Great news! I am excited to announce that the new LK10 website is up! Soon, we will stop posting to this blog (Stories from the Revolution) and we will only post to the blog on the new website. So, let me encourage you to go there and subscribe to that blog. You will see how to do that on the front page.
While you are there, explore the site. I think you will find lots of great material that is easily accessible. And, consider becoming a member of the LK10 Community. You will find details on how to do that also on the front page. As always, if you have any questions, please let me know at DenverWH@aol.com.
Here's the link to our new website: LK10.com
John White
Now, on to today's video...
Steve Sheller, from Colorado Springs, CO, was part of a house church for six years. However, it wasn't a very life giving experience. To Steve, it seemed like wandering the the wilderness, never getting to a destination. In the last year, however, something has changed. House church has become what he always hoped it would be. In this interview, done at the LK10 Conference over the Labor Day weekend (2012), Steve shares the specifics about what transformed church for him.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Walked away from church after 40 years
Al was a seminary graduate. He had been an elder in five different churches and on staff with one of them. But, for over 40 years he had been frustrated with church. Something just didn't seem right. He had tried to change it from within but finally gave up and walked away.
But, in recent months, Al found what he had been looking for all those years. In the interview below (at the LK10 Conference), he tells the story of this remarkable turn around.
The concepts and experiences that changed Al's life are available to you though the Foundations Course.
*Live Foundations Course in Colorado Springs, CO: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3931380866
*Virtual Foundations Course: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4425422558
But, in recent months, Al found what he had been looking for all those years. In the interview below (at the LK10 Conference), he tells the story of this remarkable turn around.
The concepts and experiences that changed Al's life are available to you though the Foundations Course.
*Live Foundations Course in Colorado Springs, CO: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3931380866
*Virtual Foundations Course: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4425422558
Monday, September 17, 2012
"This is the way church is supposed to be."
How long does it take for genuine New Testament community to develop?
Years? Months? Weeks?
How about three days?
Most Christian conferences are characterized by "big name" speakers. The "sage on the stage". The aims of our conference were different. We wanted every attender to experience genuine NT community. This is where people connect on a heart level (not just the head level). It's where everyone has the experience of listening to God and sharing what they hear. Where everyone has a voice.
The second annual LK10 Conference was held over the recent Labor Day weekend at the Ponderosa Conference Center between Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado. At the Conference, everyone was divided into nine "table churches". (Table churches because we began each day meeting with our church over the breakfast table.) Each day the churches intentionally engaged in the two spiritual rhythms that we teach in the LK10 Community.
1. Intentionally connecting on a heart level using a tool called SASHET. (see the tags for much more on this tool)
2. Intentionally listening to God as a group for his agenda for our time together.
The result? People quickly bonded with each other in the Spirit. Even with people they had never met before. And, significant transformation occurred in almost every life. Even people who had never experienced simple church previously, went home saying this is what I want for church and I see now how it can happen. Experiential learning. Way more powerful than the "sage on the stage"!
Here's one story from the Conference...
Years? Months? Weeks?
How about three days?
Most Christian conferences are characterized by "big name" speakers. The "sage on the stage". The aims of our conference were different. We wanted every attender to experience genuine NT community. This is where people connect on a heart level (not just the head level). It's where everyone has the experience of listening to God and sharing what they hear. Where everyone has a voice.
The second annual LK10 Conference was held over the recent Labor Day weekend at the Ponderosa Conference Center between Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado. At the Conference, everyone was divided into nine "table churches". (Table churches because we began each day meeting with our church over the breakfast table.) Each day the churches intentionally engaged in the two spiritual rhythms that we teach in the LK10 Community.
1. Intentionally connecting on a heart level using a tool called SASHET. (see the tags for much more on this tool)
2. Intentionally listening to God as a group for his agenda for our time together.
The result? People quickly bonded with each other in the Spirit. Even with people they had never met before. And, significant transformation occurred in almost every life. Even people who had never experienced simple church previously, went home saying this is what I want for church and I see now how it can happen. Experiential learning. Way more powerful than the "sage on the stage"!
Here's one story from the Conference...
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Can we afford to leave the work to the mega church?
Here's a thought provoking blog post from Neil Cole...
I have seen a report of research to determine what it would take financially to reach the US. The report is broken down by cities listing the financial costs to reach particular cities for Christ using the traditional attractional model of church. The results are alarming. Just to reach one city alone would be astronomical and cost more than all Christian non-profit ministries receive in a single year combined.
For instance, The study shows that to reach Atlanta would cost over $63 billion. To reach New York City alone would cost more $418 Billion. Where would we expect such money to come from?
Giving USA, a non-profit foundation that studies philanthropy in the United States, in its 2008 report found $103.32 billion went to houses of worship and denominational organizations in 2007. That entire amount could only reach the greater Washington DC area and would leave the rest of our country without any ministry at all. But of course, all our current churches and ministries would have to go out of business. This says nothing of missions to the rest of the world.
While a mega church can be missional it may not be the most wise use of resources to pursue the mission. If you want to compare the attractional mega church model against the micro model of church I think the cost alone makes it clear which is a more reasonable approach. I know that this type of content does not make my message very popular. I have tried to be fair and balanced but also share the unpopular truth. Unfortunately the ministries that end up costing the most often end up producing the least.
