugh, vent,
eat good food, go really deep, pray and cry together -usually it's Joe and
Chris who do the crying. Love you guys, can't wait till the next time we
meet. We laugh a lot, get real honest with one another, love each other, study
Scripture, worship and pray together, play and get serious. We hang out
with Jesus and one another as apprentices of the Master Teacher. We are
Lutheran Christians who are kingdom first followers of Jesus.”
From Mike Bradley, ARC Director:
Thanks to the members of this group for sharing your story with us. To all of
us in the ARC – where are the opportunities for authentic relationship you are making
time for? It might be starting a group like this with other couples. It might
be in attending an ARC Life Together day in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Arizona,
or Southern California areas (we will also be hosting these days in Florida and
Alberta, Canada in 2013). It might be attending one of the ARC Pastor and
Leader Retreats in April of 2013, or, getting involved in a new ARC Life
Together Group (ask me about what these are). It might be attending one of the
ARC Regional gatherings for all ARC members, or, it might be inviting the ARC
Director or an ARC Ministry Team to come into your congregation for a weekend
for teaching, ministry, and personal care giving.
Take advantage of one or more of
these opportunities this next year. The tenor of our relationships with one
another will directly affect how we are growing as disciples of Jesus and the
effectiveness of our longing to live missional lives. For Christians,
relationship is the task.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
ARC Ministry Team Ministers in Missional Church Plant
242 on the Move is a church plant outside of Tampa, Florida
which is a missional church plant. Based on the passage in Acts 2:42-47, this
group of committed followers of Jesus have a passion and vision to reach a
5,000 home housing development for the kingdom of God.
 | |
| Pastor Kody and Lisa Kirchoff |
Pastor Kody Kirchoff invited a ministry
team from the ARC to spend a few days with him and his leadership team to
provide some training on the core values of the ARC entitled, “What’s in the
Air Makes a Difference,” and “Being A Safe Place for the Dangerous Kind.” Such
training is important because even if we are committed to being missional
disciples and churches it still begs the question: What type of people will
other be encountered by when they are encountered by you and me? By our
congregations? Will they be encountered by Christians who incarnate being a
safe place because they incarnate God’s healing combination of grace and truth?
Christians who unconditionally love and accept people while not being willing
to allow them to settle for less than all God has for them? Or, will they be
encountered by Christians who are unsafe? Christians who are judgmental and
condemning? Christians who are legalistic and shaming?
 |
| Mike and Debi Bradley |
Kody writes, “As a ministry plant
that is based on the simple early Acts Church movement, and believes that life
and Christ transformation will greatly occur when the highest priority of
ministry is put on authentic and transparent relationships and living in missional
and ministry lifestyle community together, it is such a blessing to have a
network of churches and Christian leaders such as the Alliance of Renewal
Churches (ARC) who share those core values, and pray continuously for this
ministry. We were recently blessed with the teachings, affirmations,
and encouragement of Mike Bradley, the Director for the ARC, and his wife, Debi. Mike shared teachings on “What’s In the Air Makes a Difference”, and “Being
a Safe Place for the Dangerous Kind.” Mike’s
presence and teaching continued to help us integrate the core values of the ARC
into who we are at 242.
The ARC is not just a distant
association that is out there on paper for us. Rather it is a network of leaders
and churches who desire to live out those authentic and transparent
relationships and live in missional and ministry lifestyle together! The ARC is and offers beyond words what is
needed as church networking moves to the future! And the ARC is
tremendously ahead of it’s time as we move from a post-denominational Christian
World, and move into ministry life together! The ARC is ministry at it’s
best, and we are so blessed to be part of the ARC family.”
Thanks to Kody and his team for
inviting us in and for being so hospitable – actually they pampered us! God
bless you 242 that the Lord might continue to empower you to reach the Fish
Hawk housing development for the Kingdom of God, to raise up whole and healthy
leaders, and to plant other missional churches as God leads you.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
The Paved Road Individual and Family Therapy Center: A Counseling Resource Led by an ARC Leader
From
Mike Bradley, ARC Director: As I travel around the country I am so encouraged
by the effective resources for life and ministry I see in the Alliance of Renewal
Churches (ARC). From time to time I will highlight them so you as ARC leaders
can be aware of the resources available within our own network and keep them in
prayer. This article highlights a counseling resource ministry led by Michelle
King, wife of ARC Pastor, Jeremy King (Radiant Church – Garden Grove, CA).
