What is the Church?What is the Church?

God’s plan for the welfare of the human God’s plan for the welfare of the human racerace

Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the welfare of the city Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, pray to the where I have sent you into exile, pray to the

Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will have Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will have welfare ”welfare ”

Why do we do what we do?Why do we do what we do?

““Why we do what we do” – this is Why we do what we do” – this is called philosophy.called philosophy.

There are three things that affect our There are three things that affect our actions or method of behaviouractions or method of behaviour

We call this our philosophy of We call this our philosophy of ministryministry

Three factors that have Three factors that have determined our ministry determined our ministry

philosophy?philosophy?

1.1. Scriptural principlesScriptural principles – Our hermeneutics or – Our hermeneutics or method of interpreting the Biblemethod of interpreting the Bible

2.2. HistoryHistory – How the gospel came to us as – How the gospel came to us as Vietnamese, our Roman Catholic and Vietnamese, our Roman Catholic and Christian Missionary Alliance influenceChristian Missionary Alliance influence

3.3. CultureCulture – This is shaped by our mentality – This is shaped by our mentality and how we think as Vietnamese peopleand how we think as Vietnamese people

Vietnam has a rich Christian Vietnam has a rich Christian history?history?

1.1. Jesuit missionary Alexander de Jesuit missionary Alexander de Rhodes laboured in North and South Rhodes laboured in North and South Vietnam from 1591-1660.Vietnam from 1591-1660.

2.2. The North Vietnamese were the The North Vietnamese were the most responsive. most responsive.

3.3. By 1545 de Rhodes reported By 1545 de Rhodes reported 300,000 Christians in North 300,000 Christians in North Vietnam who zealously witnessed to Vietnam who zealously witnessed to their own.their own.

Two rules of Vietnamese culture Two rules of Vietnamese culture made the people very made the people very

responsive;responsive;1.1. The first rule prohibited going to Court The first rule prohibited going to Court

with one’s relativewith one’s relative2.2. The second prevented the appointment The second prevented the appointment

of a Governor of a province from the of a Governor of a province from the province in which he had been bornprovince in which he had been born

In addition to these two rules, the people of In addition to these two rules, the people of Vietnam had an acute sensitivity to what Vietnam had an acute sensitivity to what was good, and this made them very was good, and this made them very receptive to the gospel and the teachings receptive to the gospel and the teachings of Jesus. De Rhodes preached 5-6 times of Jesus. De Rhodes preached 5-6 times every day in the Vietnamese language every day in the Vietnamese language such was the hunger of the people.such was the hunger of the people.

These three factors have These three factors have influenced the way we do influenced the way we do

Church.Church.1.1. Christian mission language says that Christian mission language says that

these three factors have influenced how these three factors have influenced how the Vietnamese Evangelical Church has the Vietnamese Evangelical Church has established itself in the context of established itself in the context of Vietnamese/Kiwi societyVietnamese/Kiwi society

2.2. This contextualisation process has This contextualisation process has resulted in the forms, patterns, resulted in the forms, patterns, organisation, structure and methods we organisation, structure and methods we use in our Vietnamese Evangelical Churchuse in our Vietnamese Evangelical Church

How does the Church change How does the Church change with the times?with the times?

One factor of the 3 factors of our ministry One factor of the 3 factors of our ministry philosophy stays the same, the other philosophy stays the same, the other two can change.two can change.

1.1. Scriptural principles remain the same.Scriptural principles remain the same.

2.2. Our history and culture are changing Our history and culture are changing and we must recognise that and and we must recognise that and change with the changing context.change with the changing context.

Churches that die….do so Churches that die….do so because they….fixated…because they….fixated…

They would not change their form, patterns They would not change their form, patterns of organisation to meet the changing of organisation to meet the changing context.context.

In the Vietnamese Evangelical Church 15 In the Vietnamese Evangelical Church 15 years ago the members were almost all years ago the members were almost all new immigrants speaking Vietnamese as new immigrants speaking Vietnamese as your first language and from a CMA your first language and from a CMA background that was very conservative background that was very conservative and scared of the Holy Spirit. This a and scared of the Holy Spirit. This a common problem among people converted common problem among people converted from an ancestral worship background.from an ancestral worship background.