This is just not a good way to reach a city for Christ, let alone the world. There are better ways. We could reach the cities faster and for a fraction of the cost with a simpler approach to church. One of the sayings in our movement is: "It doesn't cost a dime to make a disciple, it only costs your life."
http://cole-slaw.blogspot.com/2012/08/can-we-afford-to-leave-work-to-mega.html
For instance, The study shows that to reach Atlanta would cost over $63 billion. To reach New York City alone would cost more $418 Billion. Where would we expect such money to come from?
Giving USA, a non-profit foundation that studies philanthropy in the United States, in its 2008 report found $103.32 billion went to houses of worship and denominational organizations in 2007. That entire amount could only reach the greater Washington DC area and would leave the rest of our country without any ministry at all. But of course, all our current churches and ministries would have to go out of business. This says nothing of missions to the rest of the world.
While a mega church can be missional it may not be the most wise use of resources to pursue the mission. If you want to compare the attractional mega church model against the micro model of church I think the cost alone makes it clear which is a more reasonable approach. I know that this type of content does not make my message very popular. I have tried to be fair and balanced but also share the unpopular truth. Unfortunately the ministries that end up costing the most often end up producing the least.
This is just not a good way to reach a city for Christ, let alone the world. There are better ways. We could reach the cities faster and for a fraction of the cost with a simpler approach to church. One of the sayings in our movement is: "It doesn't cost a dime to make a disciple, it only costs your life."
http://cole-slaw.blogspot.com/2012/08/can-we-afford-to-leave-work-to-mega.html
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Revolutionary Networks
In this blog, which we call "Stories from the Revolution", we try and capture some of the best stories about the amazing spiritual revolution that is going on in the US and around the world. In this revolution, where the church is returning to the home, we are seeing many house churches connecting in relational networks. The LK10 Community is an example of a larger network. A great example of a local network is one lead by Jim and Cathy Mellon in Central Texas. Here's their remarkable story as told by Felicity Dale. (Reposted with Felicity's permission.)
Make sure you watch the video interview that I did with Jim and Cathy the article. In it, they share one of the keys to seeing house churches multiply.
John
Make sure you watch the video interview that I did with Jim and Cathy the article. In it, they share one of the keys to seeing house churches multiply.
John
Back in the early 90's, Jim Mellon was on the eldership team of a megachurch with a $1 million a year budget. One Christmas, their church didn't have the funds to help a member's family where both husband and wife had lost their jobs. As he and his wife, Cathy, discussed it, they realized that church shouldn't be this way, that there should be resources available to help any members of the body in need (Acts 2:45, Acts 4:34-35).
As they searched the Scriptures, looking to see what the Bible had to say about church and finance, they came across the concept of church meeting in homes, and because of the financial implications, began a network of house churches.
From the start, finances played a big part in what they did. They now give to needs in their city, such as the local soup kitchen as well as to Christian ministries, and benevolence to people within the body has been a foundational principle too. They are known by their mayor and city council because of their faithfulness in giving. Their people not only give financially, they also involve on the ground in the places they help. They support church planting in India and Haiti and send mission teams out to these places.
After a while, they found that they were sometimes in the position of the megachurch–that in any given month they might run out of money before their financial obligations had been fulfilled, so they changed their pattern of giving. Instead of giving a set amount to a ministry, say $200, they now give a percentage, so they never run out of funds and there is always money available for benevolence.
They decided from the start that any leadership should be bi-vocational and to this day, only have very part time paid administrative help.
This network of simple/organic churches is profoundly effective with their finances.
Since their inception, they have given more than $1.5 million away to missions and benevolence.
In the video below, Jim and Cathy share about the importance of the 10:2b Prayer for their network. For more on the 10:2b Prayer, go here http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/search/label/10%3A2b%20Prayer
Friday, July 27, 2012
Listening by writing
The fourth of Mark Virkler's Four Keys for Hearing God's voice is "journaling". Virkler says, "I call the process "two-way journaling," and I have found it to be a fabulous catalyst for clearly discerning God’s inner, spontaneous flow."Consider that much of the book of Psalms is simply David's written dialogue with God.
Rose Starr in Denver, CO explains how the discipline of "listening by writing" is impacting her life...
"Spending time listening every day is a new thing for me. It has been challenging since it's a new skill and I don't feel "good" at it yet. However since I've been writing as I listen, I'm amazed that in a few short days I am writing more and more. I feel that God is indeed speaking to me and the thoughts that are flowing from my head/heart onto my paper are from Him. It's been so encouraging. I mean, why wouldn't I want to hear from my Papa every day? Then as I gather with my CO2 (church of two) or house church I have all sorts of things to share about what God is teaching me!
John
For more about Mark Virkler's Four Keys, see http://www.cwgministries.org/Four-Keys-to-Hearing-Gods-Voice.htm
Monday, June 25, 2012
Bob Logan passes on the 10:2b Virus
Ten years ago, the Lord taught my friend, Kenny Moore, and me what we came to call "the leadership solution". That was the answer to this key question: where do you get the leaders for a church planting movement? What we knew was that, if you have the leaders, planting churches was not difficult. But where do the leaders come from?
