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I N T H I S U P D A T E
... and for our prayers:
** SPECIAL REQUEST
1. NPPN WEB SITE UPDATE
2. CHINESE-ENGLISH /
KOREAN-ENGLISH PPGs
3. HEALING OUR URBAN CENTERS:
TONY EVANS ON DISCIPLESHIP
"""""QUOTE
/ UNQUOTE"""""
4. CONVERSATION ~ ~ INTERNET
COMMUNITY CHURCH???
5. PRAY ARLINGTON, TX: JESUS
DAY REPORT
6. CONVERSATION ~~ PRAYER IS
THE CONNECTIVITY
7. READ THIS AT YOUR NEXT PPG
MEETING...
8. KIRKLAND, WA:
"SMALL" CHURCH? NOT REALLY...
9. COLUMBINE
PPG: BECAUSE PASTORS PRAYED
10. PCUSA UNSURE ON ROLE OF JC
11. CHICAGO, IL: PASTORS NETWORK
PARTY
12. CALIFORNIA: CITYWATCH, LA & MORE
13. MARTHA, MARY SAYS TO "TAKE TIME
FOR RELATIONSHIPS"
14. HOUSTON, TX: CITY CHURCH RESPONDS TO
CITY FLOODS
15. 23rd PSALM INSIGHT
16. TENNESSEE: DeKALB COUNTY PPG
17. EMBRACE OAKLAND: 600 RESPOND TO
CHRIST
18. CHARISMA EDITORIAL: GET OFF THE FLOOR
19. CHICAGO: CITYWIDE ROUNDTABLE
20. MISSION AMERICA CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
REPORT
** CITY STORIES
Give us some FEEDBACK about this update....
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
** SPECIAL REQUEST TO CITYWIDE LEADERS
Do you publish a newsletter?
Prayer Network
Transformation Ministry
Lighthouses of Prayer
City ... State ... Region
The NPPN web site is looking for samples of citywide ministry
newsletters. They will be posted at <http://www.nppn.org/Cit-E-Newsletters.htm>
in order to provide models for cities across the nation.
Help us learn from the ways God works in and through you.
Increase and improve communication among city reachers throughout the Body of
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Email your newsletter to: straka1@nppn.org (Subject:
Cit-E-Newsletters).
___________________________________________________>>>
1. WEB SITE UPDATE
Visit http://www.nppn.org ...
>We're taking prayer requests for PPGs and Cities!
>Join the NPPN Web Roundtable
"What do YOU think??"
>Check out our Special Discount Resources & Bless the
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>Download (and distribute) one of our 41 E'zine articles
>The NPPN Pastors' Prayer Groups Directory has grown to
544:
-Consider adopting one in prayer
-Pray for your birth state to double
in registered PPGs
Log-On ... Sign-In ... Link-Up
___________________________________________________>>>
2. CHINESE-ENGLISH / KOREAN-ENGLISH
PPGs
>From: Frank Piszczor <fopo@juno.com>
Who: Chinese English Ministry Pastors
When: Every Third Tuesday of the month from 11 AM to 1 PM
Where: Meadows Baptist Church in Rolling Meadows
Who: Korean English Ministry Pastors
When: Every Second Wednesday of the month from 12 PM to 2 PM
Where: TBA every month
If you need any other information, please let me know. Thanks, Frank
Piszczor
___________________________________________________>>>
3. HEALING OUR URBAN CENTERS:
TONY EVANS ON DISCIPLESHIP
>From: IMPACTJD@aol.com
Healing Our Urban Centers: A Call To Discipleship <http://www.forministry.com/Article.asp?Record=2654>
peace to you, JD Smith, East Gate Community Fellowship
<http://www.forministry.com/Church/church.asp?SiteId=25311EGCF>
"""""QUOTE
Prayer is the key ... It is so simple that we miss it.
Pastors should be praying together ...
Initially and solely for prayer for
your community.
Raleigh Washington of Promise Keepers
UNQUOTE"""""
4. CONVERSATION ~ ~INTERNET COMMUNITY
CHURCH???
>From: Religion Today News Summary <newssummary@lists.crosswalk.com>
A Barna Research Group study shows the Internet is one of the fastest developing
areas in the ministry world today and, according to pastors, one of the most
confusing. More than 100,000 Protestant churches already minister to
people through the Web, the study found.
According to Barna, within this decade as many as 50 million individuals may
rely solely upon the Internet to provide all of their faith-based experiences.