Now you are different and your youth and Now you are different and your youth and future leaders are Kiwi/Vietnamesefuture leaders are Kiwi/Vietnamese

Your changing ContextYour changing Context

From new immigrants to Kiwi/VietnameseFrom new immigrants to Kiwi/VietnameseYou can never deny your anthropological You can never deny your anthropological

origin origin You will always look VietnameseYou will always look VietnameseBut your Christian form will become But your Christian form will become

Kiwi/Vietnamese as your children and new Kiwi/Vietnamese as your children and new converts take leadership in the Churchconverts take leadership in the Church

This an important process of change you This an important process of change you must go through to adapt to the contextmust go through to adapt to the context

The context changes but the The context changes but the scriptural principles remain the scriptural principles remain the

same.same.

What then are the key scriptural concepts of What then are the key scriptural concepts of what the Church is?what the Church is?

The measure of the Church?The measure of the Church?- In the books of Acts we see the Church In the books of Acts we see the Church

growing rapidly. How did they do it?growing rapidly. How did they do it?- The early church was like an extended The early church was like an extended

family that is willing to embrace strangersfamily that is willing to embrace strangers Leviticus 19:34, Exodus22:21, Jeremiah Leviticus 19:34, Exodus22:21, Jeremiah

22:3.22:3.

What forms and structures need What forms and structures need to change in your Church?to change in your Church?

1.1. Consider the ways you do things in Consider the ways you do things in your Church? Are there things that your Church? Are there things that could be changed without weakening could be changed without weakening the Church?the Church?

2.2. How does the leadership function? How does the leadership function? What changes are needed to make the What changes are needed to make the Church more effective in its ministry?Church more effective in its ministry?

3.3. Are then any practices in your Church Are then any practices in your Church that you think are not Biblical?that you think are not Biblical?

The Measure of the Church?The Measure of the Church?

A brief overview of the scriptural principles of the A brief overview of the scriptural principles of the early Church are as follows;early Church are as follows;

1.1. The Head of the Church is Christ – they sought The Head of the Church is Christ – they sought to follow Him in all things and bring His kingdom to follow Him in all things and bring His kingdom into their communitiesinto their communities

2.2. They were Kingdom centred not denomination, They were Kingdom centred not denomination, or organisation centred. They preached the or organisation centred. They preached the holistic gospel of the kingdom of God, not just holistic gospel of the kingdom of God, not just salvation.salvation.

3.3. They had three primary motivations;They had three primary motivations; Faith, hope and love. Eph 1:15,18; Col 1:3-5; I Faith, hope and love. Eph 1:15,18; Col 1:3-5; I

Thess 1:2-3; II Thess 1:3-4.Thess 1:2-3; II Thess 1:3-4.4.4. Their primary mission was to make disciples of Their primary mission was to make disciples of

all nations. Matt 28:18-20all nations. Matt 28:18-20

These four motivations These four motivations translated into Christ-like actionstranslated into Christ-like actions Their work was the work of faith, trusting Their work was the work of faith, trusting

Christ to work through them His purposesChrist to work through them His purposes The labour was a labour of love, The labour was a labour of love,

ministering and giving to each other ministering and giving to each other generously of the gifts they had received.generously of the gifts they had received.

They were steadfast in their hope that was They were steadfast in their hope that was based on Jesus Christ the “chief based on Jesus Christ the “chief cornerstone of the church”.cornerstone of the church”.

They were dynamic and inclusive in their They were dynamic and inclusive in their growth both numerically and in spiritual growth both numerically and in spiritual maturitymaturity

The Apostle Paul made an The Apostle Paul made an example of the Corinthian example of the Corinthian

Church’s faults…Church’s faults… The Corinthians were;The Corinthians were; ImpatientImpatient UnkindUnkind AngryAngry ImmoralImmoral ProudProud SelfishSelfish Self-obsessedSelf-obsessedThis behaviour was This behaviour was

influenced by their influenced by their culture and culture and backgroundbackground

Jesus Christ was;Jesus Christ was; PatientPatient Kind and lovingKind and loving Self-controlledSelf-controlled Pure in his motivesPure in his motives HumbleHumble UnselfishUnselfish A disciple-makerA disciple-makerThe Spirit of God in The Spirit of God in

Christ made Him a Christ made Him a reflection of the Divine reflection of the Divine image God intended in image God intended in creationcreation

Write a Letter about your Church Write a Letter about your Church to the Apostle Paul…to the Apostle Paul…

Tonight before you go to bed I want you to Tonight before you go to bed I want you to write a brief letter to the Apostle Paul about write a brief letter to the Apostle Paul about your church. Its successes and difficulties.your church. Its successes and difficulties.

