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WHY I LIKE ELEPHANTS!
When I was a kid, it was a huge treat to go to the circus. Everything I saw there was amazing, but maybe my favorites were the elephants. These gentle giants seemed so amazing in the eyes of a child. When in later life I had a chance to actually see them at work (India) and in the wild (Africa), this added to my perspective the incredible power that they represent.
There is an interesting verse in Proverbs 14:4. "Where there are no cattle, the stall is clean. But there is much strength in the power of the ox" Let me translate and then share a few thoughts. If you want the power of the ox or the beauty of the horse, then someone needs to clean out the crap! I have seen this is many situations where God is clearly working powerfully. What has been labeled "the Toronto blessing" would seem to me a classic of this description. God shows up powerfully, and many lives are transformed. I know churches all over the UK that were touched by this phenomenon, with powerful, transforming and reviving results. But there was a lot of "mucking out the stalls" that needed to happen as well. Abuses included many emotional rather than spiritual experiences, and people copying the work of the Holy Spirit rather than being content to experience His work only when He wanted it.
I would say the jury is still out on the long term impact of such experiences. In places like Mozambique, where the passion and purity of a couple like Rolland and Heidi Baker have helped to shape the impact of Toronto, the on-going impact is nothing short of astounding; a modern day replay of the book of Acts. In most American churches I would say the results have been disappointing and predominantly short term and only impactful on the minority of people who were genuinely seeking the Lord rather than seeking the newest "close encounter of a Christian kind."
So what does any of this have to do with loving elephants! Every time we touch on the mega-micro initiatives that are going on around the country, I will receive a certain number of emails like the one I will quote below. I have left out names to protect the innocent (and I am not sure if that is me or the writer of the email; that is for you to decide.)
"'They have already released some from the congregation into starting house churches across the city with special emphasis on the University, from which many of Austin Stone's members come." (quoting from the e-letter that I (Tony) sent out two weeks ago.)
And you guys see nothing wrong with an IC still wielding power and control over its "flock?"
It seems that you're in bed with the antithesis of what house churches are supposed to thrive on: autonomous existence with only Christ as its Head. Instead, you're endorsing denominationalism among house churches which will be their demise.
This is disappointing."
I want to comment on this because I believe that this understanding, which is possibly pretty widespread within house church movements, is both wrong and hugely damaging to the body of Christ. If those of us in house churches feel that we are the only one who have "got it right" then we are in big trouble. Big, because it is God Himself who will oppose us. (See James "For God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.") Nearly all of us who are passionate about Jesus (yes, I mean people in every type of church -micro, middling, or mega) are equally uncomfortable with the hype and the glitz of many mega models. But I think that an equal number of us (again from micro, middling or mega) find ourselves equally appalled by the exclusiveness of some of the small.
It seems to me (yes, this is just my opinion, but that is the only thing that I am an expert on!) that as believers who want to follow Jesus in all that we do that our primary role is to look out for what we see God being up to, and to join Him in it. (See John 5:19 where Jesus "only did what He saw the Father doing.")
When I was a young medical school student, back in the early 70's in England, the Charismatic movement was just getting into full swing. We were profoundly impacted by this, and in our following on the Holy Spirit we became part of the "British house church movement" which was exploding all over the country. We started one of the earliest of these house churches within the hospital (Barts) where Felicity and I were training. John Stott, at that time the Sr. Pastor at All Soul's Langham Place, was probably Britain's foremost evangelical, and stood strongly against both the Charismatic movement and the emerging house church movements. He, and various other prominent Christian leaders spoke openly against what was happening at Barts Hospital. But when people asked me what I thought being preached against from some of the most public pulpits in Britain, I had to tell them that All Souls was actually an awesome church, that John Stott was a fantastic theologian and preacher and that he had led more people to the Lord than I was ever likely to have the privilege of helping.
There is an old proverb, but not from King Solomon as far as I know that says, "People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." What is currently exploding across the Christian scene in the United States through house church movements has come out from under the radar screen, and is being exposed for all to see. The last thing that that of us in these movements need to be doing is throwing stones. We need to keep asking the Lord to get the logs out of our own eyes before we get to worried about the specks in other people's.