We learned that the answer to that question is found in Luke 10:2. The needed leaders come from the Lord of the harvest. And, the part we play, as the Lord explained in that same verse, is to "Beseech the Him to thrust out workers into the harvest". The Lord further instructed us to begin to teach this concept at every opportunity. We found that whenever we did, people quickly "got" it and began teaching it to others. Soon, we began calling this "the 10:2b virus". (The whole 10:2b story is here: http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/2010/09/102b-virus-1_23.html)
Some years later we taught this principle to Neil Cole who began to encourage people to set the alarm on their phones to go off at 10:02 am to remind them to pray this prayer. Now, Bob Logan, church planting expert, is passing on the 10:2b Virus through his blog below.
http://loganleadership.com/2012-04/the-102b-virus/
We learned that the answer to that question is found in Luke 10:2. The needed leaders come from the Lord of the harvest. And, the part we play, as the Lord explained in that same verse, is to "Beseech the Him to thrust out workers into the harvest". The Lord further instructed us to begin to teach this concept at every opportunity. We found that whenever we did, people quickly "got" it and began teaching it to others. Soon, we began calling this "the 10:2b virus". (The whole 10:2b story is here: http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/2010/09/102b-virus-1_23.html)
Some years later we taught this principle to Neil Cole who began to encourage people to set the alarm on their phones to go off at 10:02 am to remind them to pray this prayer. Now, Bob Logan, church planting expert, is passing on the 10:2b Virus through his blog below.
http://loganleadership.com/2012-04/the-102b-virus/
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
SASHET and the "one anothers"
As people encounter the SASHET* tool in our Foundation Courses there are a variety of responses. Many people take to it right away but some others find it strange as they have never shared on this level in a church context (or maybe in any context). They ask questions like "Is this just some psychological gimmick? What is the value of talking about feelings? Etc."Here's a response I recently wrote to some of those questions...
Think of SASHET as a starting point. A healthy family (and house church) creates a safe environment for it's members to be open and honest about what's going on in their hearts. (Many of us grew up in families where it wasn't safe to talk about our emotions. We learned to ignore them or keep them inside.)
As people begin to talk about their emotions (some for the first time ever), our first response is gentle curiosity ("Tell me more. What do you mean by that? Etc.) and empathy. ("Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." Rom. 12:15) Giving advice too quickly (which many Christians tend to do), can prevent people from having the opportunity to explore what they are feeling. SASHET helps us to listen deeply to each other's hearts.
In many cases, simply doing Romans 12:15 is all that is necessary. In other cases, the Lord may lead you to do more. For instance, you might listen to God together to see what He has to say about what has been shared. Or, you might ask the person if they would like some coaching or some focused prayer on what they are dealing with. This might be in the group or individually. There are many directions that the Lord might lead you.
All of this is to explain that SASHET is not about sharing emotions just to share emotions. Rather, it is a tool that helps us obey Scripture both individually and as a group. Specifically, it is a first step that helps us do the "one anothers". Pray for one another, encourage one another, serve one another, rejoice with one another, weep with one another, teach one another, etc. SASHET helps us know which of the "one anothers" is needed in each situation. As we follow the leading of the Spirit in these things, the church/group is strengthened and edified. "All these things must be done for the strengthening of the church" 1 Cor. 14:26.
*SASHET is a powerful community building tool. The word is an acronym for six emotional words: Sad - Angry - Scared - Happy - Excited - Tender. For
more on SASHET, go here:
http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/2010/12/three-leaders-talk-about-sashet.html
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Connect with Church Planting Movement in Tibet
They are presently in the States raising support and need your help. If you are in the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, etc.), they would like to meet you and speak to your house church, group or family.
They will also be in the Denver area from May 23-28 meeting with Colorado house church families, churches and networks to share about their work in China and Tibet.
If you want to get your simple church more involved in missions, here is an excellent opportunity to partner with a like-minded family planting like-minded churches.
For more information on their work, and/or more info on their schedule in southeast US and in the Denver areas in the next couple of months, contact Sean Hyatt at 303 523 2315 or sean_hyatt@msn.com
Monday, April 23, 2012
Coaching Workshop
John
Saturday,
May 19th
8:30 AM
– 4:30 PM
7100
Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, CO 80003
Sponsored by
The LK10 Community
Led by
Dr.
Walt Hastings
E-Mail:
walthastings@hotmail.com
Questions? Call Walt at: 303-526-9490
What will this workshop will do for you?
Transformational leadership requires new ways of communicating with
those with whom you work. Coaching skills are essential. This one-day
workshop is for anyone who wishes to incorporate coaching skills into
their existing roles.
Who Should Attend?
Those who desire to empower, equip, encourage, and support others.
What will be the Outcome?
Using coaching skills, you will be able to support people to:
· Gain focus / Make better decisions
· Move from vision to action / Achieve goals faster
· Broaden perspectives for innovative solutions
· Learn new skills to take the next step.