Tomorrow morning we will get a few people Tomorrow morning we will get a few people to read their letters?to read their letters?

The Holy Spirit did this to 7 Churches in The Holy Spirit did this to 7 Churches in Revelation 1:10 – 3:22. Concerning 2 Revelation 1:10 – 3:22. Concerning 2 churches the Holy Spirit had no complaint – churches the Holy Spirit had no complaint – amazing – which churches were these?amazing – which churches were these?

How to grow a mature How to grow a mature Church?Church?

There are four vital experiences each There are four vital experiences each Church needs to matureChurch needs to mature

1.1. Biblical teaching and an acceptance Biblical teaching and an acceptance by all members that the Bible is the by all members that the Bible is the authority for the ministry practice of authority for the ministry practice of the Church.the Church.

2.2. Develop a loving caring relational Develop a loving caring relational community that disciples all community that disciples all members and helps them grow to members and helps them grow to maturitymaturity

3.3. Members have witnessing Members have witnessing experiences with non-Christians, and experiences with non-Christians, and live lives that attract non-believers to live lives that attract non-believers to investigate the person of Jesus Christ. investigate the person of Jesus Christ. They have integrated their faith into They have integrated their faith into every aspect of their lives, a biblical every aspect of their lives, a biblical holism.holism.

4.4. The Church leadership are elders with The Church leadership are elders with pastoral experience who share with pastoral experience who share with the Church a Mission focus that leads the Church a Mission focus that leads them to plant churches in their local them to plant churches in their local context and in other places outside context and in other places outside their context. This will move the their context. This will move the church from a mono-cultural to church from a mono-cultural to multicultural mission.multicultural mission.

For the Church to grow it needs For the Church to grow it needs good leadershipgood leadership

The church is a nursery for its own leadership The church is a nursery for its own leadership needs..needs..

The new believer is nurtured, and then The new believer is nurtured, and then discipled, becomes a deacon leading a house discipled, becomes a deacon leading a house fellowship, shows proven ability to pastor and fellowship, shows proven ability to pastor and care for new believers, and then becomes an care for new believers, and then becomes an elder overseeing several house fellowships, elder overseeing several house fellowships, and then prepares to plant new churches and then prepares to plant new churches locally and internationally by building a locally and internationally by building a ministry team, resulting in the elder ministry team, resulting in the elder becoming a bishop and then an apostle.becoming a bishop and then an apostle.

Every new believer is a potential leader…Every new believer is a potential leader…The leadership training place is the home…The leadership training place is the home…

Biblical leadership Biblical leadership qualifications?qualifications?

The Apostle Paul gave a clear pattern The Apostle Paul gave a clear pattern for the development of Church for the development of Church leadership in Romans 5 and 12, and leadership in Romans 5 and 12, and 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 2 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 2 Corinthians 12: 7-17, and Ephesians Corinthians 12: 7-17, and Ephesians 4. 4.

A Church that does not follow the A Church that does not follow the Biblical pattern for leadership Biblical pattern for leadership development does so at its own peril. development does so at its own peril.

How does spiritual growth occur? How does spiritual growth occur? How can we help new believers How can we help new believers

grow to maturity?grow to maturity?

There are five key elements where we can partner with the Holy There are five key elements where we can partner with the Holy Spirit in developing spiritual growth through discipleship;Spirit in developing spiritual growth through discipleship;

1.1. Teaching the new believer Teaching the new believer how to prayhow to pray2.2. Applying the teaching of Scripture to their livesApplying the teaching of Scripture to their lives – revealing the – revealing the

will of God to them, by answering their questions in a Biblical will of God to them, by answering their questions in a Biblical way and from our experience of what God has done in our livesway and from our experience of what God has done in our lives

3.3. Helping them Helping them develop positive relationshipsdevelop positive relationships with their family, with their family, community and the Church through friendship and community and the Church through friendship and reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5 v 17-19.reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5 v 17-19.

