A N E W F R O N T I E R S U S A P U B L I C AT I O N

I N T H I S I S S U E

Following His resurrection, Jesus continued to speak to His disciples about the Kingdom. His final instruction was about going into the world, making disciples of all nations and healing them. He gave power to implement and complete this mission: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses … to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Where the Holy Spirit is, we have mission. No Holy Spirit, no mission.

This theme runs throughout the bible. At creation, God blessed Adam and told him to multiply and fill the earth (Genesis 1:28). It is evident God’s promise of fruitfulness to Adam would involve the extension of Eden’s culture (Kingdom culture) to the entire earth. Throughout scripture we see God inviting humanity to partner with Him. As His representative, the God of mission empowers us with His Spirit and sends us across the street to our workplace, our circle of influ-ence, our cities and the nations.

The Church is God’s instrument to embody, display, and take the gospel to the world in order to transform all aspects of society. It appears to me we must re-examine our understanding of the Church. The Church is not primarily a Sunday gathering, but a community sent into neighborhoods, towns and cities to pro-actively engage in all parts of our culture. Within this context we live, demonstrate, and proclaim the culture of God’s Kingdom; yet the amount of church resources and energy given for Sunday meetings and

congregational needs oftentimes consumes so much that we demon-strate little enthusiasm for the actual purpose Christ has given us! One great danger we face in fulfilling God’s commission is the high demand for

goods and services by the already converted.

Perhaps the church in Jerusalem was in similar danger of settling and turning its resources inward (Acts 6). It’s interesting that the apostles would not succumb to this temptation when a complaint within the church developed early on. They determined to give themselves to the priority of the ministry of the word and prayer. Church leaders today must resist the temptations of a consumerist culture and priori-tize the Church as being a sent community engaged in all domains of society.

Acts 8 records the blessing of persecution that led to a dispersion of the church from Jerusalem. This scattered church carried the gospel of the Kingdom wherever they went. They did not merely focus on conversion, but upon making disciples. Likewise today, every person in the Church must personally own the Great Commission. God loves the world; He

is committed to it. The Father sent His Son, and the Father and Son sent the Spirit to empower the Church to witness to the ends of the earth. The Church is to be a reproducing, sending community. This community in turn, makes disciples who also become a community engaged in God’s mission of Kingdom expansion.

Newfrontiers is a worldwide family of churches together on a mission

to establish the kingdom of God by restoring the Church, making disciples,

training leaders and planting churches.

Soundbite from John LanfermanTeam Leader >> Newfrontiers USA

KINGDOM CULTURE AND THE MISSIONAL CHURCHIt’s interesting to note Mark’s record at the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry:

“Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time

is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand…’” (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus came

preaching the gospel and followed his preaching with the demonstration of it. He

fed the hungry, and healed the broken and the sick. He released people from demonic

bondage, announcing that those who witnessed such things were seeing the Kingdom

of God among them. His ministry was word and deed, both the proclamation and demonstration of God’s Kingdom.

The Kingdom is all about transforming lives, cultures, cities and nations for the glory of God.

Newfrontiers USA churches, church plants and pioneering efforts are currently working in 16 states.

THE CHURCH IS NOT PRIMARILY

A SUNDAY GATHERING, BUT A

COMMUNITY SENT INTO

NEIGHBORHOODS, TOWNS AND

CITIES TO PRO-ACTIVELY

ENGAGE IN ALL PARTS OF OUR

CULTURE. WITHIN THIS CON-

TEXT WE LIVE, DEMONSTRATE,

AND PROCLAIM THE CULTURE

OF GOD’S KINGDOM;

A Closer Look: Harbor Church >> Portsmouth, NH

A South-of-the-Border OasisGail Robbins

A Chat with Simon Brading

Fiesta ’09Jeff Gates

Mobilise 2010Amie Fox

FYT Highlight

Newfrontiers USA Today

A WORLDWIDE FAMILY OF CHURCHES TOGETHER ON A MISSION >> www.newfrontiersusa.org

View the back for a continuation of John’s article >>

10NOVJAN

www.harborchurch.us

Harbor ChurchPORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRESeth Hoffman

Harbor Church actually started as a dream in the late 1970’s when God

saved a group of Dartmouth College students in the Jesus Movement

and gave them a vision to plant churches. As a result, a small group set

out to start a church at the University of New Hampshire. This plant

eventually grew into what is now Christ the King Church, located in

Dover, NH. In the late 1990’s a number of the church members felt God

leading them to plant another church in Portsmouth.