This will in turn result in increased effectiveness, more teamwork,
higher morale, and greater impact.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Registration
Name ______________________________________________ Phone ___________________
Church or Organization _______________________________Area of Ministry _____________ Address __________________________________City ______________ State ___ Zip_______
E-Mail ________________________________________ Phone ________________________
Registration Cost (includes The Coach Model book by Keith Webb, workbook, lunch & snacks) * Early registration - $50.00 * Late registration - $60.00 (after May 10th) * Church group rate (up to 10 persons) - $300 before May 10th; $400 after May 10th
Payment: ___ Check (made out to: Walt Hastings; mail to 24885 Genesee Ave., Golden, CO 80401)
___ Credit Card (Indicate credit preference. Invoice will be e-mailed via PayPal)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Church - incompatible with genuine community?
15 years ago, Jeff and Mary Power finished seminary and moved to the suburb of Broomfield, CO (between Denver and Boulder) with the vision of starting a church that functioned as a genuine community. Ten years later two things were true...
1. Jeff and his leadership team were exhausted.
2. They had concluded that the demands of starting and maintaining a traditional church (preaching great sermons, developing meaningful programs, recruiting people, etc.) were incompatible with their vision of genuine community.
As a result, Jeff and his leaders decided to close the church down.
Over the next five years, a number of people in that church remained friends. Recently, they asked us to help them explore the idea of starting house churches in Broomfield.
Jeff is not alone. More than 1500 pastors a month are leaving the ministry in America. Many are questioning if the standard paradigm of church is either consistent with Scripture or healthy for the people involved.
Here's Jeff's story...
For more on this topic see these posts ...
*The story of another pastor who resigned his church. "Mega church pastor: "We are completely off base with what discipleship means". http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/2011/09/mega-church-pastor-we-are-completely.html
* "Increasing number of American's are saying "No!" to traditional church". http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/search/label/end%20of%20traditional%20church
* "The end of church planting". http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/2011/11/end-of-church-planting.html
1. Jeff and his leadership team were exhausted.
2. They had concluded that the demands of starting and maintaining a traditional church (preaching great sermons, developing meaningful programs, recruiting people, etc.) were incompatible with their vision of genuine community.
As a result, Jeff and his leaders decided to close the church down.
Over the next five years, a number of people in that church remained friends. Recently, they asked us to help them explore the idea of starting house churches in Broomfield.
Jeff is not alone. More than 1500 pastors a month are leaving the ministry in America. Many are questioning if the standard paradigm of church is either consistent with Scripture or healthy for the people involved.
Here's Jeff's story...
For more on this topic see these posts ...
*The story of another pastor who resigned his church. "Mega church pastor: "We are completely off base with what discipleship means". http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/2011/09/mega-church-pastor-we-are-completely.html
* "Increasing number of American's are saying "No!" to traditional church". http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/search/label/end%20of%20traditional%20church
* "The end of church planting". http://storiesfromtherevolution.blogspot.com/2011/11/end-of-church-planting.html
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Basic training in organic church life
Registration is open for two LK10 Courses.
Foundations One: This is a six week virtual learning community covering the basic values and practices of organic church life. In the video below, Sean Hyatt, who will be leading the course, explains what is involved. This class begins on April 2nd and is limited to the first 15 registrations. Cost: $100 for individuals. $150 for couples. See column to the right for more information and to register.
Foundations Two: This is also a six week virtual learning community which goes deeper into the basic values and practices of organic church life. The course will be led by Walt Hastings. It begins on April 22nd and is limited to the first 15 registrations. Cost: $100 for individuals. $150 for couples. Prerequisite for Foundations Two is the completion of Foundations One. See column to the right to register.
Each Foundation Course takes place in the context of a small "learning community" (6 to 15 people) called a cohort. The Course lasts for six weeks. Here are the key elements...
1. Weekly learning assignments. Articles to read and videos to watch that explain "foundational" practices and the Biblical basis.
2. CO2 (Church of Two). This might be a married couple or two men or two women. For six weeks, you will practice key rhythms daily with this one other person. Our conviction is that the CO2 is the basic building block of all larger expressions of church. We are following Jesus' model of putting people in pairs (Mt. 10) and sending them out together. For more information on the CO2, see the CO2 video and flyer in the right column of this site.
3. Online Forum (Facebook Group, etc). Regular posting to a forum where you discuss insights, comments, experiences, questions with the rest of your cohort.
4. Individual Coaching Appointments with the leader of your cohort. At least two one-on-one sessions during the Course. We want you to experience the value of this kind of coaching.
5. Conference calls with your cohort. At least two calls with your cohort during the Course to share comments, experiences and questions with the rest of your cohort.
Foundations One: This is a six week virtual learning community covering the basic values and practices of organic church life. In the video below, Sean Hyatt, who will be leading the course, explains what is involved. This class begins on April 2nd and is limited to the first 15 registrations. Cost: $100 for individuals. $150 for couples. See column to the right for more information and to register.
Foundations Two: This is also a six week virtual learning community which goes deeper into the basic values and practices of organic church life. The course will be led by Walt Hastings. It begins on April 22nd and is limited to the first 15 registrations. Cost: $100 for individuals. $150 for couples. Prerequisite for Foundations Two is the completion of Foundations One. See column to the right to register.