4.4. Service of othersService of others in the Church and the community. Eph 4 verse in the Church and the community. Eph 4 verse 1212

5.5. Teaching them Teaching them to experience the presence of Godto experience the presence of God through through worship, meditation on God’s word and prayer. Acts 2 v 42-47worship, meditation on God’s word and prayer. Acts 2 v 42-47

In this process of growth In this process of growth believers pass through stages of believers pass through stages of

developmentdevelopmentThe Apostle John and Paul described The Apostle John and Paul described

the process of discipleship through the process of discipleship through the concept of human development;the concept of human development;

Stage 1 Babies – 1 Corinthians 3 verse Stage 1 Babies – 1 Corinthians 3 verse 11

Stage 2 Children – 1 John 1 verses 12Stage 2 Children – 1 John 1 verses 12Stage 3 Young persons – 1 John 1 v 13Stage 3 Young persons – 1 John 1 v 13Stage 4 Fathers – 1 John 1 v 13-14Stage 4 Fathers – 1 John 1 v 13-14

These stages of human These stages of human development are likened to…development are likened to…

1. Babes – Those in need of intensive 1. Babes – Those in need of intensive carecare

- Feeding every four hours- Feeding every four hours- Cleaning every time they soil themselvesCleaning every time they soil themselves- Sleeping all the time – no work just demands, Sleeping all the time – no work just demands,

and needs and intensive careand needs and intensive careWhy do we do it; We love the baby because it is a Why do we do it; We love the baby because it is a

reflection of ourselves. This intense care will only reflection of ourselves. This intense care will only last for a season then the joy of childhood will last for a season then the joy of childhood will come.come.

2. Children – Those learning to talk, walk, eat and 2. Children – Those learning to talk, walk, eat and clean themselvesclean themselves

Children know their sins are forgiven, they experience Children know their sins are forgiven, they experience the joy of God’s unconditional forgiveness in Christthe joy of God’s unconditional forgiveness in Christ

They know and recognise the Father’s voice, His will They know and recognise the Father’s voice, His will and His love.and His love.

3. Young persons – Those who learning competency 3. Young persons – Those who learning competency in running, playing the game of life, being fruitful in running, playing the game of life, being fruitful and productive, choice in decision making between and productive, choice in decision making between good and bad, and obedience to God, parents and good and bad, and obedience to God, parents and teachers, and building positive relationships with teachers, and building positive relationships with God, family and the community. Dependency God, family and the community. Dependency broken. broken.

Young persons become strong, abide in God’s word, Young persons become strong, abide in God’s word, are fruitful in disciple-making, and know how to are fruitful in disciple-making, and know how to overcome the evil one.overcome the evil one.

4. Fathers – They know God intimately4. Fathers – They know God intimatelyThis came about through years of experience This came about through years of experience

in discipleship, testing, hardship and trials. in discipleship, testing, hardship and trials. The Apostle Paul says this process produces The Apostle Paul says this process produces great faith and great hope – Romans 5:1-5.great faith and great hope – Romans 5:1-5.

Fathers have learned the lessons of nurturing Fathers have learned the lessons of nurturing children to adulthoodchildren to adulthood

Fathers have been faithful in marriage, and Fathers have been faithful in marriage, and faithful in their relationship with God. This faithful in their relationship with God. This process of faithfulness and constantly process of faithfulness and constantly applying the principles of reconciliation has applying the principles of reconciliation has produced humility and an authority born out produced humility and an authority born out of servanthoodof servanthood

Fathers have moved from delight in power, to Fathers have moved from delight in power, to delight in the intimacy of loving delight in the intimacy of loving faithfulness.faithfulness.