Settled in 1623, Portsmouth claims to be the nation's third-oldest city. Just an hour from Boston's Logan Airport, our city serves as the metropolitan hub of the Sea-coast region and was recently named "one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country with a stimulating mix of historic buildings, sidewalk cafes, great restau-rants, art galleries and jazz clubs" (The National Trust for Historic Preservation).

In 2002, with the oversight of Newfrontiers USA, Harbor Church was launched with Ian Ashby, a Newfrontiers leader from England who came to lead the new church. After seven years of meeting in a public school cafeteria, God recently opened a

door for us to worship in the principal building of the city. We now meet in historic North Church, a building where George Washington once worshiped and George Whitefield preached his last sermon from a pulpit. It is our privilege to proclaim Jesus once again in the heart of the city as we seek to build a thriving, diverse church that is transforming lives and commu-nities with the gospel.

Harbor Church is actively involved in demonstrating the gospel in practical ways, from clearing trash at Market Square Day (the city’s major annual event) to holding monthly Sunday services and holiday dinner parties at our senior citizens’ public housing. From the beginning we’ve had a vision to serve the poor and homeless in our city. Since 2003, every Saturday

around lunchtime a group of our people takes sandwiches and soup onto the streets of Portsmouth, sharing a meal with those who don't have one. This is one way we meet people in need and begin to build relationships with them. It is within this relational context that we have supported several individuals in finding jobs, housing, and a new purpose and direction for their lives. We have seen several come to Christ and be baptized. One day we hope to offer transitional housing to provide accom-modation and support to people in need. We recently started a non-profit organiza-tion based on the vision of Isaiah 61 to take steps towards this goal. Visit restore61.com for more details.

Our vision to transform lives and communities is not just for our city. We have a global vision that has already led to one family being sent to serve a nation in the Middle East. Portsmouth was once a thriving harbor sending out clipper ships to major ports all over the world. We believe it will thrive once again as the gospel is sent out from Harbor Church to the nations.

IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO

PROCLAIM JESUS ONCE

AGAIN IN THE HEART OF THE

CITY AS WE SEEK TO BUILD A

THRIVING, DIVERSE CHURCH

THAT IS TRANSFORMING

LIVES AND COMMUNITIES

WITH THE GOSPEL.

ONE DAY WE HOPE TO OFFER TRANSITIONAL HOUSING TO

PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION AND SUPPORT TO PEOPLE IN

NEED. VISIT RESTORE61.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.

A South-of-the-Border OasisLIVING HOPE CHURCH >> ST. JOSEPH, MOGail Robbins

Why take eleven people from the Midwest to Guadalajara, Mexico, a city of 6.5 million?

As part of Living Hope Church, we wanted to bless the poor and serve the local church

in Guadalajara. Our focus was to repair and paint the Oasis En-Gadi building that des-

perately needed updating.

Oasis En-Gadi is a registered, Mexican charity that works with children at risk of maltreatment and with those who are one step away from street life. Oasis En-Gadi (Spanish) was the place where David fled when King Saul was pursuing him (1 Samuel 23:29). There in the midst of the desert, David found safety, rest, fresh food and water. With this in mind the project was named, aiming to create a place where street children could come for exactly the same reasons.

Oasis has a children’s home in Guadalajara for up to twelve boys where we try to give the boys as normal a family life as we can. The Oasis building houses boys between the ages of 4-18 who have found themselves abandoned by both family and society. Working a combined total of over 350 hours in four days, the team from Living Hope revitalized 80% of the Oasis building. The boys (as well as the team) were thrilled to see the rapid transformation of their home!