Each Foundation Course takes place in the context of a small "learning community" (6 to 15 people) called a cohort. The Course lasts for six weeks. Here are the key elements...
1. Weekly learning assignments. Articles to read and videos to watch that explain "foundational" practices and the Biblical basis.
2. CO2 (Church of Two). This might be a married couple or two men or two women. For six weeks, you will practice key rhythms daily with this one other person. Our conviction is that the CO2 is the basic building block of all larger expressions of church. We are following Jesus' model of putting people in pairs (Mt. 10) and sending them out together. For more information on the CO2, see the CO2 video and flyer in the right column of this site.
3. Online Forum (Facebook Group, etc). Regular posting to a forum where you discuss insights, comments, experiences, questions with the rest of your cohort.
4. Individual Coaching Appointments with the leader of your cohort. At least two one-on-one sessions during the Course. We want you to experience the value of this kind of coaching.
5. Conference calls with your cohort. At least two calls with your cohort during the Course to share comments, experiences and questions with the rest of your cohort.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
10:2b Virus Spreading to African Leaders
What's the key to CPMs (Church Planting Movements)?
Humanly, the answer is "leaders". Effective leaders are required for healthy churches to be planted.
Where do those leaders come from?
Only one place. They are sent out by the Lord of the harvest.
What's our part?
To do what Jesus commanded and "Beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out those leaders".
This has come to be known as "The 10:2b Prayer" and it's spreading around the world like a benevolent virus.
In this video, Hugh Brandt shares the 10:2b Prayer with leaders of Campus Crusade in Africa.
Humanly, the answer is "leaders". Effective leaders are required for healthy churches to be planted.
Where do those leaders come from?
Only one place. They are sent out by the Lord of the harvest.
What's our part?
To do what Jesus commanded and "Beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out those leaders".
This has come to be known as "The 10:2b Prayer" and it's spreading around the world like a benevolent virus.
In this video, Hugh Brandt shares the 10:2b Prayer with leaders of Campus Crusade in Africa.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Church is changing!
A couple of weeks, ago I shared with you these important quotes from a recent article in The Huffington Post (of all places!)…
If you haven’t been in one of these Courses yet, you can get a good picture of what it’s like from this interview with Sean Hyatt.
Something startling is happening in American religion: We are witnessing the end of church or, at the very least, the end of conventional church. The United States is fast becoming a society where Christianity is being reorganized after religion.
But there is good news in this article…
But nearly half of Americans appear to hope for a spiritual reformation – even revolution… there is a grassroots desire for new kinds of faith communities, where institutional structures do not inhibit or impede ones relationship with God or neighbor.
And that’s where LK10 comes in. Our mission is to train people for these “new kinds of faith communities”.
One of the main ways we do this is through the Foundation Courses. These Courses teach a new paradigm of church in the context of a vital learning community.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Class on "Learning to hear God's voice"
Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice." John 17:27. This class will be a "community of practice" for those who desire to grow in their ability to hear His voice. "This practice of listening to God has increased my intimacy with Him more than any other spiritual discipline." says Sarah Young. We will use Sarah's daily devotional Jesus Calling as a spring board to practice listening prayer.
Class begins March 11 and concludes May 6. No class on April 8. Sundays at 11am in the Longs Peak Room.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Seth Godin: The definition of a revolution
Concerning this revolution, Barna writes, "(It is) an unprecedented reengineering of America's faith dimension that is likely to be the most significant transition in the religious landscape that you will ever experience."
Seth Godin gives us further insight into the nature of revolutions:
Perfect and impossible
The definition of a revolution: it destroys the perfect and enables the impossible.
The music business was perfect. Radio, record chains, Rolling Stone magazine, the senior prom, limited access to recording studios, the replaceable nature of the LP, the baby boomers... it all added up to a business that seemed perfect, one that could run for ever and ever.
The digital revolution destroyed this perfect business while enabling the seemingly impossible: easy access to the market by new musicians, a cosmic jukebox of just about every song ever recorded, music as a social connector...
If you are in love with the perfect, prepare to see it swept away. If you are able to dream of the impossible, it just might happen.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Increasing number of Americans are saying "No!" to traditional church
Something startling is happening in American religion: We are witnessing the end of church or, at the very least, the end of conventional church. The United States is fast-becoming a society where Christianity is being reorganized after religion.
In recent decades, untold numbers of people have left the Roman Catholic Church. In a 2008 survey, Pew research found that one in 10 Americans now considers themselves an ex-Catholic. The situation is so dire that the church launched a PR campaign inviting Catholics to "come home," to woo back disgruntled members. There was a slight uptick in Catholic membership last year, mostly due to immigrant Catholics. There is no data indicating that Catholics are returning en masse and much anecdotal evidence suggesting that leaving-taking continues. Catholic leaders worry that once the new immigrants become fully part of American society they might leave, too.