Another way of looking at Another way of looking at spiritual growth is through the spiritual growth is through the

seasons of nature…seasons of nature…1.1. SummerSummer – moving on to maturity, harvest, strength in – moving on to maturity, harvest, strength in

the heat, energy, long hours of sunlight.the heat, energy, long hours of sunlight.2.2. AutumnAutumn – beautiful colours, a process of dying, – beautiful colours, a process of dying,

pruning, the leaves drop off the maximise the light of pruning, the leaves drop off the maximise the light of the sun in winter. We distribute seed from our fruitthe sun in winter. We distribute seed from our fruit

3.3. WinterWinter – little reliance on one’s own strength, an – little reliance on one’s own strength, an appearance of death, internal life, pruning, buds form, appearance of death, internal life, pruning, buds form, the promise of new growth. Our seed is planted and the promise of new growth. Our seed is planted and getting ready to emerge in the next spring.getting ready to emerge in the next spring.

4.4. SpringSpring – new birth, rapid new growth from infancy. – new birth, rapid new growth from infancy.

Four seasons of growth in our Four seasons of growth in our lives and ministry……lives and ministry……

Security Security – We become members of a new happy – We become members of a new happy family. We experience new ways of having fun and family. We experience new ways of having fun and celebrating.celebrating.

CommitmentCommitment – Through committed relationships we – Through committed relationships we become disciples or disciplined leaders in groups with become disciples or disciplined leaders in groups with authority to minister reconciliation, healing and authority to minister reconciliation, healing and deliverance. We bear fruit and start a second deliverance. We bear fruit and start a second generation.generation.

QualityQuality – Through experience, testing, and trials, we – Through experience, testing, and trials, we become mature quality leaders, delegating ministries become mature quality leaders, delegating ministries to others while mentoring and supervising a number to others while mentoring and supervising a number of groups. A third generation is birthed. (We now of groups. A third generation is birthed. (We now have spiritual grandchildren).have spiritual grandchildren).

CallingCalling – Apostolic and prophetic roles enable us to – Apostolic and prophetic roles enable us to serve others in pioneering and establishing their serve others in pioneering and establishing their ministries. Multiple families, as great grandchildren ministries. Multiple families, as great grandchildren are birthed….See pages 168-180 “Cry of the Urban are birthed….See pages 168-180 “Cry of the Urban Poor”Poor”

Which stage of growth are you Which stage of growth are you in?in?

1.1. Seeking security by belonging to a loving Seeking security by belonging to a loving caring group that meets your needs?caring group that meets your needs?

2.2. Ready to make a commitment to service Ready to make a commitment to service and community in a loving caring group?and community in a loving caring group?

3.3. Looking to develop a strong walk with Looking to develop a strong walk with God that can endure hardship and God that can endure hardship and difficulties, while ministering to others?difficulties, while ministering to others?

4.4. A leader who is constantly looking to help A leader who is constantly looking to help others become effective in their ministry?others become effective in their ministry?

Take a few minutes to discuss this with a Take a few minutes to discuss this with a small group of three or four people who small group of three or four people who know you?know you?

Collating these ideas together in a Collating these ideas together in a matrix….matrix….

Human Seasons in Seasons in Human Seasons in Seasons in groups, naturegroups, nature families/families/

communitiescommunities

Babes Spring Security Babes Spring Security

Children Summer Children Summer Commitment Commitment

Youth Autumn QualityYouth Autumn Quality

Fathers Winter CallingFathers Winter Calling

Another way of looking at this Another way of looking at this leadership development is…leadership development is…

An unbeliever encounters a believer and An unbeliever encounters a believer and is impacted by their life and testimonyis impacted by their life and testimony

The unbeliever becomes a new babe in The unbeliever becomes a new babe in ChristChrist

The new believer is discipledThe new believer is discipledThe discipled believer becomes a deaconThe discipled believer becomes a deaconAs a deacon they start a small nurturing As a deacon they start a small nurturing

group and disciple new believers and group and disciple new believers and unbelievers proving the pastoral care unbelievers proving the pastoral care skillsskills

After a proven pastoral ministry in a small After a proven pastoral ministry in a small group they become an elder responsible for group they become an elder responsible for the oversight of several deacons and their the oversight of several deacons and their small groups – a mentoring rolesmall groups – a mentoring role

After a proven ministry of eldership they After a proven ministry of eldership they are sent out to pioneer a new church with are sent out to pioneer a new church with their selected ministry team – wisdom in their selected ministry team – wisdom in leadership enables them to select gifted leadership enables them to select gifted peoplepeople

After this they move into cross-cultural After this they move into cross-cultural church planting in other nations – an church planting in other nations – an apostolic team ministryapostolic team ministry

The home is the proving ground The home is the proving ground for all Biblical Leadership..for all Biblical Leadership..

