Blews.Network = 50-state Christian network of city blogs+news

Podcast on City Transformation & Community Development

2009-06-22T00:19:00.002-04:00

Phil Miglioratti Had a fun 30 minutes being interviewed on city impact and community transformation! (Click here to download)

YouSendIt - Send large files - transfer delivery - FTP Replacement

Source: www.yousendit.com

Video: The Importance of Fathers

2009-06-21T04:53:00.000-04:00

UR Glocal?

2009-05-22T16:08:00.000-04:00

Help Unite the World in Prayer on May 31st for the Global Day of Prayer!

On May 31st, millions of people will join together around the world to lift up their voices in prayer. Will you be one of them? We will be hosting a 24 hour prayer conference call and all you need to do is set aside some time to call-in and join with others to pray together for our world.

Dial-in Information:

1-605-990-0031
Access Code: 777#

Hours:
Saturday, May 30th, 8:00 PM Eastern Time (00:00 GMT) to Sunday, May 31st, 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

Loving Your City and ...

2009-05-06T19:38:00.002-04:00

Reply now to join our Cityreaching Conference Call on May 21 at 10 a.m. CDT.

Our topic: "The International Revolution; Loving your cities and other countries to Christ - Acts 2". (11 a.m. Eastern daylight time, 9 Mountain, 8 Pacific)

Our guests are Dr. Mac Pier, Rev. Mike Owen and Pastor John Voinsky. Learn ways that local congregations are serving together in very PRACTICAL WAYS for kingdom impact locally and around the globe from these godly and gifted servants of Christ.

To RSVP for the call... email info@cityreaching.com requesting the dial-in #.

For more information regarding call guests, see...

Mac Pier, Executive Direction, Concerts of Prayer Greater New York, http://www.copgny.org/

Michael Owen, Director of New Initiatives, World Vision, http://www.worldvision.org/

Call hosted by
Rev. Jarvis Ward, Mission America Coalition
Dr. Glenn Barth, GoodCities

Sharpen Your Prayer Leading Skills

2009-05-02T16:49:00.001-04:00

Reaching the Summit: A National Pastors' Prayer Summit

Critical Prayer for a Critical Time

August 4-6, 2009

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ~ Ft Worth, TX

Our nation's economic crisis calls for pastors who can lead their people in strong prayers of faith and hope. Our hearts are burdened. We need another National Pastors' Prayer Summit.

Reaching the Summit is a partnership of three national prayer ministries passionate about a renewed urgency for prayer. Once again, International Renewal Ministries, Strategic Renewal, and the National Pastors' Prayer Network will join together for a National Pastors' Prayer Summit. Drastic times require great leadership. This is an opportunity to obtain the skills that build corporate dependence and God-focused praying.

A Prayer Experience that Equips You to Lead Corporate Prayer

This Prayer Summit is like no other. It combines the uniqueness of "Spirit-led, worship-fed, corporate-bred prayer" and at the same time, provides training opportunities for reproducing it in your congregation. It is a Prayer Summit Plus! Our goal? To equip you as a leader in your local setting.

Facilitated by:

Dennis Fuqua - Executive Director, International Renewal Ministries

“What would the Church look like if every congregation across the country committed to a meaningful weekend service was also committed to a meaningful time of corporate prayer? What might happen if congregational leaders were as committed to leading their people in dynamic prayer as they are to giving them dynamic preaching? I love what is happening in congregations who are pressing forward in this kind of prayer.”

Daniel Henderson -President Strategic Renewal

“As a Sr. Pastor, I’ve had the joy of leading my congregation in dozens of local church Prayer Summits. Summits are a powerful environment for personal revival and a core catalyst to church health. This is an urgent time to equip more pastors to lead this kind of experience in their own local church. I know of no better tool and no better time for a genuine work of renewal. I believe pastors should make this event a top priority if they are serious about real revival in their church.”

Phil Miglioratti - Founder National Pastors' Prayer Network:

"More and more pastors are realizing they need to become the prayer champion of their congregation, but recognize that teaching and preaching on prayer is not enough. Since most of us lack the skills to lead dynamic corporate prayer, the Summit is designed as a 'lab' - an opportunity to experience Spirit-led praying augmented with discussion on how to implement it back home. This has the potential to transform the prayer culture of your life and ministry.”

Benefits of the Climb:

A deeper love for the Lord, Jesus Christ
An ability to help others develop a deeper love for Him through worship-based, corporate prayer
An increased skilli n facilitating dynamic corporate prayer experiences
An awareness of how corporate, worship-based prayer can be included in many areas of your congregation
An understanding of how Scripture, music and creativity relate to facilitation
An understanding of common obstacles and how to avoid or address them
An exposure to resources to make your times of prayer most effective
Your questions addressed
An exposure to several prayer settings such as large group, small group, prayer for individuals, incorporating communion into prayer, etc.
A new commitment to "prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4)

Download the official flier here.

A Prayer for National Day of Prayer

2009-05-02T16:41:00.001-04:00

Dutch Sheets invites ALL American Christians to pray for America using Abraham Lincoln's 1863 "Proclamation for National Day of Humiliation, Fasting & Prayer" from April 30 ~ May 7, 2009 (National Day of Prayer: www.ndptf.org). Please go to http://www.dutchsheets.org/index.cfm/pageid/706 for Dutch Sheets' compelling video/text message. President Lincoln's proclamation for America is located below & attached to this E-mail.

Lt. Col. Peter Kendrick's "How to Pray for the Military" is also attached to this E-mail. Please open, read & effectively pray for the United States Military during these most critical days in our nation's history.

This Senate resolution requesting the president to proclaim a day for "national prayer and humiliation"
was introduced by Senator James Harlan on March 2, and adopted on March 3, 1863.

Proclamation for National Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer

WHEREAS, The Senate of the United States; devoutly recognizing the Supreme authority and just government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And Whereas, it is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

And, insomuch as we know that, by His Divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People. We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God.

We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.

All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope, authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty seventh.

Abraham Lincoln, President

William H Seward, Secretary of State

Bloggers, Bewarre!

2009-04-22T18:04:00.001-04:00

"Walking with God in the Land of Blog"

I now have a blog (short for “web log”). My son and one of our interns set it up for me at www.danielhenderson.org. There is already a post on my blog with a cool video link. They took something I recently wrote and posted it for me. I’ve yet to personally post anything – but will likely give it a try soon enough.

Of course, I am already pretty overwhelmed with e-mail, a LinkedIn account, two Facebook accounts, and two Twitter accounts. I am not sure where I will find the time to write blog posts – or even why I should do it. But, I will probably get drawn in at some point.

Some non-technical readers may not even know what I am talking about. “Blogs”, “LinkedIn”, “Twitter”, “Facebook”, “MySpace,” and “SocialVibe” all sound like a foreign language to many. Other readers, probably younger, are busy using all of the above social networks – plus some.

So the other day, I asked my son some obvious questions. I queried, “Do you think all these Christian leaders (who post blog entries several times a day, send and receive Twitter messages numerous times hourly, and check Facebook daily) spend more or less time with God as a result of all the social networking?” I also postulated, “Do you think they spend more or less time in substantive ministry to the real needs of people?” Of course, the ultimate answers must be resolved one life and one day at a time.

Unless all these other believers are taking major portions of time away from eating, sleeping, or showering – I suspect their “devotional” habits and face-to-face ministry encounters have slipped. Assuming this, how are we to think of it all?

The Potential Value of Social Networking

Connecting – Some would argue that time spent using all these technical tools is actual ministry. I suppose, in some sense, the “connecting” aspect encompasses real ministry. People who have become disconnected over the years can easily reconnect using these tools. This can be encouraging and even result in new ministry partnerships. When people are in touch with people in any form, good things can happen.

Communicating – Certainly communicating ideas, scriptural truth, and even ministry opportunities is a positive thing. Many ministries (such as Strategic Renewal) use these ministry networks to share devotional thoughts, ministry updates, and words of spiritual encouragement.

Prayer – Certainly these tools allow people to share prayer requests, answers to prayer, and assurances that one is praying for others. As long as we still take time to actually pray, it is good to communicate around the themes of prayer.

