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Transcript of Liftime Sabbath Fellowships Texas Conference. Introduction – What we’ll be looking at in this...
LiftimeSabbath Fellowships
LiftimeSabbath Fellowships
Texas ConferenceTexas Conference
Introduction – What we’ll be looking at in
this presentation
Introduction – What we’ll be looking at in
this presentationHistory behind the development of this approachMost of context - while pastoring a traditional church
What we’re currently doing in San Antonio, TX
History behind the development of this approachMost of context - while pastoring a traditional church
What we’re currently doing in San Antonio, TX
Who’s here?Who’s here?
VocationPastorsEducatorsAdministratorsLay members
VocationPastorsEducatorsAdministratorsLay members
Who’s here?Who’s here?
Interest/InvolvementInvolved in church plantingInvolved in house churchesWould like to be involved in house churches
Interest/InvolvementInvolved in church plantingInvolved in house churchesWould like to be involved in house churches
BackgroundBackground
After being born-again in my senior year in high school, I participated in a college fraternity fellowship spawned by Campus Crusade for Christ – experienced the life changing power of small groups
Shortly after becoming an Adventist, sensed a call to a career change and full time ministry
After being born-again in my senior year in high school, I participated in a college fraternity fellowship spawned by Campus Crusade for Christ – experienced the life changing power of small groups
Shortly after becoming an Adventist, sensed a call to a career change and full time ministry
First full-time ministry experienceFirst full-time
ministry experienceBible worker in New York City with Greater New York Conference van ministry
Bible worker in New York City with Greater New York Conference van ministry
Two challenges that began
to emerge
Two challenges that began
to emergeLack of places to plug people intoDawning realization that there must be some better way to connect people to church members
Some better way to multiply my efforts
Lack of places to plug people intoDawning realization that there must be some better way to connect people to church members
Some better way to multiply my efforts
Initial attempt at small groups in pastoral setting
Initial attempt at small groups in pastoral settingPastoring in suburban setting (M)
- went to training by Robert Coleman, founder of Serendipity House PublishersTried to incorporate Serendipity Bible, etc., various small group materials
Had difficulty getting church members to make consistent commitment to small group ministry during the week
Pastoring in suburban setting (M) - went to training by Robert Coleman, founder of Serendipity House PublishersTried to incorporate Serendipity Bible, etc., various small group materials
Had difficulty getting church members to make consistent commitment to small group ministry during the week
Attempts at small groups in urban
setting - New Jersey
Attempts at small groups in urban
setting - New JerseyIn a more busy, urban setting not only had difficulty getting church members to make consistent commitment to small groups, but had difficulty getting church members involved in anything outside of Sabbath morning
In a more busy, urban setting not only had difficulty getting church members to make consistent commitment to small groups, but had difficulty getting church members involved in anything outside of Sabbath morning
Across NAD, holistic small groups is consistently
lowest score on NCD
Across NAD, holistic small groups is consistently
lowest score on NCD
Importance ofHolistic Small Groups
Importance ofHolistic Small Groups
(Schwartz question)“After we had processed all 4.2 million survey answers, we calculated which of the 170 variables had the most significant relationship to church growth. It is probably no coincidence that our computer survey selected this variable in the area of ‘holistic small groups’: ‘Our church consciously promotes the multiplication of small groups through cell division.’
(Schwartz question)“After we had processed all 4.2 million survey answers, we calculated which of the 170 variables had the most significant relationship to church growth. It is probably no coincidence that our computer survey selected this variable in the area of ‘holistic small groups’: ‘Our church consciously promotes the multiplication of small groups through cell division.’
Importance ofHolistic Small Groups
Importance ofHolistic Small Groups
(Schwartz question)If we were to identify any one principle as the ‘most important’ – even though our research shows the interplay of all basics elements is important – then without a doubt it would be the multiplication of small groups.”
(Schwartz question)If we were to identify any one principle as the ‘most important’ – even though our research shows the interplay of all basics elements is important – then without a doubt it would be the multiplication of small groups.”
Importance ofHolistic Small Groups
Importance ofHolistic Small Groups
(Schwartz question)“ . . . there is a greater tendency to give small groups priority over worship service attendance, in itself a strange alternative, in churches with a high quality index and in churches that are growing numerically.”
(Schwartz question)“ . . . there is a greater tendency to give small groups priority over worship service attendance, in itself a strange alternative, in churches with a high quality index and in churches that are growing numerically.”