"We foresee two-thirds of people engaging in Net-based religious pursuits
on a regular basis as the decade progresses, such as listening to archived
religious teaching, reading online devotionals, and buying religious products
and resources online," says Barna.
The study shows virtually every dimension of the faith community will be
influenced by online faith developments through the likes of self-produced and
self-marketed worship music, e-mail broadcasting, theological chats, online
meetings, broadcasts to congregants who are immobile, live webcasting of mission
trips, and 24/7 ministry training from the best trainers and educators in the
world.
(http://www.barna.org)
To read the story online, go to:
http://news.crosswalk.com/religion/item/0,,348812,00.htm
Copyright © 2001 Crosswalk.com, Inc. and its Content Providers. All rights
reserved.
~ ~ CONVERSATION ~ ~
?? What are the implications of this finding ??
?? How can the Church respond rather than react ??
?? Why is this an opportunity as well as an obstacle ??
Share your insights---> http://www.nppn.org/commentform.htm
___________________________________________________>>>
5. PRAY ARLINGTON, TX: JESUS DAY
REPORT
>From: "Tim Tremaine" <prayarlington@worldnet.att.net>
Dear Friends,
On Saturday, June 2, the church in Arlington gathered for a Jesus Video
distribution/community picnic/Prayer Fair sponsored by Arlington Christian
Ministries, Inc. and the Arlington Prayer Ministry Network, coordinated by Pray
Arlington, Inc. and hosted by Webb Baptist Church. Enjoy this forwarded
message then continue on for a report on last Saturday's event below. For
additional information go to http://www.reacharlington.org
----- Original Message -----
From: Pat Harrell <mailto:pharrell@fni.com>
Tim : I thought you might enjoy a story from last Saturday.
My two daughters and I truly enjoyed the "One Day for Jesus" event . I
don't think Halley (9) and Scout (7) quite knew what they were getting into, but
they were excited anyway.
I'd warned the girls that we'd probably face some opposition because Satan was
not happy with what we were doing. In fact, Satan attacked at many of my
daughters' fears as the girls faced bees, wasps, giant dogs, and heat
exhaustion. I started to get frustrated (my weakness) as my girls' pace slowed.
We re-grouped for battle back at Webb Baptist with water and snacks and then
picked up our second load of videos. We prayed that God would protect us and
help us finish what we started. I silently prayed that God would give the girls
a memorable moment they could share with others. God said "Yes!".
At one of the last houses, an irritated dad opened the door. "What can we
do for you?" he asked sarcastically. I told him we were from the Church of
Arlington and we had a gift for him. A 12 year-old boy in a baseball uniform
pushed passed his father and grabbed the video bag. "What is it?" he
asked. "Oh cool! It's a video about Jesus." Another young boy appeared
and grabbed the bag. "Lemme see," he said. The second boy peeked into
the bag and repeated, "Cool! A video about Jesus. I love Jesus!"
That brief exchange made our day. Thanks for letting God work through you to
create opportunities for my kids to make Jesus famous in Arlington.
May God continue to bless you, your families, and your ministries, Pat Harrell
Grace Community Church
----------------------------------
What a blessing it was to hear reports like this all day. Teams from over
15 churches worked together to distribute over 3300 Jesus Videos in the 76002
zip code last Saturday, "Jesus Day" June 2. The teams were
surprised at how receptive people were to the video. Most reported only 1
or 2 rejections. Many we're greeted with the phrase, "we've been
waiting for our video." People had seen or read the news, received a
recorded phone call from Pastor Ogle or had family who received a video in the
mail. One team went through a small strip center giving videos to business
owners. One oriental business woman was so happy because they originally
got one in the mail but loaned it to a friend who lost it before they could
watch it. She said her husband was very upset that he did not get to watch
it.
One of the amazing things was a report from the pastor at Webb Baptist, Wayne
Ogle. One of the most receptive areas was a new subdivision they did a
"welcome to the neighborhood" outreach in a while back. That
effort was not well received but this one was. We can only credit the
presence of the Holy Spirit in response to our united effort in prayer for
evangelism.
Many pastors came to participate and joined in alongside lay people with their
boxes of videos and map assignments. Many came with families as Pat did.
Others were teamed with "family members" from other churches.
Although the Prayer Fair did not have many attendees, our intercessors
maintained a prayer cover for the teams throughout the morning, and we had
numerous reports of teams getting to pray with people in the field. In one
instance, a family shared that the mother just learned she needed a kidney
transplant. One of the team members was a kidney donor to her sister and
was able to minister to the family in a special way.