It is we who "endorse denominationalism", quoting from the brother who wrote me the email I quote from above, when we strike out at all other expressions of the body of Christ. Rather let us be known for the love that we show to all , even if their journey in the "wild goose chase" of following the Holy Spirit is different to ours.
It is far too early to tell if the current house church movements here in the West will have the same or greater impact than the mega-church movements which have dominated the Christian landscape for the past twenty to thirty years. But as yet neither is significantly impacting the rest of society or making meaningful headway in the transformation of society. Let's pray for both, that they will be faithful to the Lord, passionate about spreading the good news of Jesus, and that together we may be the agents of change that God has called us to be.
At this year's National House Church Conference in Dallas, a very interesting and challenging prophetic word was given through Huey, a visitor from Trinidad, to the conference. The conference titled after our book, "The Rabbit and The Elephant." Go here to see what the Lord gave Huey to give to the rest of us.
That's more than my usual one minute's worth for this week, and so anything further will have to keep until the next e-letter. Thanks for putting up with my rantings!
Tony and Felicity and the H2H team.
Recent Stories:
Each week H2H publishes a story/article about simple church and/or living out our life in the Kingdom. Recent stories include:
House2House Bookstore
The Rabbit and The Elephant We match Amazon's Price!
By Tony & Felicity Dale and George Barna
Today’s Western culture is indifferent to church and Christians. Yet the early church existed in far harsher conditions—and it thrived. Much like a new litter of rabbits, the infant faith quickly grew and spread. And the result was a world transformed.
In The Rabbit and the Elephant, Tony and Felicity Dale (Simply Church) and George Barna (Revolution) say that the same thing is happening today. As Christians, we are the church - whether we meet in office buildings, college dorm rooms, coffee shops, factories, or homes - and the Holy Spirit uses us to expand that church to the far reaches of the globe. By practicing "simple church," we'll find that a small gathering of friends loving Jesus together and reaching out to the community around them can help us to be the church, the way God intended.
The rabbit and the elephant. Something small and something big. Find out what lessons they hold for you, for the body of Christ, and for the future of church as we know it.
From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God
By Frank Viola
Deep within God's Word lies a wondrous story like no other. A drama that originated before time began. An epic saga that resonates with the heartbeat of God. A story that reveals nothing less than the meaning of life and God's great mission in the earth. From Eternity to Here presents three remarkable stories spanning Genesis to Revelation. Each story traces a divine theme that is woven throughout Scripture. Seen together, they offer an extraordinary glimpse into God’s highest passion and grand mission. What you discover will forever change your view of life, the church, and our magnificent God.
Organic Leadership
by Neil Cole
What are the weeds that hinder the natural growth of godly leadership? Are programs, people, and money truly the signs of a successful church? Where can you find an unlimited source of leaders? How do you mentor others so that they multiply? In Organic Leadership, Neil Cole asks these questions and more, boldly challenging many of the ideas about leadership and church life that we all take for granted.
An Update on the Mega-Micro Initiatives
Last week's e-letter looked at some of the incredible opportunities that are happening around the world as the Holy Spirit is seen leading His Church into a great simplicity and responsiveness to His leading. This week I want to explore further some of the initiatives that we have mentioned that are happening around the country that are bringing very large and very small churches to explore how they can listen to God together, and together have an impact in their local regions. I will focus on Austin, because that is home for us and we naturally know more about it. But similar things are happening in a growing number of other locations around the country.
Jack and Janet Allen moved to Austin about a year ago on the Lord's clear leading that they were to practice what they preach. At the time Jack was Professor of Missions at New Orleans Baptist Theological College, and had become convinced that he needed to be personally living what he was actively teaching. Austin is the blessed location that he came home to experiment with what that might look like. See one of his latest newsletters to friends to see the exciting way that things are unfolding.
Stew (Michael Stewart) and his family moved to Austin several years ago at the request of Austin Stone, one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. He came to help them develop their small group structure, but was open with them from the start that he would only come if they were open to what the Lord was doing in and through house church movements around the world. Austin Stone embraced him, and continues to explore and embrace what God is doing through house churches. They have already released some from the congregation into starting house churches across the city with special emphasis on the University, from which many of Austin Stone's members come.