We also visited a potential plant from El Camino Church. It was a rough ride through potholes and dust clouds to La Sereviana (a village whose income is derived from making bricks); but upon arrival, we were welcomed by a humble, excited crowd ready to worship and hear more about God!

As we returned home, there was an overwhelming soberness amongst the Living Hope team of just how much we do have, and an awareness that we need to re-evaluate our priorities in gratefulness to God for the abundance He gives to us!

Visit oasisengadi.org for more details.

A WORLDWIDE FAMILY OF CHURCHES TOGETHER ON A MISSION

So this is your second year at Mobilise USA. Give us your thoughts on that.I’ve loved it from the opening meeting! The preaching has been incredible. There’s been a real sense of God’s presence in every meeting—real energy, passion, heart-felt devotion and celebration of the gospel.

What do you think about this generation in regards to their hearts and worship?Quite frankly worship music is kind of a genre—an industry in the UK and America. So regarding this generation, my heart is that worship music remains fully gospel-centered and Christ-centered. Regardless of style, I’m hungry and prayerful that Jesus keeps taking center stage in this generation; that we’re still engaging with Him and prizing the presence of God, not just going through some motion of singing.

Talk about participation in your church. What do you look for or hope to expect? I’m keen that when people come together to worship it isn’t a show. It isn’t, “Okay, come on then, impress me” or “Okay, that was a good song, what’s next?” but actually there’s an expectation (even in a larger meeting) to meet with God and that we’re looking to Him.

Who has influenced you personally?That’s a tough question. I feel like I’ve had a lot of influences at different stages. Biggest one: my dad. He’s been an elder in a church all his life; so I’ve grown up with a strong, godly man of prayer in my life. Seeing that example every day and being in a family with a real climate of prayer, praise and worship at home had a massive influence on me.

More recently Joel Virgo, who leads our church (Christ the King) in Brighton, and Matt Redman (UK worship leader). I like to read a lot and listen to pod-casts from friends like Mars Hill, Mark Driscoll… stuff like that.

What is the process like for you in selecting a song list?That’s a great question. I want it to be gospel centered, so in the five or six songs I am thinking, “Ok, what of the gospel is here?”

Obviously you can’t get the entire gospel in every worship set. Sometimes we want the theme of adoption or justification or freedom. I step back to think and look at the songs, always trying to be very prayerful and open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. The Holy Spirit is just as evident and present in the planning as He is in the meeting, so there is not “unspiritual” planning beforehand.

What are some core doctrinal themes that assist you in writing songs?In terms of doctrine I’m wanting to keep delving into the truth of the gospel—the full spectrum. I think it’s easy to sing songs that aren’t Jesus-centered. There’s a lot of cool songs out there that when you actually look at the words, they’re not really saying much.

We’re grateful for your willingness to serve us here during Mobilise USA. It’s been a real joy. It totally feels like family. From the first night here, I was thinking, “These guys are my brothers and sisters.”

A South-of-the-Border OasisLIVING HOPE CHURCH >> ST. JOSEPH, MOGail Robbins

Why take eleven people from the Midwest to Guadalajara, Mexico, a city of 6.5 million?

As part of Living Hope Church, we wanted to bless the poor and serve the local church

in Guadalajara. Our focus was to repair and paint the Oasis En-Gadi building that des-

perately needed updating.

Oasis En-Gadi is a registered, Mexican charity that works with children at risk of maltreatment and with those who are one step away from street life. Oasis En-Gadi (Spanish) was the place where David fled when King Saul was pursuing him (1 Samuel 23:29). There in the midst of the desert, David found safety, rest, fresh food and water. With this in mind the project was named, aiming to create a place where street children could come for exactly the same reasons.

Oasis has a children’s home in Guadalajara for up to twelve boys where we try to give the boys as normal a family life as we can. The Oasis building houses boys between the ages of 4-18 who have found themselves abandoned by both family and society. Working a combined total of over 350 hours in four days, the team from Living Hope revitalized 80% of the Oasis building. The boys (as well as the team) were thrilled to see the rapid transformation of their home!

We also visited a potential plant from El Camino Church. It was a rough ride through potholes and dust clouds to La Sereviana (a village whose income is derived from making bricks); but upon arrival, we were welcomed by a humble, excited crowd ready to worship and hear more about God!