Michelle is an incredibly gifted sister in Christ, a leader in her own right,
and a whole and healthy person which of course is important in any leadership
role. I’ve asked Michelle to share about The Paved Road, a counseling resource for ARC churches in Southern California. Michelle writes:
“For
the past 16 Years, I have been either vocationally or relationally been in
ministry. Currently, my husband and I serve at Radiant, a church plant in
Orange County, California. I became deeply aware over the years of the need for
a place for those in congregations & those on ministry staff to have a safe
place to examine life. This past spring, a team of us came together to develop
The Paved Road Individual and Family Therapy Center. It is a counseling center
with a heart to serve local churches. As a group of Christian marriage and
family therapists, we recognized that current and old wounds exist in every
church and some need more time and space for healing.
Our
center provides a secure relational base from which the patterns of life can be
considered and reshaped. Each of our therapists comes alongside individuals
(including children), families, & couples as they work through issues such
as abuse, addictions, adoption, affairs, anxiety, crisis of faith/spiritual
formation, depression, domestic violence, eating disorders, grief/loss,
infertility, marital, parenting, premarital, self-esteem, self-harm, &
sexual issues including identity struggles.
If
you would like more information about connecting your church or general
information about The Paved Road and its therapists, please log on to www.thepavedroad.com or email me at mking@thepavedroad.com.”
Thursday, August 16, 2012
ARC Pastor Publishes New Book
“Too
long have followers of Jesus settled for religious compliance and inoffensive
comportment. Too long have rank and file Christians delegated the dangerous
life of following Jesus to the professionals, believing them best suited for
the radical engagement with the world that Jesus models. Too long have we
believed that the highest goal of Christianity is conforming people to good
behavior, getting folks to follow the rules, making people nice. Now is the time to raise our
danger quotient. Now
is the time
for us to move from bland church drones into followers of the living Christ who
are potent for the purposes of God and a mortal threat to the enemy of our
souls.”
So
opens the recently published book, The
Dangerous Kind, written by ARC pastor, Graeme Sellers. Graeme is lead
pastor for Wonderful Mercy Church and a member of the ARC National Leadership
Team. As Director for the ARC, I am very strategic about the books I recommend
to you as leaders and this is a book well worth reading as it speaks to one of
our core values: being a safe place for the dangerous kind. I was privileged to
read the manuscript three times as it was being developed and I was inspired,
challenged, and learned something each time I read it. Graeme's perspectives on
various themes, which can help us live a life that is dangerous for the kingdom
of God, are fresh and inspiring.
Cheryl
Sacks who leads a large, bi-annual conference on prayer called Prayer Quake, and is a published author
herself, writes: “I was even more impressed
with chapter one when I read it a second time. (Graeme) is not only a gifted writer
but more importantly has God's message of the hour. The Dangerous Kind is a wake up call to everyone who desires to
live a life of authentic Christianity. If you want to be jarred out
of a life of complacency and mediocrity and enlist in a mission that will
change the course of history, then this book was written for you.”
I cannot recommend this book to you highly enough. I have
purchased copies for each of my staff members at The Master’s Institute and
were I back in a congregational setting it would be a book I would go through
with my staff and all ministry team leaders. You can order a copy today on
Amazon.com. You’ll be glad you did!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Vacation Bible School is Alive and Well in the Arizona White Mountains
By Derek Luptak, Associate
Pastor, Grace Church – Show Low, AZ
Distance Student at The
Master’s Institute Seminary
Here at Grace Church in Show Low, AZ,
when we do VBS, we go all out. We know that summer can be a hectic season and
very often events like VBS can be just another thing to get through, but there
is something about seeing the good news of Jesus Christ break into a child’s
life that makes it worth it all. When Amanda (my wife) came on staff as Family
Ministry Coordinator 4 years ago, we both sensed a calling to make VBS a major
event in our church year. We believe that having fun with children as they
learn about God’s love for them is an enormous opportunity for the Kingdom in
our community. One thing we’ve learned is that children want to come to Jesus
and it’s up to us to not hinder them from coming. The crowning moment of this
year’s VBS was an interaction I had with a 3rd grader who exclaimed
excitedly, “Learning about God is so much fun!” I told him that he was
right, and it never stops being fun, even when you reach old age (mid-thirties)
like me. Looking back on our VBS week, knowing that at least one child’s heart
was opened to the joy of knowing God, I can only thank God for having a part in
it.