The highlight of the day was when toward the end, people from the neighborhoods
started arriving at church. At least one lady who received the video and
came to church for the party got saved. We fed over 250 people and had
between 150-200 people participate in some facet of the event during the day.
We are grateful for the grace and favor God showed us for this endeavor.
The testimonies from the Webb Baptist congregation the next morning took
up all the message time! Pastor Ogle gave a invitation for prayer and
saved his sermon for next week! It was wonderful to see how the Lord
blessed that day.
For King and Kingdom, Tim Tremaine
Director, Pray Arlington, Inc.
___________________________________________________>>>
6. CONVERSATION ~~ PRAYER IS THE
CONNECTIVITY
>From: "Jeff Beacham" <firepowerministries@attglobal.net>
In our paradoxical age, the axiom "more is better" has blurred the
lines between quantity and quality, which are now often seen as the same. This
idea has also crossed over into the area of human relationships.
The Communications Revolution has offered us unprecedented opportunities to stay
in touch with each other, but the same revolution also allows us to be more
isolated and invisible than ever before! The growing on-line community, whose
members spend hours talking to each other only through computer screens, offers
anonymity and just one dimension of connectivity, not enough in itself to build
a healthy relationship. Young people look to the Internet to find answers,
interaction and community. In the US, teens spend more time online than watching
TV – who could have believed that ANYTHING could do that?
The quality of our lives is directly related to the quality of our
relationships. God's word puts it this way: "The righteous should choose
his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray."
(Proverbs 12:26) and; "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But
there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24).
The church in America is mostly about buildings and programs. Many decide where
they will attend church by the attractiveness of the building and if the
programs can cater for their kids from nursery to young adults, and their own
quest for "how to" type instruction. We always tend to see
Christianity though the filter of our own culture. America is a
consumer-driven society; should we be surprised if some aspects of this have
spilled over into the church? But the true church is not about buildings and
programs (if all our churches burnt to the ground tonight, we could still have
church" in the parking lots tomorrow!) - it's about God and people!
This speaks of relationships – both vertically and horizontally.
The American virtue’ of independence can hinder the need to build healthy
relationships in the Body of Christ, because we think we can do it all alone; we
don’t need anybody else. But God has been building a new "covering"
for the church world-wide based solely upon relationship’ and not heavy
authoritarian or sectarian structures. The role of the leader is
also changing from a religious representative and teacher to an approachable
leader; from an organizational manager to a spiritual father, a role which is
more relational than task orientated.
True Christianity is not religious but relational; a personal interaction
between the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost and people. Prayer is the
connectivity that sets up the lines of communication between all of these.
But that last part of Proverbs 18:24 says it all: "There is a friend who
sticks closer than a brother." suggesting that the quality of eternal life
ultimately depends on the relationship we have with God. If you want to make it
to Heaven, it's not what you know but Who you know!
~ ~ CONVERSATION ~ ~
?? "Prayer is the connectivity... Agree or Disagree ??
?? Why ??
?? How do prayer (vertical) and communication (horizontal) serve one another ??
Share your insights---> http://www.nppn.org/commentform.htm
___________________________________________________>>>
7. READ THIS AT YOUR NEXT PPG
MEETING...
>From: don@michiganfamily.org
What I Believe
by Don Giesmann
As clergy and church leaders, most of us get so busy in church
life preaching, teaching, and all the other activities that we often don't take
time to reflect on what we really believe or how we should be applying our faith
to everyday living. Here are a few things I believe ("reasons for
hope" 1 Peter 3:15).
I believe in Biblical teachings stated in the Apostles' Creed.
That states, so well, the basics of our faith.
I believe, like Luther, that we are saved by Jesus Christ, by
grace, and by faith alone in him. It is a gift of God.
I believe in the assurance of salvation and eternal security.
Like Bonhoeffer I don't believe in cheap grace. We as Christians should not use
our freedom for license to sin.
I believe in the old motto often credited to Augustine and
others, "In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things
charity." This is an age that often stresses out on the minor things of
life and church.
I believe in, and place priority on, the basics! After all
these years as a follower of Jesus I am still trying to understand and celebrate
those basics!
I believe in trying to practice what 1 Peter 3:15 says,
sharing my hope in Christ "with gentleness and respect" to others. D.L.
Moody said it well, "it is like one beggar leading another beggar to the
bread." Or as Len Sweet reminds people, we are all "saints" and
all "sinners."