I Timothy 3 verse 4 - 5,I Timothy 3 verse 4 - 5, “ “He must be one who manages his own He must be one who manages his own

household well, keeping his children under household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity…but if a man does not control with all dignity…but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God…. Verse will he take care of the church of God…. Verse 11…and women likewise…” 11…and women likewise…”

This is a strong case for a house based church This is a strong case for a house based church movement where the order of the house is movement where the order of the house is observed by those people the deacon is observed by those people the deacon is pastoring, proving himself worthy to be an pastoring, proving himself worthy to be an elder.elder.

The Church experiences a shift The Church experiences a shift in its ministry…….in its ministry…….

From Sunday based meetings in a hall - From Sunday based meetings in a hall - spectatorsspectators

To house based small groups – participators To house based small groups – participators reaching people in the community…entry for reaching people in the community…entry for unbelievers is through the small groupunbelievers is through the small group

These small groups can be meeting daily if they These small groups can be meeting daily if they are based around an economic activity… I will are based around an economic activity… I will explain this idea later.explain this idea later.

The more frequent the meeting together that The more frequent the meeting together that more rapid the growth…as in Acts more rapid the growth…as in Acts

Sundays become teaching with preaching and Sundays become teaching with preaching and drama and corporate worship and prayer drama and corporate worship and prayer experiences for members – skill formation in experiences for members – skill formation in applying the word of God to daily life.applying the word of God to daily life.

Re-focus the prayer life of the church through Re-focus the prayer life of the church through Sunday prayer where everyone prays in the Sunday prayer where everyone prays in the church meeting.church meeting.

Through the house based group Through the house based group we are able to build up one we are able to build up one

another..another..Ephesians 4 verses 11-16Ephesians 4 verses 11-16Members one of anotherMembers one of anotherDevoted to one anotherDevoted to one anotherHonour one anotherHonour one anotherBe of the same mind with one anotherBe of the same mind with one anotherAccept one anotherAccept one anotherAdmonish one anotherAdmonish one anotherGreet one anotherGreet one another

As our sense of community As our sense of community develops we are able to Love develops we are able to Love

one anotherone another … … John 13 verses 34-35John 13 verses 34-35 A new commandment I give to you, love A new commandment I give to you, love

one anotherone another As I have loved you, so you must love one As I have loved you, so you must love one

anotheranother All men will know you are my disciples if All men will know you are my disciples if

you love one anotheryou love one another

Romans 12:10, 1 Cor 14:1, Eph 4:2, Col 2:2, 1 Thess 3:12, Heb Romans 12:10, 1 Cor 14:1, Eph 4:2, Col 2:2, 1 Thess 3:12, Heb 13:1, James 2:8, 1Peter 4:813:1, James 2:8, 1Peter 4:8

Our ministry to each other Our ministry to each other Encourages one another…Encourages one another…

Hebrews 10 verse 25Hebrews 10 verse 25

“ “Let us not give up meeting together, as Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..”encourage one another..”

Acts 11 verses 22-24Acts 11 verses 22-24

“ “They sent Barnabas to Antioch, when he They sent Barnabas to Antioch, when he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” hearts.”

Our gathering together Our gathering together facilitates Praying for one facilitates Praying for one

another..another.. This is the most powerful act of This is the most powerful act of

corporate worship we can do as a corporate worship we can do as a Church.Church.

When the early Church prayed in the When the early Church prayed in the upper room, then the Holy Spirit fell upper room, then the Holy Spirit fell on them…Acts 1 verse 14. Pentecost on them…Acts 1 verse 14. Pentecost came and transformed fearful men came and transformed fearful men into men bold as Lions.into men bold as Lions.