Mike and Carol Watson work with the Center for Relational Leadership here in Austin. Mike is/was an Anglican pastor, who came to American to work with the Anglican Mission to America. God led him to transition his church into a network of home churches. Now needing to support himself, having worked himself out of a job, Mike has moved into development of business leaders, and Carol is running an interior design business from home.
These three are now getting together to explore what it would look like if the large and small churches in Austin intentionally work together to church the region. If large churches release their people resources while small churches release their experience and training capabilities, what could this look like? Exiting? You bet! On top of this, Neil Cole has been working with a couple of the large churches here in Austin on what organic leadership looks like.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. As we look at the caliber of the people that the Lord is drawing to Austin with a call for development of "intentional gatherings," "missional communities," "spark groups," and home church networks, we rejoice. Something is happening here. Now add to this the number of the very large churches (not sure that I can mention names, as I don't know whether they are ready to go public!) that are also exploring what the Lord is saying to them about home church life, and the mix is astounding.
I will try to keep you posted in the months to come.
Now I hope this doesn't offend some of you reading this, but I am going to take a leap from home church life to sex life! Nothing "XXX" related here, but definitely a great article and a great resource to point you to. Did you know that Paul and Lori, who handle all of the House2House administration also run a tremendous website at www.themarriagebed.com. Their passion (excuse the pun!) to help Christian couples and singles understand this area has been a significant help to thousands within the body of Christ. Marc White (contact at marc@corpfl.com if you want to see his regular "Walk Worthy" newsletter) sent out an article (original here ) a while ago. I think it is one of the best articles that I have read on men and sex in marriage. Husbands and wives, why not read this together, and then discuss it together! It will help you both! Enough! I try to keep this to the promised 60 second read whenever I send it out. Blessings,
Tony and Felicity and the H2H team.
Recent Stories:
Each week H2H publishes a story/article about simple church and/or living out our life in the Kingdom. Recent stories include:
House2House Bookstore
The Rabbit and The Elephant We match Amazon's Price!
By Tony & Felicity Dale and George Barna
Today’s Western culture is indifferent to church and Christians. Yet the early church existed in far harsher conditions—and it thrived. Much like a new litter of rabbits, the infant faith quickly grew and spread. And the result was a world transformed.
In The Rabbit and the Elephant, Tony and Felicity Dale (Simply Church) and George Barna (Revolution) say that the same thing is happening today. As Christians, we are the church - whether we meet in office buildings, college dorm rooms, coffee shops, factories, or homes - and the Holy Spirit uses us to expand that church to the far reaches of the globe. By practicing "simple church," we'll find that a small gathering of friends loving Jesus together and reaching out to the community around them can help us to be the church, the way God intended.
The rabbit and the elephant. Something small and something big. Find out what lessons they hold for you, for the body of Christ, and for the future of church as we know it.
From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God
By Frank Viola
Deep within God's Word lies a wondrous story like no other. A drama that originated before time began. An epic saga that resonates with the heartbeat of God. A story that reveals nothing less than the meaning of life and God's great mission in the earth. From Eternity to Here presents three remarkable stories spanning Genesis to Revelation. Each story traces a divine theme that is woven throughout Scripture. Seen together, they offer an extraordinary glimpse into God’s highest passion and grand mission. What you discover will forever change your view of life, the church, and our magnificent God.
Organic Leadership
by Neil Cole
What are the weeds that hinder the natural growth of godly leadership? Are programs, people, and money truly the signs of a successful church? Where can you find an unlimited source of leaders? How do you mentor others so that they multiply? In Organic Leadership, Neil Cole asks these questions and more, boldly challenging many of the ideas about leadership and church life that we all take for granted.
Global Initiatives: What is God Up To?