Importance ofHolistic Small Groups
Importance ofHolistic Small Groups
What would happen if pastoral staffing formulas were driven by: number of new holistic small groups number of holistic small group attendees
rather thantithe, baptisms, worship attendance, membership?
Peter Drucker - what gets measured gets done
What would happen if pastoral staffing formulas were driven by: number of new holistic small groups number of holistic small group attendees
rather thantithe, baptisms, worship attendance, membership?
Peter Drucker - what gets measured gets done
NCD and Holistic Small Groups
NCD and Holistic Small Groups
Why has this factor continued to be our lowest, in spite of its persistence as lowest?
Possibly because, as Adventist, we devote a twenty-four hour time slot to “our religious experience” and a few hours of “common time,” Sabbath morning, in particular; however, after our Sabbath gathering, we tend to be done with gathering for the week.
Why has this factor continued to be our lowest, in spite of its persistence as lowest?
Possibly because, as Adventist, we devote a twenty-four hour time slot to “our religious experience” and a few hours of “common time,” Sabbath morning, in particular; however, after our Sabbath gathering, we tend to be done with gathering for the week.
Initial attempts at trying to multiply my
efforts
Initial attempts at trying to multiply my
effortsFirst attempts at multiplying pastoral efforts via videos
Church members tended to be mailmen rather than relationship builders no matter how much we tried to encourage, coach, train in relationship building
Interests did not easily bridge over to coming to the church building
Even with Net events (‘99) clear presentations, had very difficult time getting church members to build relationships
First attempts at multiplying pastoral efforts via videos
Church members tended to be mailmen rather than relationship builders no matter how much we tried to encourage, coach, train in relationship building
Interests did not easily bridge over to coming to the church building
Even with Net events (‘99) clear presentations, had very difficult time getting church members to build relationships
Transition phaseTransition phase
Presentation by conference president from segments in Beckham’s The Second ReformationList of NT church characteristics
Russell Burrill’s booksEGW cautions about not calling for settled pastors over churches
Role of pastors in early AdventismAre these principals that still apply?
Or are things different today? This was only applicable back then?
Presentation by conference president from segments in Beckham’s The Second ReformationList of NT church characteristics
Russell Burrill’s booksEGW cautions about not calling for settled pastors over churches
Role of pastors in early AdventismAre these principals that still apply?
Or are things different today? This was only applicable back then?
A look at architecture history reference to
Old St. Peter’s
A look at architecture history reference to
Old St. Peter’sConstantine gave us a way of worship as well as a day of worship
Although occasional ceremonies may have been held in catacombs, it is likely that they were regularly held in private homes --- rearranged to make “community” houses --- or in simple columned halls. The later have not survived intact, having been destroyed in the last great persecution under Diocletian.
Constantine gave us a way of worship as well as a day of worship
Although occasional ceremonies may have been held in catacombs, it is likely that they were regularly held in private homes --- rearranged to make “community” houses --- or in simple columned halls. The later have not survived intact, having been destroyed in the last great persecution under Diocletian.
Architecture history . . .
Architecture history . . .
When Christianity achieved imperial sanction under Constantine, there was suddenly the urgent need to set up buildings that would meet the requirements of the Christian liturgy. All the architectural ingredients were present: the atrium house, the catacomb chapel, the Roman basilica.
When Christianity achieved imperial sanction under Constantine, there was suddenly the urgent need to set up buildings that would meet the requirements of the Christian liturgy. All the architectural ingredients were present: the atrium house, the catacomb chapel, the Roman basilica.
Architecture history . . .
Architecture history . . .
How these combined into the masterful composition that was one of the first Christian church buildings of the new age, old St. Peters in Rome, we do not know. Discussion about the origins of the Christian basilica has not ended. Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, pp. 238-239
How these combined into the masterful composition that was one of the first Christian church buildings of the new age, old St. Peters in Rome, we do not know. Discussion about the origins of the Christian basilica has not ended. Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, pp. 238-239
Architecture history . . .
Architecture history . . .
Dedicated in 326, St. Peter’s is probably the most important design in the history of church architecture. Being the first church in the ancient capital, it had a wide influence, which was augmented by the belief that it stood where Peter, first of the apostles, had been martyred.
Dedicated in 326, St. Peter’s is probably the most important design in the history of church architecture. Being the first church in the ancient capital, it had a wide influence, which was augmented by the belief that it stood where Peter, first of the apostles, had been martyred.
Architecture history . . .
Architecture history . . .