Inside and outside the group we Inside and outside the group we Serve one another…Serve one another…

Galatians 5:13 – 6:10Galatians 5:13 – 6:10Serve one in love, 5:13Serve one in love, 5:13Freedom to serve, 5:13Freedom to serve, 5:13Serving in the Spirit, 5:16-18Serving in the Spirit, 5:16-18Servants of righteousness, 5:19-26Servants of righteousness, 5:19-26The true test of servanthood, 6:1-3The true test of servanthood, 6:1-3Serving through our money, 6:4-8Serving through our money, 6:4-8Servant of All, 6:9-10 Servant of All, 6:9-10

How do we effectively impact How do we effectively impact the wider community as a the wider community as a

church..?church..?The Church must be attractive to the The Church must be attractive to the

community…a church that is a joy-community…a church that is a joy-filled community is attractive to the filled community is attractive to the community.community.

The Church needs to have an holistic The Church needs to have an holistic worldview to effectively impact the worldview to effectively impact the communitycommunity

The missing links in our spiritual The missing links in our spiritual worldview are economics and justice worldview are economics and justice (our concern for injustice)(our concern for injustice)

How do we as a church make the How do we as a church make the shift in our worldview to biblical shift in our worldview to biblical

holism?holism?

By creating economically viable joy-filled By creating economically viable joy-filled communities that are justcommunities that are just

Work with our church members who have Work with our church members who have business and entrepreneurial skillsbusiness and entrepreneurial skills

Create businesses that use peoples Create businesses that use peoples creative talents, making artistic handmade creative talents, making artistic handmade products that will appeal to the richproducts that will appeal to the rich

Advocate for justice in our communitiesAdvocate for justice in our communities

Building a joy-filled Building a joy-filled community…community…

Most Christians when talking about holism Most Christians when talking about holism still ignore four vital elements of a holistic still ignore four vital elements of a holistic gospel;gospel;

1. The economic factors – money is seen as 1. The economic factors – money is seen as evil and secular.evil and secular.

2. Sustainability and viability – what we do 2. Sustainability and viability – what we do must be viable and sustainable otherwise it must be viable and sustainable otherwise it will not lastwill not last

3. Creativity – God made us to be creative. 3. Creativity – God made us to be creative. We experience the most satisfaction or joy We experience the most satisfaction or joy when we are using these creative talents.when we are using these creative talents.

4. Advocacy for justice – responding to 4. Advocacy for justice – responding to injusticeinjustice

Every aspect of redeemed Every aspect of redeemed human life was intended to be human life was intended to be

part of church life…part of church life… We are to be naturally spiritualWe are to be naturally spiritual To be truly spiritual is to be truly human as To be truly spiritual is to be truly human as

God intended.God intended. We have created a dichotomy (separation) We have created a dichotomy (separation)

between the natural and the spiritual that between the natural and the spiritual that God never intended.God never intended.

The church is still the church when in the The church is still the church when in the workplace. The workplace should reflect workplace. The workplace should reflect that level of spirituality.that level of spirituality.

Workplaces can become joy-filled Workplaces can become joy-filled communities and we can have a five day a communities and we can have a five day a week church rather than a one.week church rather than a one.

The Church is a communityThe Church is a community

A Church is not created by helping A Church is not created by helping individualsindividuals to become economically to become economically self sufficient.self sufficient.

Members of a Church must value Members of a Church must value their experience of learning, caring their experience of learning, caring and working and working togethertogether..

Helping one another to acquire skills Helping one another to acquire skills to live and bless others is essential to live and bless others is essential for a joy-filled community (Church).for a joy-filled community (Church).

What makes a What makes a healthy community?healthy community?

There are four key principles;There are four key principles;1. It must be economically viable or it will not 1. It must be economically viable or it will not

lastlast2. It must attract and develop capable 2. It must attract and develop capable

leadership – this may well involve very leadership – this may well involve very difficult sacrifices in time and money to difficult sacrifices in time and money to educate and skill the potential leaderseducate and skill the potential leaders

3. It must seek to integrate itself into the 3. It must seek to integrate itself into the wider city systems for transport, water, wider city systems for transport, water, power, healthcare, rubbish removal, power, healthcare, rubbish removal, policing and local politicspolicing and local politics

4. It must teach its members to practice 4. It must teach its members to practice “Kingdom values” in all aspects of their “Kingdom values” in all aspects of their daily lives.daily lives.