The end of church, however, is not merely a Catholic problem. For decades, mainline Protestants have watched helplessly as their membership rolls dwindled, employing program after program to try to stop the decline. In the last 15 years, conservative Protestant denominations have witnessed significant erosions in membership, money and participation -- with some of the greatest drops in groups like the Southern Baptist Convention that once seemed impervious to decline. In a typical week, less than a quarter of Americans attend a religious service, down from the half of the population who were regular churchgoers a generation ago.
There are successful individual congregations -- Catholic or Protestant, mainline or evangelical, liberal or conservative, small or large -- everywhere. But the institutional structures of American religion -- denominations of all theological sorts -- are in a free-fall.
The religious market collapse has happened with astonishing speed. In 1999, when survey takers asked Americans "Do you consider yourself spiritual or religious," a solid majority of 54 percent responded that they were "religious but not spiritual." By 2009, only 9 percent of Americans responded that way. In 10 years, those willing to identify themselves primarily as "religious" plummeted by 45 percentage points.
In the last decade, the word "religion" has become equated with institutional or organized religion. Because of crises such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the Roman Catholic abuse scandal, Americans now define "religion" in almost exclusively negative terms. These larger events, especially when combined with increasing irrelevance of too much of organized religion, contributed to an overall decline in church membership, and an overall decline of the numbers of Christians, in the United States.
There may be hope, however, regarding the future of faith. Despite worry about the word, "religion," Americans are extremely warm toward "spiritual but not religious" (30 percent) and, even more interestingly (and perhaps paradoxically), the term "spiritual and religious" (48 percent). While "religion" means institutional religion, "spirituality" means an experience of faith. Large numbers of Americans are hankering for experiential faith whereby they can connect with God, the divine, or wonder as well as with their neighbors and that lead to a more profound sense of meaning in the world. Maybe Americans once called this "religion," but no more. Americans call it "spirituality."
Some Americans want to be spiritually left alone, without complications from organized religion. But nearly half of Americans appear to hope for a spiritual reformation -- or even revolution -- in their faith traditions and denominations. Congregations that exhibit a vibrant spiritual life embodying a living faith in practical ways succeeding, even in the religion bear market. These sorts of communities are models of what might be possible to renew wearied organizations. But the macro-structures of American faith -- denominations -- have yet to hear this message. They are still trying to fix institutional problems and flex political muscle instead of tending to the spiritual longings of regular Americans.
"Spiritual and religious" expresses a grassroots desire for new kinds of faith communities, where institutional structures do not inhibit or impede one's relationship with God or neighbor. Americans are searching for churches -- and temples, synagogues, and mosques -- that are not caught up in political intrigue, rigid rules and prohibitions, institutional maintenance, unresponsive authorities, and inflexible dogma but instead offer pathways of life-giving spiritual experience, connection, meaning, vocation, and doing justice in the world. Americans are not rejecting faith -- they are, however, rejecting self-serving religious institutions.
The end of conventional church isn't necessarily a bad thing. Christianity after religion, a faith renewed by the experience of God's spirit, is closer to what Jesus hoped for his followers than the scandalous division, politics, and enmity we have now. Will there still be Christianity after the end of institutional religion? Yes, there will be. But it is going to be different than what Americans have known, a faith responsive to the longings of those who are expecting more spiritual depth and greater ethical integrity rather than more conventional church. Indeed, I suspect that the end of church is only the beginning of a new Great Awakening.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Powerful new insights on how to resist the devil
Too often we separate Scripture and spiritual principles from the real world. As a result, these principles loose much of their power. For instance, James 4:7 tells us to "resist the devil and he will flee from you".
But, how exactly to we do this?
No doubt, James had in mind real life examples of combat when he wrote these words. No doubt, he had seen someone physically attacked and he could picture the one being attacked resisting the attacker. (In the Greek, "resist" is a compound word: anti + istemi. Literally, "to stand against".) Seeing a literal picture of someone resisting or standing against an attacker gives us powerful insights into how to engage in spiritual warfare against the devil.
Here's an example. In this short video, Tony Blauer, an expert in personal self-defense, demonstrates a key skill in resisting. Here are some things that I notice.
1. Perhaps most important is Tony's attitude. Because he is both conditioned and skilled, he exudes confidence. He isn't "quaking in his boots" at the prospect of being attacked. If anything, the attacker is in for a rude awakening. This reminds me of Jesus' attitude during his encounter with the devil in Matthew 4. Can you picture yourself having this same confident attitude?
2. Resisting requires particular skills. In this video, Tony is teaching "Outside 90". What skills are necessary to resist the devil?
3. Resisting requires that we practice the skills of combat. Just knowing the theory isn't enough. We must become practitioners. We know that God is infinitely more powerful than the devil and could get rid of him at any moment. Why doesn't He? At least one reason is that we need an opponent to grow stronger and more skilled. (1 Peter 5:8 even calls the devil our "opponent" or "adversary".)
What else to you learn about "resisting the devil" from this video?
But, how exactly to we do this?
No doubt, James had in mind real life examples of combat when he wrote these words. No doubt, he had seen someone physically attacked and he could picture the one being attacked resisting the attacker. (In the Greek, "resist" is a compound word: anti + istemi. Literally, "to stand against".) Seeing a literal picture of someone resisting or standing against an attacker gives us powerful insights into how to engage in spiritual warfare against the devil.