The Danger of Social Networking

Multiplied Distraction – I’ve said many times over the years that the Devil does not have to destroy us, just distract us. His tools are becoming more diverse and sophisticated. Usually, his tactic is to use a good thing that becomes an obsession and keeps us from the best things.

Pseudo-community – I suppose we are redefining community these days. It used to involve sitting in the same room with another person, looking into the eyes of a troubled soul, offering biblical encouragement, or praying together. Today the definition envelops instant messaging, a perfunctory “tweet,” or a Facebook friendship. Clearly, dilutions of biblical definitions of community are being unleashed on us all in unprecedented fashion.

Neglected Stewardship – We are stewards of our time, energy, money, and opportunities. I am just not sure all of these high-tech toys are really the best use of our time. Leaders spend hours writing redundant blogs that hardly anyone reads. Why? Maybe this self-expression is therapeutic. Maybe it would be better spent in a Bible study or prayer time with real people in the same room.

Considering all of this, I guess we all need to be careful in the deepest sense of the word – a day at a time. All things in moderation.

These new gadgets and expressions are simply tools – they can be helpful or dangerous, depending on the motivation and volume of their use. I often say, “There is nothing wrong with the tools – but there is a difference between simply using the tools, and actually depending on the tools.” The acid test of which choice we are making is the prayer level of our lives – since prayer is the expression of our dependence on God, not the tools.

In these critical days when we need to be desperate, seeking God and moving toward a much-needed revival – any distraction will do. Regardless of the low or high-tech nature of the tools, we all need to guard our affections and attention – now more than ever.

Daniel Henderson

Is Your Congregation/City Movement Ready?

2008-10-20T15:24:00.000-04:00

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Join us Oct 23 to find out how you can launch Ready Church in your city and position your city network to play a critical role in preparing for and responding to emergencies/disasters of all kinds. You’ll learn how to restore the church’s role as an agent of positive change in your community, how to strengthen and sustain your city reaching efforts, how to win permission to share the gospel in season and out, and learn more about a Biblical collaboration opportunity to transformation our cities for Christ in such a time as this!

WHEN: Oct 23rd at 10am CDT, 8am PT

Guests: Mary Marr, CEN Founder and Chairman of CEN (national network/city leader), and Dr. Sam Tillery, Together in Christ (Sonoma county/city leader), John Howland (Local Chapter champion), Dr John Schmitt (Santa Rosa champion pastor)

Please reply to this email to receive the phone number and code info@cityreaching.com.

A Personal note from Jarvis:

Two years ago a tanker truck filled with one of the most lethal substance on our planet over turned on interstate 20 and required an evacuation of our community. Our local congregation along with all of the other congregations did not have a plan for disaster preparedness, response and evacuation. We were neither as a local church nor as a coalition of churches prepared/ready to evacuate the elderly and those without transportation. We realized we needed to help prepare local congregations and help them work together to respond and minister through a prayer-care-share lifestyle in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. If you live in a community where you local church does not have a plan and or has not developed a plan for coordinated emergency/disaster response, I strongly urge you to join this call and invite other local pastors!

Prepare for this conference call by reading ahead the full Ready Church Report at www.christianemergencynetwork.org.

Register your city once you have read the full report saying you are interested in taking the next step in your city for CEN to contact you.
Remember cities all across our nation are already responding to this opportunity on a first come first serve line.

Please reply to this email (info@cityreaching.com) for the number and code.

Jarvis Ward
National Facilitator City/Community Ministries
Mission America Coalition

CityReaching Telecon with Noel Castellanos... Sept. 18

2008-09-17T12:20:00.006-04:00

[ht: Phil Miglioratti, LC2C and NPPN...]

Invitation to Mission America City Reachers' Call with Noel Castellanos

Please join Jarvis Ward for the Mission America City Reachers' Resource Conference Call with special guest, Noel Castellanos on Thursday, September 18 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Noel is the President of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) and a key transformational leader in urban Chicago. His topic is "City Reaching and Community Development."
To take part in this call, email info@cityreaching.com. The phone number and pin code will be sent to you via email.

We hope you can make the call!

In Christ,
Rev. Jarvis Ward, National Facilitator, Mission America Coalition
Rev. Dr. Glenn A. Barth, President, GoodCities

We remember . . .

2008-09-11T15:59:00.001-04:00

America remembers 9-11 .

New articles on city transformation

2008-07-07T17:06:00.000-04:00

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Transform Your City

We expect God to change our personal lives when we pray, but did you know He also longs to bring transformation to our cities through our intercession? The July/August issue of Pray! will challenge, inspire, and equip you to turn your prayers toward renewing your city or community.

Articles such as “Why Should I Care about Nineveh (or Nashville or Naples…)?” will help you gain God’s heart for your city. In "Keys to the City: How to Pray for Community Transformation” author Tom White shares his experience with prayer for community renewal and offers practical suggestions on how you can begin to see Jesus' resurrection power change your city.

Also in this issue:

How to design a prayer retreat with God
What you can learn from churches with an effective prayer culture
Praying during the storms of life

You can purchase this issue at your local bookstore. To become a subscriber, click here and save up to 39% off the cover price when you subscribe for 3 years (18 issues) at only $48.97 or 2 years (12 issues) at $36.97. Pray! also makes a great gift! Click here for our special gift rate of one year (6 issues) for only $15.97.

Equipped to Lead Corporate Prayer

2008-05-27T10:37:00.003-04:00

Dear Pastors and Leaders,

It is less then a month until Reaching the Summit . We are so excited about what God is going to do! We already have registrations from all over the US and Malaysia ! We believe that this is the most strategic opportunity a pastor can take advantage of in the quest to lead his people in seeking God. We pray you are planning on joining us!

We realize that with rising fuel prices the cost of flying to Reaching the Summit is getting higher. We wanted to make sure that you were aware of the other options available to you besides flying into Lynchburg , VA. Please check out these options when you are booking your flight:

* Roanoke, VA - Roanoke (ROA): 43 mi / 69 km W

* Shenandoah Valley, VA - Staunton (SHD): 66 mi / 107 km N

* Charlottesville, VA - Charlottesville (CHO): 68 mi / 110 km NE

* Greenbrier, WV - Lewisburg (LWB): 69 mi / 111 km NW

* Greensboro/Highpoint, NC - Greensboro/Highpoint (GSO): 94 mi / 152 km SW

Your Expedition Leaders,
Daniel Henderson, Dennis Fuqua, and Phil Miglioratti

THE EXPEDITION:

This unique time will allow you to experience “Spirit-led, worship-fed, corporate prayer” and, at the same time, learn how to reproduce it in your congregation. It is a Prayer Summit Plus, in that we will give explanations, answer questions, supply resources, and address specific situations. It will be a “show and tell” experience with some of the most experienced Prayer Summit facilitators. The primary purpose of this time is to equip you as a leader in your local setting.

CLIMBING PARTY:

Sr. pastors (or Sr. ministry leaders), their spouse, and the staff they invite. We believe the Sr. pastor (or Sr. ministry leader) is essential to incorporate prayer into their congregation. Because the focus of this time will be to equip people to facilitate summit-styled prayer in congregations and other ministry settings, we believe his/her presence is vitally important.

CLIMB DATES:

June 23-26, 2008, noon to noon

BASE CAMP:

Liberty University 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA

BENEFITS OF THE CLIMB:

a deeper love for the Lord, Jesus Christ
an ability to help others develop a deeper love for Him through worship-based, corporate prayer
an increased skill in facilitating dynamic corporate prayer experiences
an awareness of how corporate, worship-based prayer can be included in many areas of your congregation
an understanding of Scripture, music and creativity as they relate to facilitation
an understanding of how to plan a Prayer Summit in your congregation, no matter its size

Warnock Video: Interview with John Piper

2008-05-19T08:05:00.004-04:00

UK Blogger Adrian Warnock interviews John Piper while there. [more background]

The interview continues, tomorrow, at AdrianWarnock.com.

An Evangelical Manifesto... An Early Out.

2008-05-14T06:33:00.004-04:00

Neil Cox, Editor
IndyChristian.com

Although elated by this conversation long overdue, I’ve enumerated my laundry-list of misgivings about the document(s).