As we returned home, there was an overwhelming soberness amongst the Living Hope team of just how much we do have, and an awareness that we need to re-evaluate our priorities in gratefulness to God for the abundance He gives to us!

Visit oasisengadi.org for more details.

OASIS EN-GADI

(SPANISH) WAS THE

PLACE WHERE DAVID

FLED WHEN KING SAUL

WAS PURSUING HIM (1

SAMUEL 23:29). THERE

IN THE MIDST OF THE

DESERT, DAVID FOUND

SAFETY, REST, FRESH

FOOD AND WATER.

Fiesta ’09LIVING HOPE CHURCH >> ST. JOSEPH, MOJeff Gates

What do you think of when you hear the Spanish word fiesta? Hmm...

a festival or festive celebration, right? Well, that’s an understatement!

It was my pleasure to venture south-of-the-border again this Novem-

ber to celebrate with our Newfrontiers (Nuevasfronteras) family in

Mexico at their annual celebration known as Fiesta. Think about our

regional Celebration weekends, but only much warmer than anywhere

in the U.S. in November! Not only is the weather warm, but the people

are too.

It’s always so good to see friends I’ve met during the Equipped for Mission leadership conference in St. Louis, or during previous Fiesta celebrations. I speak very little (muy poquito) Spanish but that doesn’t seem to matter. The language of friendship, food (lots of food!) and celebration translates well.

It was great to be with the youth one evening as Jeremy Hazel (Newfrontiers Canada) preached and moved in the

prophetic among the young people. And a mariachi band entered the hall after one of the meetings to celebrate the 10th year of Fiesta.

Don’t settle for an ordinary vacation next year. Venture south-of-the-border for Fiesta and join our family in Mexico to celebrate God together. Throw in a visit to the beach while you’re there... it couldn’t hurt!

A Chat with Simon Brading MOBILISE USA 2010

THE LANGUAGE OF

FRIENDSHIP, FOOD

(LOTS OF FOOD!)

AND CELEBRATION

TRANSLATES WELL.

Read the link www.newfrontiersusa.org

JUBILEE CHURCH >> ST. LOUIS, MOAmie Fox

If I had to pick one word to sum up our overall experi-

ence of Mobilise USA 2010 it would be: commitment.

There were over 400 of us (a record number!) students and twen-ties who had the opportunity to engage with God through passion-ate times of worship, teaching and prayer. Together we represent

twenty-two cities in the United States. Amazing indeed, but we want more! Not because of numbers or popularity, but because we know from experience that the Spirit of God has a way of showin' up and causing Christ's great commission to resound like never before!

Why would we resist a God who welcomes the lonely, strengthens the weak, heals the broken, frees the enslaved and to top it all off, finds great delight in doing so!? After encountering His Spirit in such a way, to resist Him working in and through

us would be depressing! How can we refuse sharing Christ with others and deny them the life that’s been given to us?

We asked a few Mobilise attendees some questions in relation to the conference, and here’s what they had to say:

What excites you the most about this generation? The resources we have. It’s up to us what we do with them, but I think there’s a real willingness in our generation to be under authority to leadership. Also, our ability to relate with people and connect with people.

What might change in your life as a result of this weekend? Living more purposefully, especially in relationships, and living out the gospel by applying it to my everyday life.

After reflecting on Mobilise 2010, it is clear God is calling our generation into a position of commitment—a commitment to make loving God our primo choice and to deny ourselves in doing so. This type of whole-hearted commitment will create movement, collect momentum and cultivate mission for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.

Our generation has yet to fully experience the weight that only comes through commitment. It's a weight of unity, strength, stabil-ity, purpose, meaning, joy, influence and breakthrough found only in Christ—it's the weight of His glory!

WHY WOULD WE RESIST

A GOD WHO WELCOMES

THE LONELY, STRENGTH-

ENS THE WEAK, HEALS

THE BROKEN, FREES

THE ENSLAVED AND TO

TOP IT ALL OFF, FINDS

GREAT DELIGHT IN

DOING SO!?

