Thursday, January 25, 2007

Colorado Bound

Suzy & I are heading out this weekend to Colorado Springs, Co. to meet with other DAWN Associates (Disciple A Whole Nation). This promises to be a time of prayer and direction as we seek clarity on this misson of simple (house) church expansion. God continues to put people in our paths to confirm His voice. About 1 year ago we made a transition from the institutional church format (The Vine Community Church) to a network of home churches (NetworkVine). We sold the campus and released the remaining congregation into several autonomus house churches. We felt somewhat alone and isolated at the beginning. We happened on the House2House website and connected with others to whom God was giving a similar vision. John White (DAWN, Denver House Church Project, etc) contacted us and assured us of our sanity! Since that time we have made many new friends and contacts that are on the same "bus". DAWN is basically a network of church planters who have hearts to see vibrant familys of believers within reach of everyone in the U.S. This seems best served thru the format of Simple (House) Church. The focus is less on location and more on content. A few common threads that seem to be forefront;

*restoring attentiveness to Holy Spirit leadership
*everyone contribtes in the gatherings (leaders facilitate)
*24/7 shared lives that extend well beyound "meetings"
*meals shared as "communion" of believers

Suzy and I are still finding our place in this work. I believe we are called to support and encourage those who are stepping out into this journey. I hope the trip to Colorado will result in increased clarity.