However, this phrase exposes the document’s fundamentally-flawed premise…

“In a diverse society, it will always be unjust and unworkable to privilege one religion.”

How does a Bible-believing Christian leader sign such a statement, while simultaneously asserting that God Almighty is the very definition of pure justice & mercy? Moreover, how do signers simultaneously assert on Sundays that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”? How do we pray “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”?

Bottom line: If evangelicals are at all monolithic, it’s in our confession together that “Jesus is Lord”. As such, we’re called to pray and work redemptively, aligned with that certainty. To exempt the ‘civic public square’ as a sterile safe-haven from any religious preference, is to suboptimize our fealty and take an 'early-out' on our mission of transformation.

The very concept of civility is not an evolved one; it’s a designed one, crafted by our self-sacrificing God and defended by our self-sacrificing forebears.

Spice Up Your City's Summer?

2008-05-06T04:20:00.001-04:00

Learn how to Facilitate Corporate Prayer

2008-05-04T15:53:00.000-04:00

with Dennis Fuqua, Daniel Henderson, & Phil Miglioratti

If you are on the East Coast, you should not miss this opportunity to participate in the National Pastors Prayer Summit in your area! Early Bird Registration is available until May 5th. More information. To register.

Video: The Martydom of Polycarp

2008-05-03T07:02:00.002-04:00

[ht: Said At Southern -- thanks Tony!]

Doorways to Renewal

2008-04-29T09:16:00.002-04:00

Doorways to Renewal...

"Reaching the Summit" National Pastors' Prayer Summit

June 23-26, 2008 @ Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA

Early Bird Registration has been extended until May 5! It will not be extended again, so register now to take advantage of this offer and save!!

This unique time for pastors and leaders will allow you to experience “Spirit-led, worship-fed, corporate prayer” and, at the same time, learn how to reproduce it in your congregation. It is a Prayer Summit Plus, in that we will give explanations, answer questions, supply resources, and address specific situations. It will be a “show and tell” experience with some of the most experienced Prayer Summit facilitators. The primary purpose of this time is to equip you as a leader in your local setting.

If you are not a pastor, please forward this information to someone who is. Better yet, pay for your pastor's registration as a gift! Call us at 916-489-4774 to find out more! To register, or for more information, click here.

Empowered Conference

June 11-13, 2008

This year's theme is "Seeking Christ's Glory...with Passion." Keynote speakers include Jackson Senyonga, Daniel Henderson, David Butts, and Jonathan Graf.

Daniel Henderson will also be leading a pre-conference mini-conference on Developing Dynamic Prayer Meetings and conducting several workshops.

To register, or for more information, click here. (Early Bird price is in effect until May 1!)

Mercy Seat... in Every State Capitol

2008-04-25T16:21:00.000-04:00

T4G Tagging...

2008-04-24T09:07:00.000-04:00

image by Pastor Joe Thorn

If you missed the recent "Together For The Gospel" conference in Louisville, there are a ton of great guys who blogged it, photo-blogged it, podcast it, and even some T4G videos are now appearing online.

Here's where we all tagged 'em all...

'T4G' tags

Cityreachers renew their passion for city transformation

2008-04-20T07:43:00.006-04:00

Ray Bakke

[article from Mission America Coalition]

More than 180 Christian leaders from across the nation came together near Boston this week for the Tenth Anniversary National City Impact Roundtable—“Mobilizing a Diverse Church for City Transformation.”

Urban ministry veteran Ray Bakke gave the plenary addresses for the three-day conference in Braintree, Mass., April 14-16. He presented a message on ministry in the city through long-term, faithful witness, sharing his experiences from over 40 years of cityreaching and urban ministry in Chicago and Seattle, and of advising urban ministry practioners in locations around the world. Bakke offered a perspective of having a biblical mission for justice and mercy in tandem with a biblical mission of personal salvation. He gave both a local and global perspective to the conference, which resonated with the diverse crowd representing various ethnicities, generations, types of ministry and several denominations.

Bakke’s talks revolved around... [continued]

CityReaching.TV... 'Have You Heard?'

2008-04-18T09:59:00.001-04:00

Catch the vision for a 'CityReaching.TV' gadget for YOUR city.

Example... Here's just one item that now is playing at the IndyChristian.TV site, covering the 'U.B. Cafe'...

If you look across the citywide 'Church @ Indianapolis' and see the digital divide, the multicultural divide, and God's eternal divide... all starting to close... you might be seeing just a little of the impact of this little cafe truly in the heart of Indy...

Reggie Edwards: "What am I good for?"

It's a lot of fun as you can see from the video. In this particular case... [continued at LovingChange.com]

*****************

But notice... the CityReaching.TV player also carries a ton of other videos geared to the Greater Indianapolis community, produced by many various individuals, churches & ministries. The tv gadget simply captures them into one player and is distributable to many subscribing websites.

It's a great way to build YOUR citywide network.

Thabiti Anyabwile... at T4G

2008-04-17T07:07:00.001-04:00

[ht: Tim Challies & others liveblogging T4G in Louisville this week...]

************
Chris Gatihi has done a great liveblogging Thabiti Anyabwile's session, including an audio-file. Be sure to listen in... He's not only insightful, he's hilarious, including his Barack Obama (non) mention. *smile*

Also see comments at Challies.org

Visit Pastor Anyabwile's 'Pure Church' blog.

'T4G' tags

Together For The Gospel... Day One

2008-04-16T06:40:00.004-04:00

[Thanks to Tim Challies for providing inputs from Day One!]

Stay tuned for liveblogging by Challies.com.

Learn more at T4G.org

Catch the T4G conversation at various sites around the net.

"My Jesus, My Savior"... on American Idol?

2008-04-15T11:32:00.004-04:00

[ht: Adrian Warnock]

[Think you're dreaming? Get the full story at Adrian Warnock Blog.]

It's hard to improve on some sermons...

2008-04-13T20:03:00.001-04:00

2008-04-11T19:07:00.001-04:00

TheCall Jerusalem - May 11, 2008
www.thecall.com

Willow Creek To Shift...

2008-04-11T13:06:00.005-04:00

[ht: Justin Young & Justin Taylor]

"Today, Greg Hawkins, executive pastor at Willow, recapped the study and then shared some changes that the church is now making in response to the research. He said they’re making the biggest changes to the church in over 30 years. For three decades Willow has been focused on making the church appealing to seekers. But the research shows that it’s the mature believers that drive everything in the church—including evangelism.

Hawkins says..." [continued at 'Out of Ur']

***************

[Blews.Network Ed. Note... What really DOES drive the Great Commission, anyway? Visit CityReaching.org's Research wiki-page -- a clearinghouse of great research.]

Recent 'RESEARCH' tagged items

What the Needy Need

2008-04-10T11:44:00.002-04:00

Pastor Rich Phillips

Since we live in a fallen world, our greatest strengths have a way of giving birth to our greatest weaknesses. This is why some churches that emphasize a strong Bible-preaching pulpit are less vigorous in ministries of mercy. One inner city Presbyterian church participated in a study regarding mercy ministries. The study commended the church for its vigorous efforts to minister to the needy and the lost. But the study report expressed this approval in telling language: it said that the church "is deeply committed to teaching and preaching biblical doctrine; however, it also has a heart for mercy ministry."

[continued at Ligonier.org]

[About Richard Phillips]

Livebloggers & Tweeters... today at Fermi Project 'Q'

2008-04-09T10:50:00.005-04:00

Catch the action today in NYC, via liveblogging and twittering from the 'Q Gathering'.

[eg... DJ Chuang]

One Prayer...

2008-04-09T08:15:00.002-04:00

An exciting announcement...

Click for more information.

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'ONEPRAYER' tags

The Multicultural Church?

2008-04-08T09:13:00.000-04:00

[Thanks to Adrian Warnock, our Facebook friend as well]

Pastor Tobe Koleoso

Adrian: "I have just been listening to a message by my pastor, Tope Koleoso, who was recorded at a recent conference on building a multicultural church. I have become so used to what God has been doing these past couple of years at Jubilee that I sometimes need to remind myself that genuinely racially integrated churches are actually far from common. We truly have a lot to be grateful for. I really think you may well enjoy listening to Tope on this subject."