I believe Christians are known for both the "walk and the
talk." Francis Schaeffer was right. It always has to be "the truth in
love."
I believe Christians need to pray and cooperate together in
the joy of sharing the Gospel following our Shepherd (John 10). People have such
needs in our postmodern culture. As the song says, "people need the
Lord."
I believe in spiritual growth and an alive body of Christ. All
of us, as Christians, face temptations, challenges, and suffering in various
ways but Jesus is sufficient for our needs.
I believe our culture can be impacted and real transformation
can and is occurring. Prayer is a key ingredient to these changes.
I believe in respecting non-Christians and Christians who
would disagree with me.
Clergy Briefing - a publication of Michigan Family Forum Community Impact
Department
PO Box 15216, Lansing, MI 48901-5216
800-644-9111 Phone 517-374-6112 Fax
www.mighiganfamily.org / Don Giesmann, Editor (don@michiganfamily.org)
___________________________________________________>>>
8. KIRKLAND, WA: "SMALL"
CHURCH? NOT REALLY...
>From: Friday Fax <FridayFax@DawnEurope.net>
For over 70 years, the Assemblies of God church in Kirkland, near Washington,
was a small church with around 70 members. "But in the last 12 months,
thousands of people came to the altar, putting their lives in order with
God," reports evangelist Jerry Gaffney. "Over 7,000 people have
repented and reconciled with God. Hundreds have been healed of all sorts of
illnesses. Among others, a dumb boy was able to speak for the first time in
eleven years, many with Multiple Sclerosis and cancer were healed, deaf could
hear, the blind saw and spectacle-wearers no longer needed their glasses. The
church, though, which now has a regular attendance of 700, doesn't just think of
itself; they donated $170,000 to missionaries around the world last year, have
been instrumental in planting 60 new churches, and sent over 10 large containers
of food and medical supplies to Russia and Africa. A number of television crews
have given their lives to Jesus while filming in the church, later broadcasting
reports of 'the expense of a sinful lifestyle'. Many drug addicts and alcoholics
have been freed of their addiction, and families restored for whom there was,
humanly speaking, no hope," he says.
Source: Jerry Gaffney, e-mail jerry@jerrygaffneyministries.net
To subscribe to The Friday Fax, send a message with the subject subscribe
English to fridayfax@dawneurope.net.
___________________________________________________>>>
9. COLUMBINE PPG: BECAUSE PASTORS
PRAYED
>From: CLNupdate@AOL.COM
>By: columnist Eric Reed
"After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they
were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. All the
believers were one in heart and mind." Acts 4:31-32
One part of the Columbine story hasn't been widely told. What happened before
the shootings at the high school in Littleton, Colorado?
We know what happened afterward. The carnage, the crosses, the testimony, the
conversions to Christ, the dramatic rise in church attendance in the region. But
what happened before? One pastor simply said, "We prayed."
The unity among the churches after the crisis was remarkable.Pastors from all
denominations came together to minister, and attenders of all kinds of churches
embraced to comfort a grieving city.
In the months after 15 people were slain, the churches together sought guidance
from ministers in other communities where violence had shaken schools and taken
lives. The churches offered counseling for victims and families. The pastors
helped each other and shepherded each other's sheep when necessary. Their unity
was evident in the first memorial service. And that it continued is even more
remarkable.
It continued because the pastors were praying, even before the crisis.
Three years before the shots rang out, a few pastors answered a call to prayer.
They had met for prayer regularly for seven years. Only a handful. Then, one
pastor took the lead in bringing more of his colleagues into the fellowship.
The prayer group in southwest metro Denver grew to 30 or more each week. The
pastors of the same 30 churches that led the recovery ministry found, in the
three years prior to their crisis, that their hearts were bonded together in
true love. In prayer they learned to care about each other and each other's
ministries. In prayer they learned to trust each other. And when the testing
came, they were ready. Because they prayed.
It's a shame that it takes a crisis to prove the value of the pastors' prayer
meetings. But in the wake of Columbine, I found myself wishing I had taken my
ministry relationships more seriously. Busy with my own flock, I found reasons
to miss too many meetings of the associations. The pastors with whom I developed
a praying relationship moved, and finding and encouraging new friendships took
time, sometimes time I didn't have. In retrospect, I see one prayer partnership
that was truly nourishing, and several that I should have fed. Most pastors want
that kind of koinonia -- they just need someone to take the lead and keep at it.