Here's an example. In this short video, Tony Blauer, an expert in personal self-defense, demonstrates a key skill in resisting. Here are some things that I notice.
1. Perhaps most important is Tony's attitude. Because he is both conditioned and skilled, he exudes confidence. He isn't "quaking in his boots" at the prospect of being attacked. If anything, the attacker is in for a rude awakening. This reminds me of Jesus' attitude during his encounter with the devil in Matthew 4. Can you picture yourself having this same confident attitude?
2. Resisting requires particular skills. In this video, Tony is teaching "Outside 90". What skills are necessary to resist the devil?
3. Resisting requires that we practice the skills of combat. Just knowing the theory isn't enough. We must become practitioners. We know that God is infinitely more powerful than the devil and could get rid of him at any moment. Why doesn't He? At least one reason is that we need an opponent to grow stronger and more skilled. (1 Peter 5:8 even calls the devil our "opponent" or "adversary".)
What else to you learn about "resisting the devil" from this video?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tony Dale: LK10 adds the personal touch
House2House Ministries and the LK10 Ministries are two of the organizations serving the growing house church movement. While I (John White) am the Director of LK10, I also serve on the Board of Directors of House2House.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Austin, TX for a meeting of the Board of House2House at Tony and Felicity Dale's home. Tony and Felicity are good friends and we've been involved with them in the house church movement for over twelve years.
In this video, I asked Tony to comment on some of the ways that these two ministries compliment each other. One of his observations was that LK10 adds "the personal touch". And, that's exactly right. I wish you could see what is going on in the Foundations One Courses that just started. These are small virtual groups of 8 to 12 people (we call them cohorts) where people are learning in the context of community. In addition to the "personal touch" of the cohort community, each person receives one on one coaching every other week. If this sounds good to you, consider being part of next round of courses.
Update from the LK10 Equipping Center:
*Two Foundation One Courses are just starting up with participants from Colorado, Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Minnesota, Florida and Alberta (CAN). One of the amazing things we've learned from these Courses is how significant community can develop in these virtual learning environments. We'll let you know when new Courses are starting.
*A Foundations One Course will soon be starting with leaders from several African countries.
*We've had to postpone the beginning of The Family Blessing Course. We'll let you know the new start date.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Austin, TX for a meeting of the Board of House2House at Tony and Felicity Dale's home. Tony and Felicity are good friends and we've been involved with them in the house church movement for over twelve years.
In this video, I asked Tony to comment on some of the ways that these two ministries compliment each other. One of his observations was that LK10 adds "the personal touch". And, that's exactly right. I wish you could see what is going on in the Foundations One Courses that just started. These are small virtual groups of 8 to 12 people (we call them cohorts) where people are learning in the context of community. In addition to the "personal touch" of the cohort community, each person receives one on one coaching every other week. If this sounds good to you, consider being part of next round of courses.
Update from the LK10 Equipping Center:
*Two Foundation One Courses are just starting up with participants from Colorado, Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Minnesota, Florida and Alberta (CAN). One of the amazing things we've learned from these Courses is how significant community can develop in these virtual learning environments. We'll let you know when new Courses are starting.
*A Foundations One Course will soon be starting with leaders from several African countries.
*We've had to postpone the beginning of The Family Blessing Course. We'll let you know the new start date.
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Family Blessing - Part 2
John White interviews Tim Pynes about the details of his new class that LK10 is offering. The class is called The Family Blessing: Reclaiming the Home as the Center for Spiritual Training.
To register for this new class, please visit this link: http://familyblessing.eventbrite.com/
To register for this new class, please visit this link: http://familyblessing.eventbrite.com/
Monday, January 9, 2012
New Course offered: "The Family Blessing"
Registration is now open for a new session of our Foundations One Course. For information about this Course and how to register, see the right column.
In addition, we are excited to offer, for the first time, a new Course called "The Family Blessing"which will be led by one of our LK10 Coaches, Tim Pynes. The mission of LK10 is to see "a vibrant family of Jesus within easy reach of every region and people group". This Course is an important resource towards that objective. ("The Family Blessing" applies LK10 practices specifically in a family context whereas "Foundations One" has a broader focus.)
For information about the course and how to register, see below...
The Family Blessing - Part 1
I (Tim Pynes) was in Israel over the summer and one night, in Tel Aviv, I witnessed an amazing scene in the restaurant at the hotel where we were staying. It was Friday evening and the hotel restaurant was packed with hundreds of people of all kinds. After going through the buffet line and sitting down at a table to eat, I noticed a family of Orthodox Jews stand up at their table near me and begin to pray. As I watched them, the mother of the family pulled a shawl over her head and lit a candle. In that moment, it occurred to me that the sun had just set and the sabbath had begun. I turned in my chair and saw that there were Jewish families interspersed throughout the hotel restaurant who were standing at their tables and also beginning the shabbat meal ritual. These Jewish families seemed unaware and unconcerned with the mealtime chatter happening at tables all around them as Muslim and non-Jewish families carried on eating and celebrating dinner together.