[continued at AdrianWarnock.com]

***************

Also visit "Multicultural Church" topic in the 'Wiki Encyclopedia of CityReaching'.

'MULTICULTURAL' tags

Research: Church Buildings?

2008-04-06T11:25:00.008-04:00

[Great catch, Tony! ht:SaidAtSouthern.com]

[continued at Ed Stetzer Blog]

Listen in to this special podcast on the topic.

************

Blews.Network Ed. Note...

I really have to wonder about the implied conclusions -- if we had more Gothic-looking buildings, we'd draw more people to attend and hear the Word of God? A quick look at European churches tells me pretty much that you're research-barking up the wrong tree. And the dying nature of most traditional, gothic, denominational churches in America seems to fit the same pattern. My conclusion: surely our (American) 4% effectiveness at creating biblical worldview disciples cannot be laid at the feet of church architecture.

File this under 'Interesting-But-Unhelpful'.

RESEARCH center for CityReaching

Have we lost the GREAT IDEA?

2008-04-03T22:44:00.003-04:00

[from AlvinReid.com... a professor & Facebook friend]

People often ask me what is the greatest issue facing the Southern Baptist Convention in particular and Evangelicals in general. Since that is my tradition I have given much thought to it. My answer for years has been, PASSION. We need passion. I am beginning to rethink that. Why, after all do have so little passion—passion for God, for the lost, for the Gospel, for each other?

I believe we have lost the GREAT IDEA of our faith. And when you lose the GREAT IDEA, you move from passion and conviction as motivation to duty and guilt. And, that is where many of us find ourselves today.

Imagine for a moment... [continued at AlvinReid.com]

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Recent 'EVANGELISM' tags

New Barna Divorce Stats Tell A Different Story

2008-03-31T08:26:00.000-04:00

Most Americans get married at some point in their life: just one out of five adults (22%) has never been married. Among those who have said their wedding vows, one out of three have been divorced at least once, according to a new study from The Barna Group.

Marriage Is the Norm

In addition to finding that four out of every five adults (78%) have been married at least once, the Barna study revealed that an even higher proportion of born again Christians (84%) tie the knot. That eclipses the proportion among people aligned with non-Christian faiths (74%) and among atheists and agnostics (65%).

Divorce Is Widespread

Among adults who have been married, the study discovered that one-third (33%) have experienced at least one divorce. That means that among all Americans 18 years of age or older, whether they have been married or not, 25% have gone through a marital split.

The study showed that the percentage of adults who have been married and divorced varies from segment to segment. For instance, the groups with the most prolific experience of marriage ending in divorce are downscale adults (39%), Baby Boomers (38%), those aligned with a non-Christian faith (38%), African-Americans (36%), and people who consider themselves to be liberal on social and political matters (37%).

Among the population segments with the lowest likelihood of having been divorced subsequent to marriage are Catholics (28%), evangelicals (26%), upscale adults (22%), Asians (20%) and those who deem themselves to be conservative on social and political matters (28%).

[continued at Barna.org]

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Blews.Network Ed. Note: We can hope this will now officially put an end to the well traveled 'evangelical meme'.

Video: Taking Evangelism To The Next Level

2008-03-29T04:02:00.000-04:00

Ok, this may not be YOUR method... but [ALMOST] any method is better than no method.

Get trained. And just do it.

Here's at least one great training ministry...

Evangelism Explosion

Preparing for a beach landing...

2008-03-28T09:08:00.000-04:00

[from 'Great Commission Family' blog...]

"I always conjure up imagery from WWII footage of beach landings when I think of the spiritual battle that rages on when the saints work to take ground in a neighborhood, town, or city. The marines dare not land their craft before until many, many hours of bombardment from both the big guns and fighter/bombers.

Yet, eager and enthusiastic Christians want to rush in and just share with everyone, without consideration to the fact that the battle rages on in the heavenlies, and that salvation is a spiritual transaction, not an intellectual one. Foot soldiers for Christ should remember that the beaches need softening, that hearts need to be prepared, strongholds torn down, doors opened—all BEFORE you knock on the door. This is done through PRAYER!

God has the big guns. He is the one with the..."

[continued at Great Commission Family]

Video: R.C. Sproul interviews Ben Stein

2008-03-27T07:11:00.001-04:00

[ht:TonyKummer, SaidAtSouthern.com]

See "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed"

For more from R.C. Sproul, visit Ligonier.org

'EVOLUTION' tags

**************

Blews.Network Ed Note... For a humorous-but-thoughtful approach to some of this, see "Take A Chance. Help Me Understand 'Random' "

What a CityReaching Blogger Does On Vacation...

2008-03-26T07:42:00.000-04:00

[Join him on a downhill... Video at Eric Swanson Blog]

Podcasting

2008-03-25T17:39:00.001-04:00

How To Implement Sermon Podcasts
By Bradley Miller

I can still remember the news of my grandfather's passing - it was after Thanksgiving in 1990 and he arose from breakfast, settled into his familiar Lazy-Boy chair, and turned on the Sunday morning church service on the radio. My grandmother came in to find him slumped over, presumably from a heart attack. The radio as a vital spiritual connection for them was essential since they didn't have a way to get to church as they had in the past. The costs can be prohibitive or nearly impossible for a church in a large market to broadcast a sermon, but there is a very valuable alternative well within the reach of any church with some creative and devoted members willing to assist. Allow me to introduce you to the term "podcasting" and "streaming media" and give you a very quick and easy recipe to reach out further with God's message in your community or perhaps beyond!

To read the entire article, Click Here!

Great Commission Family... Awesome Testimony

2008-03-25T16:03:00.001-04:00

[Blews Ed. Note... Here's a cut/paste of an email received from our friend Marc Carrier just south of Indy. He writes... "Just started a new house church in town, 3 saved and baptized first night—my next door neighbors. I like your philosophy—closest church in town is the one I’ll attend. Can’t get closer than that!" And here's Marc's blog below...]

"Last week I talked about the success of getting two folks from the neighborhood to attend a bible study/fellowship time in our home. Today was the icing on the cake. Not only did I share the entire Gospel with them, they prayed to receive Christ here in our living room with my entire family and some friends listening in and praying on. Then..."

[continued at Great Commission Family]

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[And visit "Neighborhood by Neighborhood" for ideas you might use in your neighborhood.]

Praying: "So That"

2008-03-20T06:46:00.000-04:00

[Enjoyed Tom's recap of Phil's presentation -- thanks! For instance... ]

"Pastor Phil acknowledged that our lists contain many “good” things to pray about, however, he asked an important question about our lists: If God answered all the prayer requests on our lists, would it make a difference in our communities? Of course, we would all rejoice at healed bodies and comforted hearts, but would God’s purposes for our world be fulfilled?"
Read full article at The Prayer Leader Blog.

Reminder: Here's Phil's classic article...
"Living In A Prayed-For Community"

Obama's Pastor. What's the implication to the (real) Church?

2008-03-19T09:27:00.003-04:00

Blews Commentary
by Neil Cox

Perhaps this controversy is God-sent... 'for such a time as this'. Has there ever been such a compellingly obvious case made for the need for the Church of Jesus Christ to be truly 'multicultural'?

When you go to your (not) 'local' church this Sunday on Easter, look around. Take a good look around. Look deeper than you've ever looked before. Is YOUR church a reflection of what Christ intended for His Church? And if not, does your church have a publically-stated commitment to BECOME what Jesus describes in John 17...

"that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

And btw, even if your church isn't that bold, what is YOUR personal commitment to the multicultural unity of the body of Christ? What are you doing about it? If we do the same things we've always done, we'll get the same results we see today... Sunday mornings being the most segregated time of the week. And if so, do not expect to hear Jesus say "Well done."

If you have no idea WHAT to do to make a difference, drop me line. Or read a book ("Divided By Faith") that'll open your eyes to a better way of understanding scripture.

Or join with others in your city actively working together to make a difference. Find your city's initiative at CityReaching.org

Video: The time has come. The time is NOW.