Its extraordinary dimensions are difficult to realize from the old drawings; the nave was as long, as high, and twice as wide as the nave of the great Gothic cathedral. Its interior was one “one of the most spacious, most imposing, and most harmonious . . . ever built, imperially rich in its marbles and mosaics, grandiose yet forthright and large in the best Roman sense of the word. Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, p. 239.
Its extraordinary dimensions are difficult to realize from the old drawings; the nave was as long, as high, and twice as wide as the nave of the great Gothic cathedral. Its interior was one “one of the most spacious, most imposing, and most harmonious . . . ever built, imperially rich in its marbles and mosaics, grandiose yet forthright and large in the best Roman sense of the word. Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, p. 239.
Came to conclusionCame to conclusion
That if in western culture holistic small groups were going to become:A sustained, regular part of church life
Essential and integral part of the fabric of church life
With broad participationThey were going to have to occur in prime time on Sabbath morning
That if in western culture holistic small groups were going to become:A sustained, regular part of church life
Essential and integral part of the fabric of church life
With broad participationThey were going to have to occur in prime time on Sabbath morning
Primary place small groups happen today -
Sabbath School
Primary place small groups happen today -
Sabbath SchoolBut they usually don’t have key characteristics of Holistic Small GroupsMultiplicationLeadership Development/Discipling/Mentoring
Outreach/MissionAccountability
But they usually don’t have key characteristics of Holistic Small GroupsMultiplicationLeadership Development/Discipling/Mentoring
Outreach/MissionAccountability
Two possible optionsTwo possible options
Encourage existing small groups (Sabbath School classes) to become more holisticSabbath School action units were attempting to do this – but we didn’t see meaningful, sustained changes in Sabbath School classes
Today, Sabbath Schools at these churches are much the same as 20 years ago
Encourage existing small groups (Sabbath School classes) to become more holisticSabbath School action units were attempting to do this – but we didn’t see meaningful, sustained changes in Sabbath School classes
Today, Sabbath Schools at these churches are much the same as 20 years ago
Two possible optionsTwo possible options
Begin other small groups that meet in homes on Sabbath mornings during prime timeHad already pastored a Sabbath afternoon church plant that had difficulty getting members involved then
Begin other small groups that meet in homes on Sabbath mornings during prime timeHad already pastored a Sabbath afternoon church plant that had difficulty getting members involved then
Attempts to utilize Sabbath morning prime time (NB)
Attempts to utilize Sabbath morning prime time (NB)
Two important questions
Two important questions
How do you do this while pastoring a traditional church – or a traditional multi-church district?
How do you establish a new DNA with folks who have a very “traditional church” mindset? Wearing ties, church talk
I knew I needed to be more involved
How do you do this while pastoring a traditional church – or a traditional multi-church district?
How do you establish a new DNA with folks who have a very “traditional church” mindset? Wearing ties, church talk
I knew I needed to be more involved
What we tried – switching Sabbath School/church time
What we tried – switching Sabbath School/church time
Church 9:30; SS 11:00To allow those that wanted to participate to go to homes for “branch” Sabbath School
To increase Sabbath School attendance at church
Children’s attendance especially was low and sporadic
Church 9:30; SS 11:00To allow those that wanted to participate to go to homes for “branch” Sabbath School
To increase Sabbath School attendance at church
Children’s attendance especially was low and sporadic
ResultsResults
PositivesSabbath School attendance increased dramatically
Some classes doubled, juniors tripledNegatives
Church members resented time switchChurch members resented a handful leaving to go to homes
Home groups wouldn’t get started until 12:30, 1:00 – more minor problem, but still problematic
PositivesSabbath School attendance increased dramatically
Some classes doubled, juniors tripledNegatives
Church members resented time switchChurch members resented a handful leaving to go to homes
Home groups wouldn’t get started until 12:30, 1:00 – more minor problem, but still problematic
ResultsResults
Times were eventually switched back
Groups continued to meet for a while in the afternoon
Eventually dissolved
Times were eventually switched back
Groups continued to meet for a while in the afternoon
Eventually dissolved
What we’re currently doing in San Antonio,
TX (version 7.0?)
What we’re currently doing in San Antonio,
TX (version 7.0?)Elements that seemed to be essential
Methodology core values clearly articulated at the outsetSteve Jobs: the only thing that works is management by values. Find people who are competent and really bright, but more importantly, people who care exactly about the same things you care about.
Elements that seemed to be essential
Methodology core values clearly articulated at the outsetSteve Jobs: the only thing that works is management by values. Find people who are competent and really bright, but more importantly, people who care exactly about the same things you care about.