I have never been comfortable with the type of language that says that we (or anyone else for that matter) are on the "cutting edge" of something that God is doing. It seems so presumptuous to me! It is a huge blessing to be allowed to be involved with the Lord, to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and to learn to listen to "His voice" (John 5:19 and John 10:3). But to jump from the fact that the Lord does speak to us, to the presumption that what he is saying to us is somehow more important than what He may be saying to many others around the world is to my mind a huge and unhelpful leap.
With those thoughts in mind, I want to report on some unusual opportunities that Felicity and I have found ourselves involved in over the past couple of weeks, and ask your prayer for a time coming up shortly in India.
Most of you reading this newsletter know of Wolfgang Simson, and the impact he has had around the world through his book, Houses That Change The World. Wolfgang felt led of the Lord a little over a year ago to call together some folk involved in house church planting movements from around the world to gather in Antioch (in the Hatay region of modern Turkey) to wait on the Lord together to try to understand what it was that happened in the first missionary sending movement of the church as described in Acts 13. Over the past week Felicity and I have been privileged to be a part of that "listening gathering," trying to understand at a deeper level what happened in Acts 13 as the "prophets and teachers" waited on the Lord together.
Well, I don't think anyone would claim that this group in Antioch was only made up of prophets and teachers, but we did try our best to use the week to listen to the Lord together. And the Lord definitely underlined to us both the importance of the prophetic (i.e. hearing from God) and of the apostolic (being sent out by God into a task or sphere of influence where God is wanting to initiate change) calling to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". This is just the start of a journey, but it is fun being allowed to be along for the ride.
In two weeks time we travel on to India. I have been very involved in a rural health project there over the past two years. The period of evaluation of that project is now over and so now those of us who initiated the project (see reachvision.org if you want to know a bit more about this) are gathering with our Indian counterparts to discuss the next steps. But while there we meet with another group, this time called together by some of those most involved in the rapidly exploding house church movements across India. It may not be prudent to use names here, but the scale on which God is moving across India just staggers the imagination. We all know about the 3,000 who were baptized on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). But have you heard about the 300,000 who were baptized on the day of Pentecost 2009 in India as the result of one large network of house churches!
People are gathering from around 40 nations to explore together what is happening, and how we can help each other as these movements gather momentum around the world. Rapid growth is exciting, challenging, and potentially problematic. We are getting together to ask the Lord what is being done right, what is being done wrong, and how we can distinguish the difference! Please pray for us and the rest of the 200 coming together for this time.
Since Wolfgang's role in these movements was mentioned above, let me end this week's e-letter by linking you to a Barna Group article describing his new book, "The Housechurch Book."
Remember to pray for us,
Tony and Felicity and the H2H team.
Recent Stories:
Each week H2H publishes a story/article about simple church and/or living out our life in the Kingdom. Recent stories include:
House2House Bookstore
The House2House bookstore is now using a fulfillment company - this means faster shipments, no down time during conferences, and the availability of UPS!
The Rabbit and The Elephant We match Amazon's Price!
By Tony & Felicity Dale and George Barna
Today’s Western culture is indifferent to church and Christians. Yet the early church existed in far harsher conditions—and it thrived. Much like a new litter of rabbits, the infant faith quickly grew and spread. And the result was a world transformed.
In The Rabbit and the Elephant, Tony and Felicity Dale (Simply Church) and George Barna (Revolution) say that the same thing is happening today. As Christians, we are the church - whether we meet in office buildings, college dorm rooms, coffee shops, factories, or homes - and the Holy Spirit uses us to expand that church to the far reaches of the globe. By practicing "simple church," we'll find that a small gathering of friends loving Jesus together and reaching out to the community around them can help us to be the church, the way God intended.
The rabbit and the elephant. Something small and something big. Find out what lessons they hold for you, for the body of Christ, and for the future of church as we know it.
From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God
By Frank Viola
Deep within God's Word lies a wondrous story like no other. A drama that originated before time began. An epic saga that resonates with the heartbeat of God. A story that reveals nothing less than the meaning of life and God's great mission in the earth. From Eternity to Here presents three remarkable stories spanning Genesis to Revelation. Each story traces a divine theme that is woven throughout Scripture. Seen together, they offer an extraordinary glimpse into God’s highest passion and grand mission. What you discover will forever change your view of life, the church, and our magnificent God.