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR SUBMISSIONSNewfrontiers USA >> P.O. Box 2626 >> St. Louis, MO 63116

phone 314.832.9042 fax 314.832.9044

email thelink@newfrontiersusa.org web www.newfrontiersusa.org

facebook newfrontiersUSA twitter @NewfrontiersUSA

Copyright Newfrontiers USA | February, 2010

FOLLOW NEWFRONTIERS USA ONLINE

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

If you have any news briefs such as these and would like to submit them to The Link, please contact us at thelink@newfrontiersusa.org.

Newfrontiers USATODAY

EMMANUEL’S SOFTBALL TEAM

The Jesus Who HealsCHRIST THE KING CHURCH >> DOVER, NHMike JacobsIn September, I was invited to an Alpha course at Christ the King Church. One evening, the discussion topic was Does God Heal Today? I was interested because my left ear had been completely deaf for years despite doctors’ attempts at different treatments. I allowed the pastor to pray for me, even though I didn’t think God could really heal my ear.

Later that night as I tried to sleep, I could hear a sound like water running. It was so loud and irritating that I almost called a friend to take me to the hospital! The next morning, I removed a mass of wax and blood that I found just outside my ear canal. For the first time in years, I could hear a little noise in that ear!

I didn’t tell anyone what happened, as I wanted to make sure the healing was genuine. At the next Alpha session (the one on the Holy Spirit), I sat in the back of the room and heard in my left ear everything that was said from the front! It was amazing! That day I prayed to accept Jesus into my heart. I wanted to know this Jesus who heals!

Miraculous HealingsEMMANUEL COMMUNITY CHURCH >> JERSEY SHORE, PAEmmanuel Community Church has recently joined the Newfrontiers USA family, and we have been amazed as we have recently witnessed several miraculous expressions of God’s love!

Paul Boxmeyer lived with constant knee pain from a motorcycle accident. At our recent Alpha course on healing, we broke into small groups to pray. Paul had become so accustomed to his pain he decided not even to ask for prayer that night; however, his wife prayed for his healing. The next day while carrying boxes up the stairs, Paul realized his knees were pain-free! Paul joined Emmanuel’s softball team for the last game of the season, running bases for the first time in eighteen years!

Additionally in September, Dottie Wolfe received prayer the Sunday before a scheduled biopsy of a suspicious lump. During the appointment, the examining nurse asked Dottie if she had ever had surgery. Dottie replied that she had not. When the surgeon came in to examine Dottie, she asked, “Are you SURE you’ve never had surgery?” Dottie said, “Yes. Why do you ask?” The surgeon replied, “Because the lump is gone, and you have what looks like a small incision scar.” Dottie responded, “If I did have surgery, I know Who performed it!”

Chicago Update DESTINATION CHURCH >> CHICAGO, ILIn December, Destination Church experienced a highpoint. We welcomed John Lanferman as our guest speaker, took up our first special offering, welcomed five new members and hit an attendance record. We had thirty-four adults and thirteen kids! Forty-seven people never seemed so HUGE!

Why are these numbers important? It’s because they’re real people who are joining us in the mission. If the numbers are not growing, then we are somehow disobeying the Great Commission.

We also received an answer to our prayer for a worship leader! God connected us to Josiah, a young guy from Minneapolis who has a passion for worship. Josiah felt God call him to move to Chicago and join Destination. This is where the action is!

Boston Church CelebrationABUNDANT GRACE CHURCH & FENWAY CHURCH >> BOSTON, MAOne year after Abundant Grace Church of Boston sent a young team to church plant, Fenway Church celebrated their fantastic one-year anniver-sary at the bar ironically named “Church,” where it meets. Though only three miles apart, the two locations are vastly different. Families charac-terize Abundant Grace, while students and young professionals mark Fenway. At the anniversary, members of Abundant Grace showed their support for the impact of Fenway Church on its neighborhood.

A month later, Abundant Grace hosted a joyful, joint celebration with Fenway Church where around 150 individuals came together to embrace the sense of family and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was evident that God has brought new life to both churches! After sending the team to Fenway, Abundant Grace is now alive with new faces of its own!