2008-03-16T09:06:00.003-04:00

[hat-tip... indirectly via Greg Atkinson, Church Video Ideas]

Bless Your Schools

2008-03-15T07:01:00.003-04:00

Here's an excellent model from Atlanta's 'cityreaching movement...

[continued at NPPN.org]

Visit UniteUs.org.

New ~ OurPrayer.org

2008-03-13T23:38:00.003-04:00

RELIGION PRESS RELEASE SERVICES
A Press Release Distribution Service from Religion News Service
Thursday, March 13, 2008

For Immediate Release Contact: John Baroody, DJGPR for Guideposts (212) 370-9700 x118

OurPrayer.org Aims to Provide Largest Online Prayer Site

New Web Site a True Global Community of Faith

Pawling, New York, March 2008 ... Many people have a favorite place to pray outside of their place of worship. For some it may be a quiet room, or outdoors someplace beautiful and secluded, or maybe even in the car. Increasingly, though, people pray online. OurPrayer, part of Guideposts' Ruth Stafford Peale Prayer Power Network, has launched a dynamic new site to answer that need and provide more people with more ways to enrich their prayer life online at www.OurPrayer.org

"It is our desire to inspire and unite the people visiting OurPrayer.org," said Reverend Dr. Peola Hicks, Guideposts Prayer Department Manager, "and to become a global community of praying people maximizing the proven power of prayer...all while maintaining our unique commitment to pray by name and need for each individual request received. We are greatly expanding our prayer ministry to be able to help many more people from all walks of life so each can enrich their personal prayer life. Free to join and easy to use, OurPrayer.org provides new ways to use technology for prayer, devotion and spiritual intimacy." Reverend Hicks added, "The internet hasn't really changed what people do, just how we do it. It's truly transformed the ability to reach out and connect with others around the world. Our focus is reaching out and connecting others to God through prayer. For with God nothing will be impossible." (Luke 1:37)

According to Reverend Dr. Pablo Diaz, Guideposts Vice President of Ministries, "Prayer is the greatest contribution we can offer one another. It is a strong and meaningful exercise of love, faith and hope. We welcome all to join us as OurPrayer transforms the world through prayer."

OurPrayer.org is a faith-filled community brimming with inspiring devotionals, answered prayer, uplifting articles, and much more. The most innovative and unique features on the new site aim to make OurPrayer.org the premiere destination for online prayer and prayer community. Using state-of-the-art social networking technology, there are simple, user-friendly tools to form online prayer groups with friends, family, whole church congregations, and even people anywhere in the world. There are easy and creative ways individuals can have personalized prayer pages where people can come to get to know each other, create prayer blogs or keep an online spiritual journal. OurPrayer.org features purpose-driven content, available in multi-media formats, and is poised to be the most technologically advanced and accessible worldwide prayer ministry in history.

Guideposts has a long history of providing ways for people to come together in prayer and through the power of shared personal experience. For over 50 years, aided by local prayer volunteers across the country, they have prayed for tens of thousands of weekly prayer requests coming from the mail, on the phone and now through the internet. Each request is prayed for by name and need. That won't change at OurPrayer.org where a variety of options for prayer are offered including: prayer requests can be private (only OurPrayer trained volunteers will see and pray for it) or public (request will go to the main prayer page for the general public to see and pray for). One of OurPrayer's special features, real time prayer, provides the ability to have a one-on-one real time prayer session with an OurPrayer volunteer. Members will also have the ability to send prayer requests to friends and/or groups so they can pray for them as well and users requesting a personal prayer response will receive a personalized prayer sent directly back to them.

Anyone with a prayer request can go to www.OurPrayer.org. Our Prayer.org will also be the hub for special prayer activities, such as our annual Good Friday Day of Prayer on March 21, 2008 and our Thanksgiving Day of Prayer events in the fall.

OurPrayer is seeking hundreds of volunteers to help handle the increased number of prayer requests that come in each day. Prayer volunteers are able to help in three areas: Web volunteers are given access to a secured area to pray for each need while online. Other volunteers answer calls at home, as their schedules permit, on our toll-free prayer line. Personal Prayer Response Volunteers are trained to write personal prayers to encourage and comfort those struggling with distressing circumstances.

Anyone wishing to become a prayer volunteer can find out more by visiting www.OurPrayer.org or calling 1-800-935-0158 ext. 4347.

Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Check out www.religionnews.com for a 30-day archive of press releases.

Religion Press Release Services
email: info@religionnews.com
On the Web: http://www.religionnews.com/press.html

12 Partnership Principles... 12 videos

2008-03-11T06:57:00.000-04:00

Here's a brief video-clip to introduce you to Phill Butler, author of "Well Connected"... and a dozen short video-clips to help you build PARTNERSHIP in your cityreaching venture...

continued at Kingdom Partnership News Alerts

Visit VisionSynergy.Net.

"See You At The Club"

2008-03-10T06:33:00.003-04:00

by Scott Wilder

Church can be a crazy little club. Think about it. Many clubs are organized around a shared interest. Sports, quilting, ceramics and computers are just a few of the examples that immediately pop into my mind. People gather together to share with one another the passion they have for the craziest things. Some people even pay money to gather with other like minded people. A health club is essentially a place you pay a membership fee to exercise in the company of others who are as serious about fitness as you are.

The modern church in America is very much club like. We gather together throughout the week to spend time with others who are also on board with this whole Jesus-movement-church-club-thing. The more I think about it; the more club-like the church seems to be to me. And I don’t mean that in the warm, fuzzy kum bay jah sort of way.

You see; clubs tend to be very loose collection of people. While people may know one another in a club; they rarely “Do Life” together. How many people at your...

[continued at Christ Community Church]

***********

Blews.Network Ed. Note.... Consider helping formulate an answer to the dilemma Scott presents, re 'teamwork'.

McCain Still Not Popular Among Evangelicals

2008-03-08T06:32:00.001-05:00

(CNSNews.com) - Evangelicals sent a strong message in Tuesday's Republican primaries in Texas and Ohio by voting overwhelmingly for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, while almost every other Republican demographic group chose Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz), exit polls show.

This was despite the fact McCain had already been dubbed the "presumptive nominee" of the Republican Party by the national media and political pundits.

[continued at CNSnews.com]

Semester in the City

2008-03-07T01:20:00.000-05:00

.
The King's College unveils Semester in the City initiative

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (ANS) -- With a fall semester focus on journalism, and a spring focus on business, students of The King's College Semester in the City program will study with renowned faculty and practitioners while taking advantage of the opportunities offered in the media and finance capital of the world.

The King's College has unveiled its latest initiative, Semester in the City, providing an opportunity for college and university students to study "abroad" for one semester at The King's College located in heart of New York City, says a media release.

The media release says Semester in the City combines the best of The King's College idea-driven curriculum with the uniqueness of New York City to create an intense and powerful educational experience.

The fall journalism focus includes courses such as Introduction to Biblical Journalism, taught by provost of The King's College and editor-in-chief of WORLD magazine, Dr. Marvin Olasky, and other renowned journalists, and Logic taught by famed author/philosopher, Dr. Peter Kreeft.

Additionally,the release says, both the journalism and business focuses include Introduction to the City, taught by premier urbanologist, Dr. Anne Hendershott. The business focus will expose students to seasoned business professionals and give them the opportunity to experience some of the world's elite institutions first hand.

While part of Semester in the City, students will live in The King's College housing located in the heart of Manhattan. This prime location puts students blocks away from the world's most powerful news organizations and some of the country's leading journalists, as well as strategic businesses. They'll experience life in the city in such a way that will change their outlook forever.

The King's College is a Christian liberal arts college located in the Empire State Building in New York City.

If you would like more information about Semester in the City, please call (212) 659-7297 or email us at SemesterintheCity@TKC.edu .

For more information about The King's College please contact: SemesterintheCity@tkc.edu .
Sharon Denney, 212-659-7200.

** Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent of ANS, is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. Michael's involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- Michael Ireland Media Missionary (MIMM) -- of ACT International at: Artists in Christian Testimony (ACT) International

Connect Leaders - Change Lives - Transform Cities

2008-03-06T11:42:00.002-05:00

Reid Carpenter, President of Leadership Foundation of America, will be our guest for the March 20^th CityReaching Conference Call at 11 a.m. Eastern (10 a.m. Central, 9 a.m. Mountain, 8 a.m. Pacific). Reid was named by many at the 2007 City Impact Roundtable as the most helpful and effective presenter. Reid has served as president of Leadership Foundations of America (LFA) since 2001. With almost 45 years of experience in community-based ministry and management, he leads and directs the mission of LFA to “Connect Leaders, Change Lives, Transform Cities.”

As a network of over 30 local leadership foundations throughout the nation, LFA is dedicated to the physical and spiritual transformation of communities. Members and local partners help millions of people by working with the community to build literacy programs, housing, employment, health care, food programs, mentoring, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and more.

We know you’ll enjoy this call. Send an email requesting the dial-in number to: info@cityreaching.com

Glenn Barth, President of GoodCities and Jarvis Ward, Mission America Coalition City/Community Ministries

More Info on Reid Capenter
Reid’s bio and notes from his plenary message at the 2007 CIR in El Paso are at this link: http://207.200.19.180/images/10000/3000/216CI/user/0308CarpenterbioandCIRdoc.doc

Tim Keller: "The Reason For God"

2008-03-05T12:53:00.002-05:00

[hat-tip, Jeremy Del Rio]

*****************
'TIM KELLER' tags

Obama Cites Sermon On The Mount For His Support Of Civil Unions

2008-03-04T07:35:00.002-05:00

Democrat presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama invoked the Sermon on the Mount as a reason for why he supports civil unions during an appearance in Nelsonville, Ohio, on Sunday.

The response came after Pastor Leon Forte, who heads up Grace Christian Center in Athens, Ohio, asked about Obama's faith. The video is available here and the full transcript is available here.

[continued at Christianity Today]

Video: "How Blogs Are Born"

2008-03-03T09:58:00.000-05:00

********************

See how BLOGS fit in among other channels at the 'Media Center' for CityReaching.

Phill Video: The World's Litmus Test For Christianity

2008-02-29T06:42:00.001-05:00

Visit Vision Synergy

Externally Focused Leadership

2008-02-28T09:36:00.002-05:00

[continued at Eric Swanson Blog]

February's Vision Synergy Coaching Call

2008-02-28T09:21:00.002-05:00

Listen in as (author and) city-coach Phill Butler fields questions from cityreachers around the country... [click]

Visit VisionSynergy.Net.

Case Study: Innovation Institute and PBwiki

2008-02-27T07:07:00.000-05:00

[from PBwiki Blog]

"Stack used PBwiki to create an IVI wiki, and at the next group teleconference, demonstrated how simple it was to create and edit a page. The group was hooked.

"Even our far less technical contributors are noticeably

more at ease with PBwiki than with other tools."

— Jack Anderson, Program Manager for Innovation at Intel Corporation;
Co-Chair, Innovation Value Institute.

Easy meeting planning...

Jack estimates that he saves at least four hours per week by planning the weekly meetings using the wiki, and another hour per week by eliminating the need for typing up notes and emailing them to group members. Plus, the wiki makes it easy for members who miss a session to catch up on their own.

[full article at PBwiki Blog]

*******************

[Blews.Network Commentary... Obviously we concur with this assessment. We deliberately chose PBwiki as the optimal platform to grow our mutual knowledge-base for these very same reasons -- free, easy, collaborative & productive. Visit & participate at the 'Wiki Encyclopedia of CityReaching'. ]

"Red Letter Christian" Review

2008-02-26T06:02:00.001-05:00

[Book review... from Challies.com...]

There are some people who will probably read no further than the title of Red Letter Christians, the latest offering from Tony Campolo. The reference to Red Letters will no doubt convince people, even before they read the book, that it is a defense of ignoring the black letters of the Bible (which is to say, most of the Bible) in favor of the red words (the words actually spoken by Jesus). While I, too, am somewhat uncomfortable with the term, it is only fair to allow Campolo to define it before passing judgment!

“A group of us who are speakers and authors and who share an evangelical theology got together and confessed that we have a hard time applying the label [Evangelical] to ourselves anymore. Among those who gathered were Brian McLaren, Richard Rohr and Jim Wallis. They settled on the name “Red Letter Christians” as an alternative to evangelical....

[continued at Challies.com]

Video: Are moral values necessary in politics?

2008-02-25T04:58:00.000-05:00

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More RAVI tags

ER TV-clip Illustrates Recent Research

2008-02-23T07:49:00.004-05:00

[From Lifeway Research's Ed Stetzer Blog...]

It is not often that you see programs like NBC's ER so clearly illustrate the emptiness of a faith not rooted in God and His Word. Click the video below to learn more.

The clip reminded me of our recent research. Below are some excerpts...

[continued at EdStetzer.com]

How to attract young conventioneers to SBC Indy '08

2008-02-21T07:47:00.000-05:00

[Too funny not to post today, enjoy. Hat-tip SBCvoices.com]

***************

Visit SBCannualmeeting.net

Other SBC tagged items

[Blews.Network Ed. Note... Looking forward to having all you young SBC conventioneers in Indy this summer!]

Palau 2.0... in Portland

2008-02-20T05:46:00.001-05:00

[from The Oregonian... hat-tip, NPPN Blog]

Luis Palau is an old-school evangelist. He doesn't tout computers, cars or political causes. During his 55-year career, he's been an advance man for Jesus and is well known in evangelical circles for his festivals, a soul-saving model created and perfected in Portland. Now he's come up with city festival 2.0, to try in his own backyard.

Palau, 73, will kick off his third Portland CityFest and Season of Service...

[continued at The Oregonian]

*****************

Visit PORTLAND in the 'Wiki Encyclopedia of CityReaching'.

Shepherd to help rescue Indy's eastside

2008-02-19T06:47:00.000-05:00

"I wanted to share with you a release we are making available. We are working to respond to the closing of Wheeler Missions Community Center…"

[continued at Shepherd Community Blog]

****************
Shepherd Community Center is a faith-based, non-profit organization founded in 1984 with a simple but staggering goal: to break the cycle of poverty on the near east side of Indianapolis. Located centrally within the community it serves, Shepherd offers programs for children, teens, adults, and families, helping to meet their physical, emotional, academic, and spiritual needs. Visit Shepherd’s website, www.shepherdcommunty.org, to learn more about their programs and services.

StumbleUpon Answers In Genesis... for VBS

2008-02-18T10:36:00.002-05:00

"I spent a few hours tonight looking over the new Answers In Genesis VBS 2008. I was very pleased with what I found and wanted to share some of the highlights with you. You can check it out for yourself on..."

[continued at Tony Kummer's StumbleUpon page]

ANSWERS

Video: "Questions for God"

2008-02-17T08:58:00.000-05:00

[ht:SZ, Facebook]

***********************

["Jesus -- A Union of Contrasts"... at Daily Quote, M.S. Reed]

Which Jesus do you follow? A blogger on Facebook recently posed this question in response to a YouTube video by Todd Agnew. As I watched the video and reflected on Mr. Agnew's moving and firm stand, I thought about how we all shape our perceptions of things by using the arts to shape the ideas of our culture. Using a musical platform, Mr. Agnew bears witness to the truth that the magnitude of Jesus' personality rests on His being a "union of contrasts".

Dr. Ravi Zacharias once cited a scottish theologian's very apt observation... [continued at Daily Quote]

Key Indicators of a Transformed City?

2008-02-14T15:30:00.001-05:00

Stetzer: "Tim Keller in Newsweek"

2008-02-12T06:31:00.000-05:00

[from EdStetzer.com...]

Tim Keller is notoriously averse to publicity. I had to pull teeth to get him to agree to be profiled for this story. He does not speak at many conferences and has not written a book for a decade. So, for some of you who read the blog, his name may be unfamiliar.

This week many more will hear about Tim as he is featured in Newsweek. Click here for the article.

To many of us, Tim is a hero and a role model. I have even been publicaly accused of plagiarizing Tim. (OK, the accusation was a joke, but I did respond here.)

Here are some excerpts from the article and my thoughts...

[continued at EdStetzer.com]

Conference: "Scandal of Evangelical Politics"

2008-02-11T06:39:00.001-05:00

[from ESA-Online...]