The Vietnamese Bakeries……The Vietnamese Bakeries……

The Vietnamese community has partially The Vietnamese community has partially captured this idea in the way it has helped captured this idea in the way it has helped each other purchase a bakery by each family each other purchase a bakery by each family pooling resources and helping another familypooling resources and helping another family

Its weakness has been that it is usually Its weakness has been that it is usually limited to just one family making money until limited to just one family making money until they can pay back the loans and then release they can pay back the loans and then release another family to work hard and make money another family to work hard and make money to pay back loans… there is a limited to pay back loans… there is a limited creativity and joy in this process until the long creativity and joy in this process until the long hours of hard work has been done?hours of hard work has been done?

Can we re-think this strategy?Can we re-think this strategy?

A more creative activity?A more creative activity?A less demanding occupation?A less demanding occupation?A wider and more inclusive work A wider and more inclusive work

force with a greater potential for force with a greater potential for evangelism?evangelism?

A greater transfer of wealth from the A greater transfer of wealth from the rich to the poor?rich to the poor?

A more just working environment?A more just working environment?

Do you have any Do you have any suggestions?suggestions?

Ideas for a creative activity?Ideas for a creative activity? How could it be implemented?How could it be implemented? What could be the result?What could be the result? How would the blessings be shared?How would the blessings be shared? What would it cost to start a pilot project?What would it cost to start a pilot project? When could we start?When could we start? Who has the entrepreneurial skill to lead Who has the entrepreneurial skill to lead

it?it?

The impact of these The impact of these Kingdom values were Kingdom values were demonstrated in the demonstrated in the Acts 2 ChurchActs 2 Church

The Acts 2 v 42-47 patternThe Acts 2 v 42-47 pattern

They continually devoted themselves They continually devoted themselves to prayer, teaching, fellowship and to prayer, teaching, fellowship and breaking bread.breaking bread.

They had a sense of awe at the They had a sense of awe at the amazing things God was doing amazing things God was doing amongst them.amongst them.

They had all things in common.They had all things in common.They shared their possessions – they They shared their possessions – they

had a shared economic activityhad a shared economic activity

They were meetingThey were meeting

together daily.together daily.They were of one mind (unity).They were of one mind (unity).They were eating together.They were eating together.They were daily worshipping God They were daily worshipping God

together.together.They were glad (joy-filled).They were glad (joy-filled).They were sincere in their heart and They were sincere in their heart and

relationships with one anotherrelationships with one another

A work based model of a joy-A work based model of a joy-filled community…filled community…

Develop business activities that will;Develop business activities that will;Form interdependent communities Form interdependent communities

that meet together every working day.that meet together every working day.Teaches skills, creates income, Teaches skills, creates income,

teaches kingdom values and attitudes, teaches kingdom values and attitudes, prays and praises together.prays and praises together.

Is fair and just and shows the love and Is fair and just and shows the love and goodness of God for all members of goodness of God for all members of the community.the community.

Is there a precedent in mission Is there a precedent in mission history?history?

Yes, there is…Yes, there is… Count Von Zinzendorf and the Moravians Count Von Zinzendorf and the Moravians

and the Swiss Basel Missionand the Swiss Basel Mission They discovered many new products and They discovered many new products and

processes such as cocoa and chocolateprocesses such as cocoa and chocolate They found that the more creative and They found that the more creative and

unique the product and process the greater unique the product and process the greater the economic return and sustainability of the economic return and sustainability of the business and greater was the joy for the business and greater was the joy for the community working in that activity.the community working in that activity.

Churches were planted in many lands from Churches were planted in many lands from this holistic worldview.this holistic worldview.

Christians can reform unjust Christians can reform unjust work practices in societies….work practices in societies….

This holistic approach to the Church This holistic approach to the Church and the planting of joy-filled and the planting of joy-filled communities has the potential to communities has the potential to reform unjust labour practices in reform unjust labour practices in societiessocieties

This approach has the ability to This approach has the ability to redistribute wealth without creating a redistribute wealth without creating a violent revolutionviolent revolution

It is very attractive to non-believersIt is very attractive to non-believers

What creative ideas do you have What creative ideas do you have that Church members develop that Church members develop

into a viable business?into a viable business?

1.1. What would it take to commence What would it take to commence your idea?your idea?

2.2. How would this idea affect the How would this idea affect the Church’s sense of community?Church’s sense of community?

3.3. What impact would it have on the What impact would it have on the wider community?wider community?