After the service, in a horse trough outside in the cold, two baptisms (one from each church) sealed the celebration. We thank God for giving us success in one of America’s top 100 major cities!

Give a year to be trained.For more information visit newfrontiersusa.org >> training

The Frontier Year Team (FYT)

program is an opportunity for

people to take a year out to

serve a local church and lay a firm foundation in God’s word.

Newfrontiers USA has Year Teamers for 2009-10, divided into

teams around the nation. In addition to studying, working,

and being discipled, these 18-24 year-olds have gathered

together a few times throughout the year for weeks of train-

ing. The most recent training week was held just prior to Mo-

bilise USA. During this time, we got some feedback from

them on the first half of their year.

Soundbite from John LanfermanKINGDOM CULTURE AND THE MISSIONAL CHURCH Continued >>

The nine things Bob Roberts says he is learning about church and mission challenge me:

Nine Things I’m Learning and UnlearningBob Roberts

I’m learning … that mission begins with Christology not ecclesiology. Following Jesus leads us to mission, which leads to churches gathering.

I’m unlearning … my assumption that starting churches naturally leads to mission. It doesn’t. Churches default to self-focus unless a commitment to be like Jesus in the world comes first.

I’m learning … that being glocal means decentralizing power, decision-making, information, all of it. The Kingdom of God means ministry opportu-nities are available to almost everyone.

I’m unlearning … the American church’s traditional focus on a super-star speaker, worship leader, educator, and shepherd, which serves mainly to attract spectators rather than igniting the power of everyone else.

I’m learning … that we serve not to convert but because we have been converted. We serve because Christ has changed us and made us servants to people who are hurting and lost.

I’m unlearning … the assumption that Christian is defined primarily as acknowledging a moment of conversion. Becoming a follower of Jesus depends on what happens after that.

I’m learning … to love people; which means to see them healed, educated, and given the same opportunities that we have.

I’m unlearning … that the Christian faith is all about heaven. I believe the Church has denied the future by just waiting for the Second Coming. We need a story that includes the future.

I’m learning … the Kingdom will be established not by human power or entertainment, but by realizing God’s concern for humanity and the whole of society.

HIGHLIGHT

What helped you decide to join the FYT?At Mobilise last year I really felt God speak to me about FYT! >> Tyler Vincent

I felt God calling me to set aside a year to seek Him and His will for my life so that I might grow in relationship with Him. >> Claire Dixon

What has been the most beneficial part of the program?Learning how to be a servant. >> Brittney Calahan

FYT’s atmosphere of learning and accountability has helped me to grow in my relationship with God. >> Josiah Miller

What has been the most challenging aspect of the program?Dealing with the attitudes and wrong views I’ve had in regards to leadership. >> Asher Hawkins

Recognizing how much I’ve needed to submit to authority. >> Isaac LeMasters

Learning to work as a team. >> Brittney Calahan

Five years from now, what is one thing you’ll remember about being on the FYT?How God has changed me through the people He has put around me. >> Asher Hawkins

How FYT challenged me to find my identity in Jesus and seek Him in everything. >> Arlee Riggs

Learning the importance of community within the church. >> Stacey Tonks

How has your vision for the future been changed and/or chal-lenged this year?I’m definitely considering doing a church plant. I want to continue serving God after this year and stay connected with Newfrontiers and what they’re doing. >> Audrianna Powell

My vision has become more of a Kingdom-seeking perspective. I want the things in my life (work, etc) to follow after what God’s calling me to, rather than fitting things in for Him last. >> Arlee Riggs

If you could start the year over again, would you have done any-thing differently?I would have been myself from the start and jumped in whole-heartedly. >> Stacey Tonks

I would have initiated more. >> Dillon Neely

How has your view of the local church changed during this time of training?I’ve learned the church isn’t just a building people go to and sing songs… it’s a family working together for God. >> Isaac LeMasters

I see everyone in the church has their part to play, no matter how insignificant it might seem. >> Levi McPeak

I love it now! I see now how the local church is the love of Christ and the display of His glory. Without connection and submission to the local church, we open ourselves to spiritual death. >> Dillon Neely