Organic Leadership
by Neil Cole
What are the weeds that hinder the natural growth of godly leadership? Are programs, people, and money truly the signs of a successful church? Where can you find an unlimited source of leaders? How do you mentor others so that they multiply? In Organic Leadership, Neil Cole asks these questions and more, boldly challenging many of the ideas about leadership and church life that we all take for granted.
Churches of Two - An experiment with C02 concepts
Most readers of this e-letter will be familiar with John White, and the www.lk10.com coaching website. John and a number of others from that site have been experimenting with some very interesting ideas around intentional churches of two. As John writes in a recent letter to those on that site, "Since June, several dozen people have been field testing a simple but powerful tool for spiritual growth and discipleship. At this point, our sense is that the Lord wants us to invite a larger group of people to engage in spiritual research around this tool through a 31 day experiment (The October Experiment). The tool or practice I'm referring to is called "CO2" or "Church of Two".
Interested in finding out more about The October Experiment?
Go to STORIES FROM THE REVOLUTION: Practicing CO2 for 31 Days: stories from the revolution. On this site, I would encourage you to take the following steps...
Step One. Watch "An Overview of CO2 - Video"
Step Two. Read "The CO2 Flyer" (scroll down on right column). Feel free to make copies.
Step Three. Ask the Lord who he wants you to partner with for a CO2. Then, sign up in the box that says: "Your email address". (See the red letters in the right column EMAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS POWERED BY FEEDBLITZ.)
That's it! You can begin your CO2 at any time. On October 1st, I will begin sending a short daily report on what we are learning.
Why not join the challenge of the above research!
For those looking for a great Fall read, I can't think of something much better than the book by a wonderful friend of ours who is serving the Lord among the poor and orphans of southern Sudan. Love Has A Face by Michele Perry is available here. As Felicity comments in her blog, Although her story is like reading Acts 29, Michele's writing is humorous and down to earth. I believe God will use this book to help others fall in love with Him all over again and to cause them to reach out to "the least of these."
Warning: Don't read this book without an adequate supply of tissues.
Finally, let me point you to another resource that a group in Abilene has created, making a group on SimpleChurch.com called "Just For Teens." It is intended to be a place where teens involved in simple churches can connect and discuss with each other their experiences in simple churches.
Praise God for the amazing opportunities that are opening up for all of us to serve Him. Please pray for Felicity and I as we begin on a major trip to Turkey and India that will take most of the time between now to Thanksgiving. We greatly value your prayers.
Tony and Felicity and the H2H team.
P.S. If you had a chance to watch any of the H2H Labor day conference on the Internet, please take a quick survey to help us do better next year.
Recent Stories:
Each week H2H publishes a story/article about simple church and/or living out our life in the Kingdom. Recent stories include:
House2House Bookstore
The House2House bookstore is now using a fulfillment company - this means faster shipments, no down time during conferences, and the availability of UPS!
The Rabbit and The Elephant We match Amazon's Price!
By Tony & Felicity Dale and George Barna
Today’s Western culture is indifferent to church and Christians. Yet the early church existed in far harsher conditions—and it thrived. Much like a new litter of rabbits, the infant faith quickly grew and spread. And the result was a world transformed.
In The Rabbit and the Elephant, Tony and Felicity Dale (Simply Church) and George Barna (Revolution) say that the same thing is happening today. As Christians, we are the church - whether we meet in office buildings, college dorm rooms, coffee shops, factories, or homes - and the Holy Spirit uses us to expand that church to the far reaches of the globe. By practicing "simple church," we'll find that a small gathering of friends loving Jesus together and reaching out to the community around them can help us to be the church, the way God intended.
The rabbit and the elephant. Something small and something big. Find out what lessons they hold for you, for the body of Christ, and for the future of church as we know it.