Our methodology core values
Our methodology core values
Start with the end in mind – Disciples spiritually equipped to be fruit gatherers.
Key inspiration – Gospel commission, Matthew 28; “Gathering the Fruit – A Dream,” GW p. 136-139
Start with the end in mind – Disciples spiritually equipped to be fruit gatherers.
Key inspiration – Gospel commission, Matthew 28; “Gathering the Fruit – A Dream,” GW p. 136-139
Our methodology core values
Our methodology core values
Primary focus – find, pick, and disciple/care for ripe fruit (those who are spiritually open to something better)
Context of equipping – It is more important for us that those to whom we minister be involved in a small group on the Sabbath than attend a church (worship service) on the Sabbath; and we will consciously promote the multiplication of these small Sabbath groups through cell division.
Primary focus – find, pick, and disciple/care for ripe fruit (those who are spiritually open to something better)
Context of equipping – It is more important for us that those to whom we minister be involved in a small group on the Sabbath than attend a church (worship service) on the Sabbath; and we will consciously promote the multiplication of these small Sabbath groups through cell division.
Our methodology core values
Our methodology core values
Establish holistic small groups – buckets for the berries – as the fundamental and most important regular, life-changing corporate experience (and the most important corporate Sabbath experience) for members and non-members - more important than the worship service.
Develop holistic small groups leaders
Establish holistic small groups – buckets for the berries – as the fundamental and most important regular, life-changing corporate experience (and the most important corporate Sabbath experience) for members and non-members - more important than the worship service.
Develop holistic small groups leaders
Our methodology core values
Our methodology core values
Repackage our message so it’s primarily experiential rather than primarily cognitive, and then share that experience.
Establish inspiring corporate worship that utilizes various worship styles (including contemporary styles)
Repackage our message so it’s primarily experiential rather than primarily cognitive, and then share that experience.
Establish inspiring corporate worship that utilizes various worship styles (including contemporary styles)
Our methodology core values
Our methodology core values
Develop meaningful spiritual experiences for children and young adults, especially that happen on Sabbath
Spend time and money in such a way as to maintain primary focus and core values.
Develop meaningful spiritual experiences for children and young adults, especially that happen on Sabbath
Spend time and money in such a way as to maintain primary focus and core values.
Our methodology core values
Our methodology core values
Measure and evaluate effectiveness – evaluation is a tool for the acceleration of the accumulation of experience
Establish an environment conducive to experimentation
Measure and evaluate effectiveness – evaluation is a tool for the acceleration of the accumulation of experience
Establish an environment conducive to experimentation
Use methodology core values as a screening
tool
Use methodology core values as a screening
toolWe wanted participants who could catch a vision for these core values
I needed to be involved personally in the groups (at least initially in the first group as the DNA was being set)
We wanted participants who could catch a vision for these core values
I needed to be involved personally in the groups (at least initially in the first group as the DNA was being set)
Organizational beginnings
Organizational beginnings
Approached conference administration with the ideaYou need to get support of Conference leadership if your efforts to do house churches is to succeed
Otherwise you’re likely to get caught in a triangulation created by those who oppose it
Approached conference administration with the ideaYou need to get support of Conference leadership if your efforts to do house churches is to succeed
Otherwise you’re likely to get caught in a triangulation created by those who oppose it
Organizational beginnings
Organizational beginnings
We settled on the idea of having a retired pastor join as an associate so my time Sabbath morning could be more heavily involved in the house church
Conference president met with our board to discuss having an associate join so I could be freed to lead in church plant
Board voted to support ideaMade it very clear to board that church plant would govern itself
We settled on the idea of having a retired pastor join as an associate so my time Sabbath morning could be more heavily involved in the house church
Conference president met with our board to discuss having an associate join so I could be freed to lead in church plant
Board voted to support ideaMade it very clear to board that church plant would govern itself
Associate came on board
last June
Associate came on board
last JuneWe took six months to let him get acclimated and the members to get to know him
We also had a major evangelistic series in October/November with lay outreach efforts leading up to it
We took six months to let him get acclimated and the members to get to know him
We also had a major evangelistic series in October/November with lay outreach efforts leading up to it
January 2010Liftime beganJanuary 2010Liftime began
I began preaching about once per monthThe associate pastor, elders, conference leaders and other guests have preached the weeks I haven’t been there
I have still been chairing board meetings, with associate pastor co-leading a weekly follow-up to evangelistic series, visitations, Pathfinder camporees/events