How should I vote in 2008?

What issues are most important to God?

What does the Bible say about abortion, gay marriage, and immigration? What about foreign policy, including the conflict in Iraq? What is said about overcoming poverty in the U.S. and around the world?

Keynote addresses and workshops at this timely and important conference will explore these and other questions to help Christians apply biblical values in the socio-political realm, including the voting booth. It’s a conference that all who strive to be faithful to the gospel in the public square should not miss...

[continued at ESA-Online]

Pacific Rim Media... from the Bahamas... Internet Stats

2008-02-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

[excerpt from Pacific Rim Media Notes, by Daniel Heinrich, Assistant Professor, College of the Bahamas]

"It is interesting to note that China is far exceeding the predictions of 2000 in internet and broadband connections. This is possibly because technology is making them cheaper or simply that the Chinese are becoming more global

I think the question is simple here: What are we doing to reach the internet users? We know that there is an increasing number of “eyeballs” looking at computer screens as opposed to listening to radio or television. The internet MUST be part of any integrated mediastrategy!

[interesting global internet stats continued]

It's finally here... BarCamp Indy 2008 !!!

2008-02-09T12:39:00.000-05:00

[Disclaimer: BarCamp is not about a bar. But it's not necessarily 'Christian' either -- it's a tech event... that some of our Christians in Indy are participating in today.]

'BarCamp Indy 2008' is finally here!

Welcome. It's an 'unconference'. It's unconventional. It's unexpensive. We ARE the presenters. We make our own rules. And we pay ourselves -- ie, it's FREE!

And it's all about LEARNING from each other... about TECHNOLOGIES. We have short presentations, each followed by intense fast-paced discussion.

And it's about trying something different -- practicing our flexibility, to enhance our ability to 'innovate'.

You can see more in the wiki today. And stay tuned at BarCampIndy.org.

You'll see there, for instance, that we're STREAMING LIVE TODAY... and we plan to archive videos from today's presentations.

And everyone who's blogging, photo-blogging, video'ing, etc.... is tagging their items as 'BARCAMPINDY'. Check out who's doing what!

*****************

IndyChristian Ed.Note: Me personally? I'm blogging & tagging things a number of places.... but actually taking notes in our 'Ask Anything Saturday' wiki as SHOW-NOTES for today's internet-tv broadcast.

Video: "A Homeschool Family"

2008-02-08T07:49:00.000-05:00

[ht: Kristee Weldon]

************************

Recent 'HOMESCHOOL' tagged items

Jeanette Tube: "Would Jesus Vlog?"

2008-02-07T07:18:00.000-05:00

Chris Brogan: "Social Media Toolkit"

2008-02-06T06:26:00.000-05:00

[Chris Brogan helps make things simple...]

There are countless ways to get into the game with Social Media, but sometimes, we get hung up on evaluating tools and thinking about which are the best for the job. We go further into thinking about the variety of tools and why we’d use which ones for what, and then, next thing you know, the day’s over and nothing’s been done. Here are a few sample tools and what they can be used for, and from there, maybe some new ideas will spread.

[continued at ChrisBrogan.com]

Interview with Dr. Albert Mohler

2008-02-05T07:15:00.000-05:00

[ht: SaidAtSouthern.com]

Pastor Les Puryear provides this insightful interview in advance of the SBC convention in Indianapolis this summer...

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., current president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a candidate for the SBC presidency in Indianapolis, IN in June, has graciously granted my request for an interview. This interview was conducted by telephone on Thursday, January 31, 2008. Many thanks to Dr. Mohler for making time for me in his busy schedule.

The interview as follows is a verbatim account of my questions and Dr. Mohler's responses. I have taken the liberty of abbreviating "Southern Baptist Convention" as "SBC."

Question: The past two presidents of the SBC have had certain emphases that distinguished their presidencies. Dr. Welch emphasized evangelism and Dr. Page has been emphasizing unity and praying for revival. What will be the main emphasis of your presidency?

Dr. Mohler's Response: Well I don't want to be presumptuous but if Southern Baptists should elect me then I would focus on two main issues as my theme, that would be...

[continued]

'MOHLER' tags

'SBC' tags

Barna: Born-again voters no longer favor Republicans

2008-02-04T05:46:00.000-05:00

...But 'Evangelicals' (mostly) continue.

One of the most reliable constituencies of the Republican Party in recent years has been born again Christians. Our latest national survey of likely voters, however, shows that the Republican Party has lost the allegiance of many born again voters. The November election is truly up for grabs - and if the election were held today, most born again voters would...

[continued at Barna.org]

Other Recent 'POLITICS+RESEARCH' tags

Coaching... Principles of Collaboration

2008-02-03T08:10:00.000-05:00

[Thanks, Phil, Phill & Bill... Great blog-post of an awesome audio from your telecon...]

Phill Butler... President of Vision Synergy, and author of "Well Connected"...

"Here is the recording of our Partnership Training Coaching call..."

[continued at NPPN Blog]

Video: "Woman at the Well"

2008-02-02T08:27:00.000-05:00

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From John 4 -- Read it for yourself.

Indy East businessmen meet, wiki and pray.

2008-02-01T06:15:00.000-05:00

[ht: Eldon Kibbey]

Here's a great example of how local Christian leaders can collaborate online at the centralized wiki for Indianapolis....

"Another great week!

Jonathan Thomas returned to discuss his EastGate vision, Tom Ketchum reiterated his vision for the transformation of Warren Township, and we were joined by newcomers, John Hunt & Trey Davis.

John's face was a picture of affirmation, and joy, as Trey Davis shared God's leading in his life, which has led him to establish Cornerstone Church of Indianapolis on Shortridge Road, across the street from Eastgate Mall, and just south of Crossroads Bible College. John, Jonathan, and Trey have all been impressed by the Holy Spirit to promote 24/7 prayer, so they were excited about the prospects of unity in this area!

Eldon shared the 12 Characteristics of Communities that have Experienced Transformation, which emphasizes Prayer as the 1st Characteristic - "sustained, earnest, united, desperate prayer." Are we desperate enough about the Eastside to commit to the work of prayer?

Five of us had an impromptu prayer meeting following the luncheon, and three of us committed to meet weekly for prayer. Let Eldon know if you are interested in joining us.

Check out this site for transformation ideas from another community: Aberdeen, SD."

[continued at CBMC Indy East in the 'Wiki Encyclopedia of CityReaching']

[Also visit the "Timothy Tree"... Start one for YOUR city?]

Satan Uses TurboTax

2008-01-31T07:55:00.000-05:00

Eric Swanson: Transformation in Thailand

2008-01-30T01:13:00.000-05:00

"For the past week I've been in Thailand teaching a class called 'To Transform a City'. It has really been a lot of fun and also been a great opportunity to be with Andy, Natalie and baby Jenda who is now walking and is cuter than ever! (Below is a picture of Jenda inspecting the 'snack bugs' in the open market.). How great do you think it was seeing Ronald McDonald giving the traditional Thai greeting?

[continued with more photos at Eric Swanson Blog]

Live-blogging Rick Warren at Pastors Prayer Summit

2008-01-29T22:20:00.000-05:00

[continued at JeremyDelRio.com]

********
Bonus: Live-blogging Jeff Boucher

Emerging 'Urban Evangelicals' ?

2008-01-29T15:35:00.000-05:00

"What if the churches of the cities and people of color led an Evangelical renaissance... a resurgence of biblical Christianity?

What if we could..."

[continue this great discussion going on at Revolution In The Spirit]

Pastors Pray: Mooks, Midriffs, MySpace & More

2008-01-29T06:52:00.000-05:00

Who knew?

[continued at JeremyDelRio.com]

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Recent 'DELRIO' tags

Frazee and Appel Leaving Willow Creek

2008-01-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

[ht: Todd Rhoades]

"This June, Teaching Pastor Randy Frazee will become the Senior Minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he will teach and lead in partnership with pastor and author, Max Lucado..."

[continued at WillowCreek.org]

One Church.

