The first annual LK10 Conference was held at the end of may at Abilene Christian University. This Conference was hugely significant because it was our first attempt at applying LK10 practices in a conference setting. We have lots of experience at living into these practices as individuals, as CO2 partners and as house churches. The Conference was a wonderful affirmation of the way the Lord can work through these rhythms in a conference setting.
Typical Christian conferences are built around "talking heads". Even though research shows that lecture is the least effective means of communicating information (not to mention changing lives), we continue to feature well known speakers at conferences. (This is similar to the high value for preaching in church services.) The LK10 Conference represented a major paradigm shift in that it was built around collaborative listening (to each other and to God). Over the next several posts, we'll tell stories about what this was like.
Talking about the priesthood of all believers vs experiencing the priesthood of all believers.
In the video below, Dr. Kent Smith talks about the third practice, meeting together as a family of Jesus.His comments help us understand why house church is so much more than changing venues from a special “church” building to a home.It is, in fact, a “whole different animal”.Failure to understand this has resulted in some people becoming disillusioned with house church.
One of the goals of the Apprenticeship is to train followers of Jesus in how to meet in such a way that we take seriously the fact that Jesus is the Head of His church. He is no longer the “honored guest” in our gatherings.Rather, He is “the master of ceremonies”.He brings the agenda when we meet.This changes everything!
And, church becomes very simple.Listen to each other’s hearts.Listen to Jesus’ heart.Everything else flows from that.
Part of what I’ll be doing in this blog over the Fall is reporting on the LK10 Apprenticeship. During the Fall, three cohorts of around 10 people each will function as small "communities of practice". One cohort, led by Kent Smith, will be face to face. The other two, led by Tim Pynesand myself will be virtual. Our learning will focus on the first three of the seven LK10 Practices. (see below for more on this)
My sense is that the Apprenticeship will become another powerful tool (like the 10:2b Prayer and CO2s) towards the end of seeing "a vibrant family of Jesus within easy access of every region and cultural group". Our hope is to be able to offer many more cohorts in 2011.
Today, I want to introduce you to the cohort that Kent Smith (and Chadd Schroeder) will be leading.This cohort is part of the Master’s Degree program at the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University.This group was introduced to the basic rhythms of the Apprenticeship by Kent, Chadd and myself at a retreat last weekend outside of Abilene. I was very impressed by both the hearts and minds of this group of young adults. They are passionate for Jesus and hungry to learn. (And, these guys can really sing!)
The video below will give you a bit of a feel for what this cohort looks like. (I want to encourage the members of this cohort to be "story collectors". Listen to the Lord and see when there is a story in your cohort that the rest of us on the blog need to hear about. Do a short video interview and send it to me.)