I began preaching about once per monthThe associate pastor, elders, conference leaders and other guests have preached the weeks I haven’t been there
I have still been chairing board meetings, with associate pastor co-leading a weekly follow-up to evangelistic series, visitations, Pathfinder camporees/events
Reaction by the church since we’ve started
Reaction by the church since we’ve started
Members initially had a hard time accepting the idea of a house church
They had a hard time accepting that the groups would be intergenerational
Some said they thought the associate was going to be doing the house church
Quite a few have said they feel like they don’t have a pastor, shepherd, leader
Some have tried to argue it’s negatively impacted attendance (although statistics don’t show this)
Members initially had a hard time accepting the idea of a house church
They had a hard time accepting that the groups would be intergenerational
Some said they thought the associate was going to be doing the house church
Quite a few have said they feel like they don’t have a pastor, shepherd, leader
Some have tried to argue it’s negatively impacted attendance (although statistics don’t show this)
Adjustments we’re making
Adjustments we’re making
Starting in July I’ll be preaching every other week
My wife, Karon is now the discussion facilitator in the house church
Starting in July I’ll be preaching every other week
My wife, Karon is now the discussion facilitator in the house church
Logistics ofLiftime
Sabbath Fellowships
Logistics ofLiftime
Sabbath Fellowships
Our format - Keep it Simple
Our format - Keep it Simple
10:30 prayer for food and study10:30-12:00 Eat breakfast while we study
We use adult Sabbath School topic as a springboard for our discussion
12:00 noon officially close with prayer, including specific needs of group members
People generally hang out for another hour
10:30 prayer for food and study10:30-12:00 Eat breakfast while we study
We use adult Sabbath School topic as a springboard for our discussion
12:00 noon officially close with prayer, including specific needs of group members
People generally hang out for another hour
GuidelinesGuidelines
Brunch FoodKeep it simpleMeat freeCaffeine free (although a man comes regularly who wants it and the home host has some brewed for him)
We provide the food instead of it being done potuck style in order to maintain menu consistency and reliabilityThe group shopper will be responsible for food and supply purchases
Brunch FoodKeep it simpleMeat freeCaffeine free (although a man comes regularly who wants it and the home host has some brewed for him)
We provide the food instead of it being done potuck style in order to maintain menu consistency and reliabilityThe group shopper will be responsible for food and supply purchases
GuidelinesGuidelines
Bible study topicWe use the weekly Sabbath School topic as a springboard for discussion (makes for easier multiplication)
Most groups will be intergenerational need to engage children in the discussions - Simon
Bible study topicWe use the weekly Sabbath School topic as a springboard for discussion (makes for easier multiplication)
Most groups will be intergenerational need to engage children in the discussions - Simon
GuidelinesGuidelines
Role of discussion leaderPrimary role to encourage others to share their perspective about the topic
To keep the discussion from getting too far off track
To make sure that a few individuals don’t dominate the discussion
Role of discussion leaderPrimary role to encourage others to share their perspective about the topic
To keep the discussion from getting too far off track
To make sure that a few individuals don’t dominate the discussion
GuidelinesGuidelines
MusicKey church growth principle relating to musicThe number one factor determining who you attract, who you lose, and who you keep – choice of music – Rick Warren
Therefore, we want the Liftime groups that meet on Sabbath mornings to be “music neutral”
That means, for the Sabbath morning meetings, we will not include music
MusicKey church growth principle relating to musicThe number one factor determining who you attract, who you lose, and who you keep – choice of music – Rick Warren
Therefore, we want the Liftime groups that meet on Sabbath mornings to be “music neutral”
That means, for the Sabbath morning meetings, we will not include music
Music will be a special focus for Friday night worships, monthly Sabbath afternoon meetings, but not Sabbath morning
Music will be a special focus for Friday night worships, monthly Sabbath afternoon meetings, but not Sabbath morning
GuidelinesGuidelines
Additional rationale for not using music on Sabbath morningWhen music is part of the program, we want the music provided to be high quality
Most groups will not have a group of musicians capable of providing either quality accompaniment or song leading
We don’t want attraction to a particular group based on whether they have “good” music or “bad” music
While in early stages, avoids controversies surrounding music
Additional rationale for not using music on Sabbath morningWhen music is part of the program, we want the music provided to be high quality
Most groups will not have a group of musicians capable of providing either quality accompaniment or song leading
We don’t want attraction to a particular group based on whether they have “good” music or “bad” music
While in early stages, avoids controversies surrounding music
Finding new interestFinding new interest
Essential to have an active strategy for finding new interests
Host couple grew up in area and know a lot of locals
Thus far, primarily friendship evangelism, but not all friends are “ripe fruit”
Essential to have an active strategy for finding new interests
Host couple grew up in area and know a lot of locals
Thus far, primarily friendship evangelism, but not all friends are “ripe fruit”
What is ripe fruit?What is ripe fruit?
