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collective listening….
Growing up in the south I was enamored with quaint catch phrases. Most actually have roots in simple human wisdom. I am particularly fond of observations like “two heads are better than one, even if one is a pumpkin head” (of course I was always the “punkin’ head”). Scripture supports this “two heads” observation with statements like “truth is found in the abundance of counselors” or “The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter” (Acts 15). It is this exercise of collaboration that sparks this article.
collective listening….
Growing up in the south I was enamored with quaint catch phrases. Most actually have roots in simple human wisdom. I am particularly fond of observations like “two heads are better than one, even if one is a pumpkin head” (of course I was always the “punkin’ head”). Scripture supports this “two heads” observation with statements like “truth is found in the abundance of counselors” or “The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter” (Acts 15). It is this exercise of collaboration that sparks this article.
Suzy & I have enjoyed numerous travels over the past few years. We have met (and continue to communicate with) many new friends within the simple church genre. We have noticed certain consistent themes and messages that seem to emerge from the various conversations. It is no surprise that the Holy Spirit speaks consistently, more so that we are actually able to hear well enough to affirm one another. To this end, I would like to report a number of issues that seem to invade conversations regularly during our travels. I will simply list the issues with a brief explanation. Each may be explored in more detail in future articles. I would enjoy your feedback on any of these topics IF the Lord has been speaking to you on them.
Simplification of life
Believers are being led to get out of debt, evaluate non-essentials, and learn contentment.
Quest for community
Believers are no longer content with a weekly meeting. There is a deep desire for relationships that extend beyond casual contact and into the realm of shared life.
Leading from the shadows
Leaders are giving up self promotion and embracing John the Baptists realization that “I must decrease, He must increase”. True leaders are resisting building their own kingdom and are focused on building His Kingdom no matter who gets credit. They also promote the following:
Priesthood of all believers
The doors have swung open for all believers to be full participants in ministry. Gatherings are no longer dominated by one voice but by a symphony of voices, each expressing their valuable interaction with their God. Men and women (emphasis on women) are being released into the full stream of their created bents.
Design
How are we made? What makes us tick? For too long your God breathed design has been suppressed in favor of churchian clones. Ministry was narrowly defined and most found themselves excluded unless they gave up who/what God designed them to be. Without giving way to “fallen desire” you might consider “Desire points to Design; Design points to Destiny” (Ex. 31:1-11)
Voice of the Lord
For years many segments of the church have believed the lie that God no longer speaks (except thru written scripture). This is a season of recapture of the Gift of His Voice. There is increased effort at intentional listening and discernment. The Holy Spirits’ role as communicator is once again bringing directive to the believer.
Initiative
Jesus repeatedly said He did nothing from His own initiative (John 5:30, 8:28, 8:42, 12:49, 14:10,). We are emerging from a era where well intentioned leaders initiating program after program and project after project without having been instructed to do so by the Holy Spirit. There is a increasing desire to only expend energy and resource if there is a strong sense of Gods specific directive.
If you made it this far, I thank you for your patience. Again, this list is just a sampling of repetitive issues we encounter. If He has been speaking to you on these or other related issues feel free to drop me a line.
Looking forward!
mickey mooney
Simplification of life
Believers are being led to get out of debt, evaluate non-essentials, and learn contentment.
Quest for community
Believers are no longer content with a weekly meeting. There is a deep desire for relationships that extend beyond casual contact and into the realm of shared life.
Leading from the shadows
Leaders are giving up self promotion and embracing John the Baptists realization that “I must decrease, He must increase”. True leaders are resisting building their own kingdom and are focused on building His Kingdom no matter who gets credit. They also promote the following:
Priesthood of all believers
The doors have swung open for all believers to be full participants in ministry. Gatherings are no longer dominated by one voice but by a symphony of voices, each expressing their valuable interaction with their God. Men and women (emphasis on women) are being released into the full stream of their created bents.
Design
How are we made? What makes us tick? For too long your God breathed design has been suppressed in favor of churchian clones. Ministry was narrowly defined and most found themselves excluded unless they gave up who/what God designed them to be. Without giving way to “fallen desire” you might consider “Desire points to Design; Design points to Destiny” (Ex. 31:1-11)
Voice of the Lord
For years many segments of the church have believed the lie that God no longer speaks (except thru written scripture). This is a season of recapture of the Gift of His Voice. There is increased effort at intentional listening and discernment. The Holy Spirits’ role as communicator is once again bringing directive to the believer.
Initiative
Jesus repeatedly said He did nothing from His own initiative (John 5:30, 8:28, 8:42, 12:49, 14:10,). We are emerging from a era where well intentioned leaders initiating program after program and project after project without having been instructed to do so by the Holy Spirit. There is a increasing desire to only expend energy and resource if there is a strong sense of Gods specific directive.
If you made it this far, I thank you for your patience. Again, this list is just a sampling of repetitive issues we encounter. If He has been speaking to you on these or other related issues feel free to drop me a line.
Looking forward!
mickey mooney
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