Over the years, we have learned a lot
about putting on a VBS week that kids want to come to. First, we decorate the
entire church, so that the whole congregation gets a chance to get excited and
support it with prayer and donations. During the week, you will need the
strength of others’ intercession. It will be exhausting and there will be
spiritual attacks from the enemy, but it is well worth it.
This year, our theme was Treasure Quest
– inspired by Indiana Jones and other adventure movies. Our sanctuary was
transformed into a treasure cave, complete with stalactites. The Narthex was
converted into a jungle and waterfall. Our children’s wing was another series
of caves and our fellowship hall became a puppet theater where the youth group
put on puppet shows for the kids, helping them learn the daily lessons and
bible verses. I spray-painted some ordinary garden sculptures metallic gold and
they became the treasure. Each “artifact” was used as a visual representation
of a day’s theme: golden armor, a golden serpent, a golden lantern and a golden
cross. We have learned that if we write our own curriculum, we can save a LOT
of money that could be better spent in other places. At the end of the day, we
set up an inflatable waterslide and a member of the congregation who is an
ice-cream truck driver comes by. 
A vibrant VBS
comes from finding volunteers who are willing to share their gifts and talents
with the kids. Last year we had 5 different members of the congregation come by
and share their creativity. There was a painter, a personal trainer, a dance
instructor and a chef. They all came by and taught the kids that God created
them and we all have creative gifts to share. The kids learned to paint,
exercise, dance and make a perfect French omelet. But they also learned that
God was an artist who created each one of them and put His signature in their
hearts. At the end of the week, we simply invite the children to come to Jesus,
give their lives to Him and become part of His family. No fear, guilt or
manipulation. The kids respond overwhelmingly every year. We don’t have to
cajole them to come to Christ, just as He said, we only need to get out of
their way. 
We
have also found that VBS is a great week to partner with other churches in the
community. Some smaller churches can’t afford to put on a VBS of their own, but
are happy to join in with another church. We joined with three other churches
this year and had 145 kids attend. Of that number, 50 opened their hearts to a
relationship with God through Christ and came into the Kingdom. VBS, like
anything else in ministry, is a wonderful opportunity for Kingdom expansion and
adult volunteers also get something out of it. It is a great reminder that
knowing God and being in His family is “fun” (a great adventure) when compared
to the life of guilt, shame and defeat that our enemy wants for us. VBS is a
great opportunity for a congregation to step into that adventure together for
the sake of the kids they are reaching!
If you’d like to have Derek and Amanda consult with your
children’s ministry staff, you can contact them at: derek@graceshowlow.com
Sunday, July 29, 2012
A Stranger's Healing...An ARC Member's Expectations Exceeded! A Report on the 2012 ARC Southwest Gathering by Michael Bradley, ARC Director
Time for creating and nurturing friendships.
Intimate and passionate worship.
Challenging keynote messages and equipping workshops.
Personal prophetic prayer ministry.
These and more were our experiences during the 2012
Southwest ARC Gathering. But if I had to sum up the Gathering I’d do it with
two stories: one of a stranger in our midst, the other of an ARC member.
First, the stranger’s story. She came to the Gathering as a
result of a chance meeting with two folks from Hope Community Church at a July
4th party in Long Beach. This stranger and her best friend, both
visiting from out of state, were hungering for a spiritual retreat. The two HCC
members invited them to the Southwest Gathering the next week. They came. And
here’s her testimony:
“While
at a 4th of July party we met a couple that invited us to come to the
conference with them. We came! I was so blessed and was so spoken to!
“One
thing I [want] to share is that I was healed. I have suffered for several years
with pain in my liver; my blood tests come back that my enzymes are too high.