Those who are looking for something better
Those wanting to understand the Bible better
Those wanting to experience spiritual fellowship and belonging
Those who are looking for something better
Those wanting to understand the Bible better
Those wanting to experience spiritual fellowship and belonging
ExperimentExperiment
If it works, continue it; if not, don’t be afraid to tweak it or discontinue it
“If you’re going to win this world to Christ, you’re going to have to sit in the smoking section.” Neil Cole
“Bad people make good soil for the Gospel; there’s a lot of fertilizer in their lives.” Neil Cole
If it works, continue it; if not, don’t be afraid to tweak it or discontinue it
“If you’re going to win this world to Christ, you’re going to have to sit in the smoking section.” Neil Cole
“Bad people make good soil for the Gospel; there’s a lot of fertilizer in their lives.” Neil Cole
FinancesFinances
We have tithe and offering box that people can put their offerings in
Tithe and offerings are currently run through the church that holds memberships
The network will eventually have it’s own treasurer, bank account, clerk
We have tithe and offering box that people can put their offerings in
Tithe and offerings are currently run through the church that holds memberships
The network will eventually have it’s own treasurer, bank account, clerk
FinancesFinances
Giving/Expenses thus far788.87 offerings702.04 expenses
Interesting numbers3.62 cost per attendee (9.75 trad ch)
6.68 cost per non-member (87.00 trad)
Giving/Expenses thus far788.87 offerings702.04 expenses
Interesting numbers3.62 cost per attendee (9.75 trad ch)
6.68 cost per non-member (87.00 trad)
Our challengesOur challenges
Finding new interest outside the sphere of relatives, friends, work associatesMap of areaDemographics of areaWill be mailing interest cards to nearby carrier routes and following up with DVD’s and invitations to the group
Goal - looking for ripe fruit
Finding new interest outside the sphere of relatives, friends, work associatesMap of areaDemographics of areaWill be mailing interest cards to nearby carrier routes and following up with DVD’s and invitations to the group
Goal - looking for ripe fruit
Our challengesOur challenges
Finding workers to lead new groupsCurrently have a lady who would like to start a group at her home at 25 miles outside of San Antonio – a lake community, but no leaders
“We want to lower the bar of how we do church so everyone can do it, and raise the bar of what it means to be a disciple.” Neil Cole
Finding workers to lead new groupsCurrently have a lady who would like to start a group at her home at 25 miles outside of San Antonio – a lake community, but no leaders
“We want to lower the bar of how we do church so everyone can do it, and raise the bar of what it means to be a disciple.” Neil Cole
Our challengesOur challenges
Keeping folks at the mother church relatively happyCurrently going through an NCD phase (scored 29)
Keeping folks at the mother church relatively happyCurrently going through an NCD phase (scored 29)
Long-term goalsLong-term goals
To establish a network of house churches meeting on Sabbath morning as their primary regular gathering (the seventh-day Sabbath is a special contribution we can make to the house church movement)
Provide ongoing coaching to group leaders
To establish a network of house churches meeting on Sabbath morning as their primary regular gathering (the seventh-day Sabbath is a special contribution we can make to the house church movement)
Provide ongoing coaching to group leaders
Long-term goalsLong-term goals
Eventually members from the various house churches will come together periodically (probably Sabbath afternoons) for fellowship and training
Eventually members from the various house churches will come together periodically (probably Sabbath afternoons) for fellowship and training
Long-term goalsLong-term goals
Possibly have regular or periodic worship services on Friday nights to welcome in the Sabbath, to worship, and to use as an evangelistic tool to invite folks to the Sabbath morning groups
Possibly have regular or periodic worship services on Friday nights to welcome in the Sabbath, to worship, and to use as an evangelistic tool to invite folks to the Sabbath morning groups
Most exciting thing that’s happening
Most exciting thing that’s happening
Seeing the Holy Spirit’s work changing lives
Sandy’s testimony
Seeing the Holy Spirit’s work changing lives
Sandy’s testimony