Much has been written over the last 2000 years concerning what has come to be called the “Five-Fold Ministry.” According to Frank Viola the modern iteration of this phrase was coined in 1824 by Edward Irving, a Presbyterian pastor in Scotland, who began teaching that “the five-fold ministry” of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers [...]
Read More apostles, ascension gifts, evangelists, five-fold ministry, gifts, prophets, shepherds, teachersIn the flurry of activity and communication attempting to define the apostolic the focus generally tends to be on certain aspects such as the grace to lead, establish, set in order, or demonstrate the power of the Spirit: all of which are legitimate characteristics. But at the core of the apostolic grace and commission is [...]
Read More apostolic, apostolic directive, Christ, jesus, leadershipThis chapter is titled “When Chief Sinners Become Moral Guardians,” and continues from the previous chapter wherein Boyd looks at the negative consequences that occur due to believing the Myth of a Christian Nation. In that chapter he discussed three consequences: the harm to global and local missions, and the church’s commitment to trust “power [...]
Read More greg boyd, moral guardians, myth of a christian nation, nationalismChurch planting is a hot topic within the emergent, missional and incarnational movements. Books, teachings and conferences abound to discuss strategies and networking for church planters, most of which is well-meaning and sincere. But I argue is sincerely misguided. For if we accurately assess Paul, Peter, Apollos and other “church planters” in the New Testament [...]
Read More apostolic work, church planters, church planting, city of GodAnchored in Denver, CO, Adullam “is a congregational network of incarnational communities that are apprenticing kingdom people.” Lead by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay, who co-authored “The Tangible Kingdom,” this congregation is impacting Denver with the love of Jesus in real ways. Check them out here.
Read More adullam, communities, hugh halter, matt smayI am focusing this post on Deb Hirsch’s breakout session titled “Missional in the Hard Places (reaching the GLBT community).” This was a particularly fascinating session in which Deb was quite transparent, revealing that prior to her coming to Christ she was engaged in a lesbian lifestyle. She opened with some challenging ideas… When we [...]
Read More deb hirsch, gay, lesbian, salvation journey, sentralized, transgender