There's never any reason for this and it's a constant battle for me, as the
pain wakes me in the night; sitting or bending over is also quite painful. I
slept Saturday night and have every night since, completely pain free
and I cannot feel pain in my liver any more. Praise the Lord!”
Next, the ARC member’s story. He writes:
I
struggle a bit with moving in the prophetic gift the Lord has given me. I worry
about hearing or interpreting incorrectly and don't share as often as I
probably should. I’ve spent a lot of time talking with God about what I am
supposed to do with this gift and how I can use it for kingdom purposes.
Early
in the Gathering, Holy Spirit drew my attention to a particular couple. He was telling
me that he was going to do something remarkable through their children. I
sensed that they had either lost a child or had difficulty conceiving. I
was afraid of hurting or upsetting them. Even more I was afraid of being wrong
– what if they had no problems conceiving children and everything was just
fine? I sure would look the fool!
During
a break I approached them and shared what I was hearing about God's plan was
for their children but did not share what I was sensing about problems
conceiving or the loss of a child. The wife was obviously moved and the husband
volunteered that they had one child but had been trying for a long time for
another.
I was chagrined and encouraged to be
bolder in sharing what I was hearing. Had I shared all that I heard God saying,
the weight of word confirming their present reality may have amplified and
reinforced the encouragement.
Saturday
night I received prayer from that couple. Their prayers for me centered on me
being bold and courageous to share encouragement, like the encouragement I had
given them. They also shared a vision of me in a place that should be in shadow
but I was bathed in Christ's brilliant light and shone out of the darkness.
Another
thing happened at the Gathering for me. I used to have only a guilt-induced
motivation to read the Word. Now I find a hunger for the Word. I become annoyed
if I don't find a way to slip off for a few minutes of Bible time. This is not
a conscious decision nor is it, as far as I can tell, the direct result of any
teaching received. It is, I think, the work of Holy Spirit, working
through the teachings and prayer times. When I received prayer on Saturday the
prayer team did ask Holy Spirit to fill me with a desire for the Word!
All this and more was our experience at this year’s
Southwest Gathering. We give thanks to God for speaking to us and moving in our
lives, and we trust we were a blessing to Him.
Please join us for the 2012 Midwest ARC Gathering, November
1-3 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN. The Gathering will feature
wonderful times of worship together, inspiring messages, soaking worship time, personal
prayer appointments, equipping workshops, and lots of time to hang out and grow
in authentic relationship with one another.
See you there!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Keynote and Breakout Sessions for ARC Southwest Gathering
Keynote Sessions
Thursday Evening Main Session: A
Home for the Word
Graeme Sellers
The Apostle Paul writes, “Let the word of Christ dwell in
you richly.” This is an important exhortation as we live at a time when, as one
ARC leader puts it, “a war is being waged for our hearts and our minds.” Being
a “people under the word” is a key to victory in this war. In this opening
session, ARC National Leadership Team member, Graeme Sellers, will cast the
vision of what it means to be a people under the word who are letting the word
of Christ dwell in them richly; and call us to be a people who are making a
home for the Word, knowing that whatever fills us, controls us. This message is
an important one if we are to be known as a network where God’s people are
making a home for the Word and living under the Word.
Friday
Morning Main Session: Biblical Authority
in a Postmodern Era
Dave Glesne, ARC Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN
A new religious pluralism defines the modern religious world;
and in this world truth is viewed as being relative, with each individual
holding the authority to determine what is or is not, truth. In this
context we do not want to be arrogant or ignorant or ethnocentric or neurotic
or even be seen as such, and yet we believe that somehow, the Bible is our
final authority. What do we mean by biblical authority? Why is it
important for life and ministry? What do we need to know about the
postmodern world in relation to maintaining biblical authority that will enable
us to bring God’s healing combination of grace and truth to bear on peoples’
lives? In this session, Dr. David Glesne will show us there is a confident way
and place to stand in our day that we all might experience the reality of
Jesus’ words, “You will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”
Friday Evening Main Session:
Saturated for Transformation and
Mission
Mike Bradley, Director for The Alliance of Renewal Churches (ARC)
We are living in a time in which we often read more books
about God’s Word than we read God’s Word itself. The result can be a growth in
knowledge about God, but not necessarily growing to be more like Him. In short,
we can be spiritually dehydrated and thus hindered in growing in our
relationship with the Lord, and in partnering more effectively in His mission
in the world. In this session Mike Bradley, Director of the ARC, will share his
passion that the Lord make the ARC a soul winning and discipleship making
network, and how this is connected to being a “people under the word.” He will
exhort and encourage us individually and corporately to be saturated in the
Word of God for transformation and mission. Mike will call us to be followers
of Jesus Christ who are being so saturated in the Word of God that we are being
transformed to think, speak, and act more like the living Word; and be empowered
for every member ministry in the world, wherever God sends us.