2008-01-28T11:04:00.000-05:00

.
I minister in a racially mixed church on the west side of Chicago. I attended a wedding not long ago of a family who lives in Nebraska. I remember standing on this farmer's front lawn and seeing only one road, no other people, and corn in every direction. The scene couldn't have been farther from the west side of Chicago. Yet this farmer has developed one of the closest relationships with the people of our community. It began the day he arrived with a work crew some years ago. During that week, he got connected with people in the neighborhood, and all his stereotypes began to break down. When he returned for a second visit, he told me: "The Monday after I came home from my first work trip to Chicago, I met with the same fellas I've been having coffee and a roll with for twenty-five years. But this time, I had to get up and leave, because the same jokes, the same conversation, the same prejudices that never bothered me before now got to me." His daughter is now a staff member at our church. - Glen Kehrein, quoted in 1 Minute Bible for Professionals (http://www.lifeway.com

Not Too Late To Seek God For The City

2008-01-28T07:51:00.001-05:00

It's not too late to get copies of Seek God for the City 2008. If you forgot to order or did not order enough, please call us quickly. We have a limited number of copies still available. With Seek God for the City beginning, Wednesday, February 6, there is still enough time to get copies to you before Sunday, February 3.

[continued at Prayer Leader Blog]

Barna: American Christianity Turning Charismatic?

2008-01-27T11:23:00.000-05:00

(Ventura, CA) - Pentecostal or charismatic Christianity is viewed by some Americans as an emotional, theologically suspect form of the Christian faith. It is widely thought to be a very vocal and visible, but numerically small slice of the grand religious pie in the United States. Two new surveys from The Barna Group, however, indicate that things are changing dramatically in the religious landscape. Those surveys - one among a national sample of adults and the other among a national sample of Protestant pastors - show that the number of churches and adherents to Pentecostal perspectives and practices has grown significantly in the past two decades.

Growing Numbers of People

A decade ago, three out of ten adults claimed to be... [continued at Barna.org]

Willow Creek Embraces The Mess

2008-01-25T05:59:00.000-05:00

[From our blogging friend in NYC, Jeremy Del Rio...]

The latest issue of Willow magazine, published by Willow Creek Association, features my article “Embrace the Mess: Why Youth Must Lead Now.”

[continued at JeremyDelRio.com]

Hillary's Outreach to Evangelicals...

2008-01-25T04:44:00.000-05:00

Pulitzer-prize winning cartoonist targets evangelicals and Hillary.

posted by Sarah Pulliam, Christianity Today

Time will tell whether Democratic efforts will actually impact evangelical voter habits, but one Pulitzer-prize winning cartoonist seems a bit skeptical.

David Horsey of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer believes that at least those in Colorado will stick to the Republicans. Horsey attended New Life Church, formerly led by Ted Haggard. After a lengthy description of a megachurch worship service, he describes his talk with New Life's associate pastor.

[continued at ChristianityToday.com]

The Lausanne Movement is blogging!

2008-01-25T01:59:00.000-05:00

[from GospelCom.net...]

Are you familiar with the Lausanne Movement? It’s an evangelistic coalition born over 30 years ago at a vast international gathering of thousands of Christian evangelists and visionaries. The result of that meeting was the Lausanne Covenant , a document that has shaped Christian mission work ever since.It’s been decades since the Lausanne Movement sprang into existence, but it continues to guide and focus conversations about missions and evangelism.

And this January, Lausanne Chairman Doug Birdsall started...

[continued at GospelCom.net]

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'EVANGELISM' tags

What Would Reagan Do?

2008-01-24T07:51:00.000-05:00

Kristee Weldon posts the video clip...

"What Would Reagan Do?"

The NYC Noon Prayer Meeting

2008-01-23T07:54:00.000-05:00

Reviewed by Chris Batz <Chris.Batz@gmail.com>
4300 Grandview Rd., Kansas City, MO 64137

The New York City Noon Prayer Meeting
Talbot W. Chambers
Campus Renewal Ministries, Inc.
2007

Thesis:

Approximately 100,000 souls came to Christ through this incredibly humble and Christ-focused hourly prayer meeting. Such simplicity and divine moments can only be accredited by the hand of God and sincere souls hungry for intimacy with Jesus and their fellow Christians.

Pastoral or Church leader implications:

From a shepherding point of view...

[continued at NPPN]

CNN Video: Pastor Ed Stetzer, Lifeway Research Blog

2008-01-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

***************

Visit Lifeway Research Blog

Visit CityReaching Research Wiki

Recent 'RESEARCH' tagged items

MLK Day...

2008-01-21T09:50:00.000-05:00

[continued at Christianity Today]

[See how easily you could post local MLK Day activities in YOUR city?]

Faithwalking: She's my hero.

2008-01-20T10:16:00.000-05:00

[from Jim Herrington, Mission Houston]

"My wife, Betty, is my best friend and this week we celebrated 35 years of marriage.

She is also my hero. Every morning she gets up at 5:00 am and prepares for a day of serving as teacher at an inner-city elementary school in Houston's 4th Ward. In her role as teacher, she serves as educator as well as surrogate mom, social worker, pyschologist, conflict manager, and nurse to 22 kindergartners. She loves her kindergartners. She is under-paid and under-resourced. Many days she comes home exhausted, eats dinner, spends an hour or more preparing for the next day, and then goes to bed prepared to do it again the next day. She loves these children, and she is an excellent teacher. Despite the challenges almost all the children in her care thrive and achieve.

Recently I learned about a non-profit organization named Adopt-a-Classroom. This is a non-profit organization that allows an individual to make a financial contribution to support the class room teacher - and get a tax deduction in the process. This past year, Betty spent approximately $1000 out of her own pocket to improve the educational environment for her children.

Adopt-A-Classroom was evaluated and... [continued at Faithwalking, Houston]

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Visit the Houston volume in the 'Wiki Encyclopedia of CityReaching'.

Eric Swanson: "Going To Jail..."

2008-01-20T06:42:00.000-05:00

Eric Swanson, Author

"Monday I spent a couple of hours with my friend Rick Murphy who is chaplain at a local 1500 person jail facility. Rick greeted me in the reception area and soon we were in the middle of the complex walking down shining tile floors and Rick was introducing me to guards and minimum security inmates. The jail is broken down into 4-5 different wings and each wing has 6 pods, consisting of a bay (open space that has tables, a TV, and beds on the floor for prisoners who don't have cells). Prisoners where different colors of horizontally striped uniforms that differentiate their security level--green for "trustee" all the way to red, for maximum security.

It was time for church so Rick gave the signal to the guards behind the dark glass to open pod 1. He stepped in and announced that church was starting and men started lining up at the door. Each one had to show his ID at the door, Rick greeted each one by name, recorded each name, checked that name against his master list, then said, "You're good to go buddy" and each man went to the ad hoc chapel. Just getting the men from each of the 6 pods took 20 minutes or so.

So, what is church like in jail? It was..." [continued at Eric Swanson Blog]

Video: The Love Ark

2008-01-17T21:57:00.000-05:00

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MLK topic... national cityreaching call Jan. 17

2008-01-15T18:45:00.000-05:00

by Phil Miglioratti

Many believe that without reconciliation and forgiveness there will be no sustained city/community transformation! Join us for our monthly City Reaching Conference Call on Thursday, January 17 when we will interview Michael Lienau who has produced a very provocative film "Yokes and Chains...a journey to forgiveness and freedom".

[MAC announcement continued at NPPN Blog]

Evangelical American Pastors, Meet Evangelical Palestinian Pastors.

2008-01-12T06:37:00.000-05:00

[by Bob Roberts, GlocalNet, Dallas-FortWorth -- "Connecting for glocal transformation"]

"Yes, they really exist! I wanted to post a picture, but didn’t want to make their life anymore difficult than it is, already. They love God, they are evangelical, they were born in different parts of Israel and the West Bank, their families have been there for centuries and millenias and they are the most effective representation and the best hope of Jesus Christ in that part of the world today. My meetings with them were beyond incredible. They have suffered rejection, abandonment, and isolation for one simple reason–they were born Palestinians. One leading evangelical who met with them a couple of years back was happy they were Christians but at the conclusion of the meeting told them they needed to move to Jordan or somewhere else. How absurd and utterly ignorant of the Great Commission and God’s call for all peoples.

One of the pastors told me..." (more…)