I focused my attention on one young boy at a table near mine (he was a red-haired, Orthodox Jewish child with the long curled locks hanging down on either side of his face who appeared to be around 9 or ten years old) and watched him as he stood at attention with his family, focusing his gaze first on his mother as she spoke, and then on his father. As I watched this young boy and his family continue the shabbat meal ritual, I was reminded of this scene from the movie, Fiddler on the Roof.
The powerful and moving scene I witnessed that night in Tel Aviv and this scene from Fiddler on the Roof cause me to consider and ponder such thoughts as:
I want to explore these thoughts - and many others like them - and I want to reclaim the home as the center for spiritual growth and development. I long to see vibrant families of Jesus scattered throughout the world; families who are connected with the heart of God and who are being the Church wherever they go, wherever they are. Because of this, I have created a 6-week course titled, "The Family Blessing: Reclaiming the Home as the Center for Spiritual Training". The focus of this course will be on helping you to reclaim your home as a center for spiritual training. By instituting a weekly family blessing time, you will help to cultivate one anothers spiritual life and develop a more intimate relationship with God. You will learn to create a weekly space in the natural rhythm of your family’s life where you connect with one another and with God at a heart level and learn to see one anothers design and glory and call it forth.
Here are the details for the class:
Registration opens today, January 9th and ends at 5 p.m. MT on Friday, January 20th or once the class has 15 participants, whichever comes first.
You can register for this course at http://familyblessing.eventbrite.com
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me: timpynes@gmail.com
In addition, we are excited to offer, for the first time, a new Course called "The Family Blessing"which will be led by one of our LK10 Coaches, Tim Pynes. The mission of LK10 is to see "a vibrant family of Jesus within easy reach of every region and people group". This Course is an important resource towards that objective. ("The Family Blessing" applies LK10 practices specifically in a family context whereas "Foundations One" has a broader focus.)
For information about the course and how to register, see below...
The Family Blessing - Part 1
I (Tim Pynes) was in Israel over the summer and one night, in Tel Aviv, I witnessed an amazing scene in the restaurant at the hotel where we were staying. It was Friday evening and the hotel restaurant was packed with hundreds of people of all kinds. After going through the buffet line and sitting down at a table to eat, I noticed a family of Orthodox Jews stand up at their table near me and begin to pray. As I watched them, the mother of the family pulled a shawl over her head and lit a candle. In that moment, it occurred to me that the sun had just set and the sabbath had begun. I turned in my chair and saw that there were Jewish families interspersed throughout the hotel restaurant who were standing at their tables and also beginning the shabbat meal ritual. These Jewish families seemed unaware and unconcerned with the mealtime chatter happening at tables all around them as Muslim and non-Jewish families carried on eating and celebrating dinner together.
I focused my attention on one young boy at a table near mine (he was a red-haired, Orthodox Jewish child with the long curled locks hanging down on either side of his face who appeared to be around 9 or ten years old) and watched him as he stood at attention with his family, focusing his gaze first on his mother as she spoke, and then on his father. As I watched this young boy and his family continue the shabbat meal ritual, I was reminded of this scene from the movie, Fiddler on the Roof.
The powerful and moving scene I witnessed that night in Tel Aviv and this scene from Fiddler on the Roof cause me to consider and ponder such thoughts as:
- Imagine growing up in a home where at least once a week your parents took turns to look you squarely in the eyes and speak words of love and blessing over you.
- Imagine growing up in a home where at least once a week you got to observe your parents speaking words of love and blessing to one another.
- Imagine growing up in a home where at least once a week, you connected on a heart level with your parents and your siblings.
- Imagine growing up in a home where the stories of God’s goodness - stories that naturally overflowed from having a vibrant, personal & intimate relationship with God - were shared at the dinner table on a regular basis.
I want to explore these thoughts - and many others like them - and I want to reclaim the home as the center for spiritual growth and development. I long to see vibrant families of Jesus scattered throughout the world; families who are connected with the heart of God and who are being the Church wherever they go, wherever they are. Because of this, I have created a 6-week course titled, "The Family Blessing: Reclaiming the Home as the Center for Spiritual Training". The focus of this course will be on helping you to reclaim your home as a center for spiritual training. By instituting a weekly family blessing time, you will help to cultivate one anothers spiritual life and develop a more intimate relationship with God. You will learn to create a weekly space in the natural rhythm of your family’s life where you connect with one another and with God at a heart level and learn to see one anothers design and glory and call it forth.
Here are the details for the class:
- The class is 6-weeks long and begins on January 23rd and ends on March 2nd.
- The class is limited to 15 people. The first 15 people to register get in. Once 15 people have registered, we will close registration and create a waiting list.
- The cost of the course is $100 per person or $150 for couples.
- Every week on Monday, you will be emailed a workbook with your assignment for that week.
- Also, there will be three 1-hour conference calls provided for you over the length of the course where you can connect with your classmates, ask questions, discuss what you are learning, etc.
- In addition, you will be provided two 45-minute coaching sessions during the length of the course.
Registration opens today, January 9th and ends at 5 p.m. MT on Friday, January 20th or once the class has 15 participants, whichever comes first.
You can register for this course at http://familyblessing.eventbrite.com
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me: timpynes@gmail.com
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