Saturday Morning Main Session:
Soaking in Worship and the Word
Joel Bidderman and Friends
It is always exciting to hear what God says and see what He
does when we commit ourselves to gather in the same place at the same time in
the presence of the Lord. In this session, Joel Bidderman and Friends will lead
us in a refreshing time of soaking together in the presence of the Lord,
ministering to Him and worshipping Him even as Paul, Barnabas and others did in
Acts 13. What a privilege it is to minister to the Lord. How refreshing it is
to soak in His presence. How encouraging it is when we hear Him speak a fresh
word of direction or hope. How reviving it is when we experience a fresh touch of
His freedom and love. Come join us as we soak in worship and the word.
Saturday Evening Main Session: Responsibly
Ministering the Word of God
Kevin McClure, ARC Pastor, Family Room Church, St. Paul, MN
The Apostle Paul speaks
often of the power of God working through His Word, and exhorts us to be men
and women who rightly handle the Word of God. In this session, ARC Pastor,
Kevin McClure, will provide us with wise counsel which can help us be
individuals and a network who are known for ministering the Word of God in
responsible ways which impart hope, healing, and freedom.
Breakouts
The Holy Habit of Daily Devotions
Nathan Hoff,
ARC Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church-San Pedro, CA
What could you learn from someone who has earned
"Epic Fail" on his personal devotions report card for most his life?
How about a "recovering Pharisee"? Come find out by making an
appointment with grace! In this workshop, ARC Pastor, Nathan Hoff, will
use the first Psalm, Martin Luther's letter to his barber and the Lord's Prayer
to help rescue us Epic Failures and Recovering Pharisees. Nathan will draw from
these resources, the Word of God, and his own daily devotional life to help
impart practical insights and ideas which will breath a fresh breathe of life
into our own practice of the holy habit of daily devotions.
Lectio Divina
Bill
Gaultiere, Director, Soul Shepherding, Irvine, CA
The word of God is living and active. It restores broken
souls, it renews tired spirits, it guides us in God’s good path -- if we listen
with soft hearts and live it out. Sadly, we often read the Bible too quickly,
trying to get through it or get our sermon finished. In this workshop Bill will
mentor us in Lectio Divina, an ancient art and discipline for praying a Bible
passage to hear God’s voice. Come to learn the Biblical foundation for Lectio
Divina and to get a vision for how you can use this practice in sermon
preparation or leading groups in your church. Come to be refreshed by an
experience of the Word of God breathing life into your soul.
Rules of the Game
Jeremy King,
ARC Pastor, Radiant Church-Garden Grove, CA
Reading the Bible is essential for following Jesus. Most
Christians would agree on that. However, unless we consider how
we read the Bible, we may find ourselves ill-equipped for engaging with real
people in the real world. How we read and talk about the Holy Scriptures will
deeply affect how we represent Jesus to our friends, neighbors, and family. In
this workshop we will discover, and practice together, practical tools for
reading, interpreting, and applying the Bible in a responsible manner. We will
also work on a foundational understanding of the origins of the Scriptures, how
to evaluate and select bible translations, and how to appropriately read and
apply from each of the literary genres found in the Bible.