From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God
By Frank Viola
Deep within God's Word lies a wondrous story like no other. A drama that originated before time began. An epic saga that resonates with the heartbeat of God. A story that reveals nothing less than the meaning of life and God's great mission in the earth. From Eternity to Here presents three remarkable stories spanning Genesis to Revelation. Each story traces a divine theme that is woven throughout Scripture. Seen together, they offer an extraordinary glimpse into God’s highest passion and grand mission. What you discover will forever change your view of life, the church, and our magnificent God.
Organic Leadership
by Neil Cole
What are the weeds that hinder the natural growth of godly leadership? Are programs, people, and money truly the signs of a successful church? Where can you find an unlimited source of leaders? How do you mentor others so that they multiply? In Organic Leadership, Neil Cole asks these questions and more, boldly challenging many of the ideas about leadership and church life that we all take for granted.
Post National Conference Report
Now that the dust is settling, I will try to give you some feedback from the National Conference last weekend. The first thing to say is a huge "Thank You" to all of those who made the time possible by volunteering their time (all of the speakers and track leaders and virtually all other "visible" contributors to the conference!) This conference would not happen without all of that volunteer help. We know that many who could not get to the conference did tune in to the live streaming video. We saw "tweets" (OK, if you don't know what I am talking about, this ties up with Twitter) from all over the world, often actually having them up on the screen where all could see them as they hit the Internet! As soon as possible we will have all of the main sessions up and available on the web for you to freely download and share with others around the world.
Testimonies are already coming in, but here is the link to a few that specifically came to Robert Ricciardelli the leader of the Marketplace Ministries track, which he has forwarded to us. Emails like this are so appreciated after a conference.
Once in a while book comes along which will both touch your heart, and challenge your soul. Michele Perry, a wonderful young woman serving the Lord in the Sudan, has just released such a book . If you have ever wondered if the Lord can use you, this book should dispel that question forever!
Have you seen the latest Barna Report on the continued growth of house church in the States? "The researchers discovered that the number of participants varies significantly according to the definition used, ranging from a minimum of 4% of the adult population to a maximum of 33%! "
I think we need to keep this e-letter brief this week. Every blessing, and thank you to all who prayed for us last weekend at the National House Church conference. As soon as the DVDs of the conference are available on-line, we will let you know.
Tony and Felicity and the H2H team.
Recent Stories:
Each week H2H publishes a story/article about simple church and/or living out our life in the Kingdom. Recent stories include:
House2House Bookstore
The House2House bookstore is now using a fulfillment company - this means faster shipments, no down time during conferences, and the availability of UPS!
The Rabbit and The Elephant We match Amazon's Price!
By Tony & Felicity Dale and George Barna
Today’s Western culture is indifferent to church and Christians. Yet the early church existed in far harsher conditions—and it thrived. Much like a new litter of rabbits, the infant faith quickly grew and spread. And the result was a world transformed.
In The Rabbit and the Elephant, Tony and Felicity Dale (Simply Church) and George Barna (Revolution) say that the same thing is happening today. As Christians, we are the church - whether we meet in office buildings, college dorm rooms, coffee shops, factories, or homes - and the Holy Spirit uses us to expand that church to the far reaches of the globe. By practicing "simple church," we'll find that a small gathering of friends loving Jesus together and reaching out to the community around them can help us to be the church, the way God intended.
The rabbit and the elephant. Something small and something big. Find out what lessons they hold for you, for the body of Christ, and for the future of church as we know it.
From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God
By Frank Viola
Deep within God's Word lies a wondrous story like no other. A drama that originated before time began. An epic saga that resonates with the heartbeat of God. A story that reveals nothing less than the meaning of life and God's great mission in the earth. From Eternity to Here presents three remarkable stories spanning Genesis to Revelation. Each story traces a divine theme that is woven throughout Scripture. Seen together, they offer an extraordinary glimpse into God’s highest passion and grand mission. What you discover will forever change your view of life, the church, and our magnificent God.
Organic Leadership
by Neil Cole
What are the weeds that hinder the natural growth of godly leadership? Are programs, people, and money truly the signs of a successful church? Where can you find an unlimited source of leaders? How do you mentor others so that they multiply? In Organic Leadership, Neil Cole asks these questions and more, boldly challenging many of the ideas about leadership and church life that we all take for granted.
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