The Power of a Word of Testimony
Heidi
McClure, ARC Administrator and MI School of Ministry Assistant
Our testimonies are one of the most powerful things about
us. Although people can try to argue about the authenticity of Christianity’s
claims, no one can argue with what Christ has done on a personal level in
someone’s life. An anonymous person once said, “A man with a testimony is never at the mercy of a man with an
argument.” Testimonies are a great way to reach the lost, the broken, and
the hurting. In this workshop we will learn more about why it is on God’s heart
for us to be sharing our testimonies, how to effectively write and share a
testimony, and how to incorporate testimonies into your ministry.
Teaching the Bible
Dave
Housholder, ARC Pastor, Robinwood Church, Huntington Beach, CA
People don't bring their Bibles! They don't read them daily!
Biblical illiteracy is on the rise! This seminar will give you clear steps on
how to solve these and other problems. In this workshop, Dave will help us
focus on creating a Bible culture in our churches through modeling and
promotion. We will also focus on which kinds of Bible teaching lead to a more
participatory Bible culture. Be sure to bring your Bible to the session
Reaching Non-Christians with the Word of God
Dave
Housholder, ARC Pastor, Robinwood Church, Huntington Beach, CA
We want the ARC to be known as a network God is using as a
soul-winning, discipleship-making network. So, its important for us to ask questions
such as: What intentional efforts are we making at reaching non-Christians? How
many teen and adult baptisms did we have last year? Many of you may have tried
the Alpha Course, but it can be hard to maintain a critical mass in a smaller
church. Pastor Dave Housholder and the team at Robinwood Church have developed
The Blackberry Bush as one strategy for reaching out to non-Christians. They
have five tables full of participants every semester and have been able to
assimilate dozens of new people into the congregation: socially, spiritually,
and catechetically. Come hear what it is all about in this breakout session and
see if it might not be of help to you in your cultural context, or, spur some
fresh ideas which you can take home and work with you team to develop
strategies which uniquely fit your context and geographic region.
Prayer Ministry: The Word Coming Alive Through You
Denise
Siemens, Lutheran Renewal Administrator and Director of Arise! Women’s Ministry
When we pray for others, we allow ourselves to be a channel
through which the life, love, and healing of the Lord can flow. Jesus, the
Living Word, wants to use us as letters of the Spirit to write upon the hearts
of those around us—not just those in our church meetings, but everyone we meet.
No one is safe from a blessing! Imagine if every ARC member were equipped to
pray with those God brings across our paths? In this workshop, Denise will bring solid teaching and practical insights, and we will take time to practice listening to Jesus and praying for each other.
Schedule for Southwest Gathering
Thursday,
July 12
6 p.m. Registration
at Robinwood Church
7 p.m. Opening
Session
•
Worship
and Prayer – Joel Bidderman and Friends
•
Message: “People Under the Word” - Graeme Sellers, ARC National Leadership Team
member; Lead Pastor, Wonderful Mercy Church, Phoenix, AZ; and Faculty member,
The Master’s Institute Seminary
•
Worship
and Prayer Ministry
Friday,
July 13
10 a.m. Adult
Morning Session
•
Worship
– Hope Community Worship Band
•
Message:
Maintaining Biblical Authority in a Postmodern
World – Dave Glesne, ARC Pastor, Redeemer
Lutheran Church, Fridley, MN and Faculty Member, The Master’s Institute
Seminary
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Free
and Fun Time with Dinner on our Own
1:00 p.m. Prophetic
and Soaking Prayer Appointments
7:00 p.m. Evening
Session
•
Worship
– Robinwood Worship Band
•
Message: Saturated
for Transformation and Mission, Mike Bradley, Director, The
Alliance of Renewal Churches
•
Prayer
Ministry and Worship
Saturday, July 14
9:00 a.m. Adult
Morning Session - Soaking Worship and Ministry Time –
Joel Bidderman and
Friends
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Workshops
Nathan Hoff The
Holy Habit of a Daily Devotional Life
Heidi
McClure The
Power of a Word of Testimony
David Housholder Teaching
the Bible
Denise Siemens Prayer
Ministry: The Word Coming Alive Through You
12:45 p.m. General Lunch
12:45 p.m. Pastors and Spouses
Lunch ‘N Life Together
2:00 p.m. Workshops
Jeremy King Rules
of the Game
Bill Gautiere Lectio
Divina: Connecting to the Word of God with Heart and Head
Dave
Housholder Reaching
Non-Christians with the Word of God
3:30
p.m. Free
and Fun Time – Dinner on our Own
7 p.m. Evening
Session
• Worship
– Joel Bidderman and Friends
• Message: Responsibly
Ministering the Word of God – Kevin McClure, ARC Pastor,
Family Room Church; Dean of Students, The Masters Institute Seminary
• Worship
and Prayer Ministry
Friday, June 15, 2012
ARC Young Adult Leader Takes Team to Eastern Europe
As Director
for The Alliance of Renewal Churches (ARC), one of the great joys is to see
multi-generational ministry happening throughout the ARC. From the nursery to
children’s ministries to youth and young adult ministries, all the way to
senior ministries, God is at work in and through the generations in the ARC.
One of the exciting young adult ministries happening in our midst is in the
Sacramento-El Grove, CA area, where ARC leader, Jonathan Miller is involved in
Remedy – an outreach to young adults. Jonathan is leading a team into the Czech
Republic soon and I commend him and what he writes below to you. Thanks for
keeping him in prayer and as the Spirit may prompt you, thanks for sending
financial support you can to them – Mike Bradley, Director, Alliance of Renewal
Churches.
ARC leader,
Jonathan Miller is the Director of Music Ministry at ARC church, Living Water,
in Elk Grove, CA. He is also the co-director of a thriving college-age
and young adult ministry in the Elk Grove area called REMED. REMEDY was
established in 1998 and has been going strong for 14 years by the grace of God,
with thousands of college-age and young adults passing through.
This year,
REMEDY is coming alongside a former "REMEDian", Tomas Mojzis and his
wife, Misha, and Josiah Venture, a Christian outreach camp for the youth of
Eastern Europe. The REMEDY team of 6 will be travelling from July 17th-August
1st to the Czech Republic where they will have the opportunity of ministering
to the youth of the Czech Republic. Most of them are atheists, and the team
will be able to share the Gospel with them through teaching them English,
hanging out, playing sports, and having deep conversations (Josiah Venture is
an organization that puts on English/Sports camps every week in the summer
months). We are hoping that our words, thoughts, and actions all reflect that
of Jesus and that these kids will receive Jesus by the end of the camp week,
and decide to follow Him whole-heartedly from that point on. Tomas and
Misha live in the Czech so they are able to continue the discipleship process
after many of these kids depart from camp.
We are
asking for the ARC churches to come alongside us in prayer and supplication! Below
are some prayer points that will guide all of you in your prayer sessions. Thank
you in advance for your prayers! We greatly need them!
TEAM:
·
Unity
for our team both before we leave and each day that we are there.
·
That
satan and his demons will be bound and gagged from causing discouragement,
harm, sickness, and fear to me, and to the rest of my team.
·
That
Jesus will provide sufficient funds for all to go.
·
For
His strength, wisdom, protection as we serve -Heb 6:10, for integrity and endurance as we prepare -Eph 3:20
·
That
Jesus will go before me to soften hearts to be open to His love; alongside me
to strengthen me as I serve; and after me to clean up any messes I might make.
MISSION FIELD:
·
That the Josiah Venture Camp and the surrounding
area will be prepared by Jesus’ Spirit before, during, and after our time
there.
·
That Tomas and Misha and other ministry leaders
and God’s people there will be encouraged by our presence.
·
For those who know Jesus to experience His
presence and peace and be ready to share the hope within them with others
Phil. 4:6-7
·
To recognize those whose hearts are hungry for
Truth and be able to share good news in a way that is easily understood. Col 4:2-6
·
For those who do not yet know Jesus, that we may
ask the eternal questions which cause them to seek with open hearts Matt. 11:28-30
·
That Jesus will be understood through us and
that we will be worthy servants to this post-Communist, dark nation which
desperately needs the Light of Jesus.
For any questions regarding who we are,
please feel free to call me (Jonathan) at (916) 879-0384. You
can also visit our website at www.eremedy.org
or our trip website at http://www.missionmakr.com/trips/czech-republic-2012/launch.
Thank you for your prayers and support! May God bless you and keep
you, may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may
the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace!
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