Prayer works when we have unity in the Body of Christ. And when we have unity,
we are ready to meet whatever trial may come. But if we are at odds with others
in the Body, or simply too busy to keep in contact, we cannot expect God to
answer our prayers. Even less can we expect him to use us in some great way for
his kingdom.
One key to the success of the church at its first century birth was its unity.
No, it wasn't easy. There were serious disagreements over serious matters. But
somehow, God brought these people from all different backgrounds, with different
angles on their newfound faith, together. And unity came when they prayed.
And when they prayed, God answered.
Eric Reed is editor of Leadership journal. To reply, write newsletter@LeadershipJournal.net.
Copyright (c) 2001, ChristianityToday.com, Christianity Today International. All
rights reserved.
___________________________________________________>>>
10. PCUSA UNSURE ON ROLE OF JC
>From: charisma@strang.com
Is Jesus the only way to salvation? The Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (PCUSA)
couldn't decide yesterday during a meeting in Louisville, Ky., of its General
Assembly, the denomination's governing body, "The Dallas Morning News"
reported.
The nation's largest Presbyterian denomination debate was "long and
passionate but orderly and polite," the newspaper said. But a majority of
the more than 500 delegates, called commissioners, rejected a proposal that said
Jesus is the lone path to salvation. "If salvation isn't singular through
Jesus, that would mean it is plural," said Jeff McDonald of the Missouri
Valley Presbytery. "If it is plural, who are the other deities we are
talking about?"
A substitute proposal was later approved, stating that "assurance" of
salvation is found "only in confessing Christ and trusting Him alone,"
the "Morning News" reported. The statement, however, didn't exclude
other roads to salvation. "We are at a critical point in our
denomination," Catherine Purves of the Pittsburgh Presbytery said. "It
is well-known that there is a debate among us on the meaning of Jesus
Christ."
The clash between conservatives and liberals was expected to intensify today,
when commissioners were due to consider a proposal on allowing ordination of gay
clergy. This spring, the PCUSA voted to reject a measure that would have banned
pastors from performing same-sex union ceremonies.
Copyright 2001 Strang Communications Co.
___________________________________________________>>>
11. CHICAGO, IL: PASTORS
NETWORK PARTY
>From: regina banks <rabanks8@yahoo.com>
Pastors Network Party -- Bringing Pastors Together For the Common Good.
Total Living Network will host The Pastors Network Party, Monday, July 16th,
7:00PM (CST)
The Pastors Network Party is a time of good food, fellowship, and fun.
Pastors and their spouses will be able to meet other pastors from various
denominations, ethnicities, and communities. They'll share commonalties and
celebrate differences and open up the infinite possibilities of working together
on common goals.
One of the highlights the evening will be entertainment featuring actor/comedian
Allen Edge, singer/songwriter/musician Lenear Royalty, and poetess Brenda
Matthews. Admission is absolutely FREE! However, reservations must be made
by Thursday, July 12th.
The Pastors Network Party is a prelude to the publication of the first edition
of the TLN Pastors & Church Network Directory. The directory will
bring ministries together in one source book that lists their strengths and
expertise in various areas. To make reservations for The Pastors Network Party
and/or to apply for listing In the TLN Pastors and Church Network Directory call
(312) 433-3838 Ext.213.
TLN is a content provider offering entertaining and inspirational programming
with practical information for today's lifestyles. The Total Living
Network distributes programming via broadcast, cable, digital, satellite, and
Internet - visit http://www.TLN.com
___________________________________________________>>>
12. CALIFORNIA: CITYWATCH, LA &
MORE
>From: "Prayer News Service" <prayer@hispowerportal.com>
>At: Prayer News Service - http://pns.hispowerportal.com
June 2001 Calendar <http://hispowerportal.com/nw/index.php3?grpid=28&articleid=572>
written by CityWatchLA
Pastoral Strategies for City Reaching / City wide prayer <http://hispowerportal.com/nw/index.php3?grpid=28&articleid=568>
written by David Andrade
The Prayer Movement in LA comes to age. <http://hispowerportal.com/nw/index.php3?grpid=6&articleid=574>
written by Archive and editing by: Jane Rumph
Connecting to Prayer in LA/Hollywood <http://hispowerportal.com/nw/index.php3?grpid=6&articleid=575>
written by Jane Rumph Interveiw Part 2
Birth of the Strategic Prayer Strike Center <http://hispowerportal.com/nw/index.php3?grpid=6&articleid=576>
written by Jane Rump Interview Part 3
Ca Intercessors' Prayer Summit <http://hispowerportal.com/nw/index.php3?grpid=6&articleid=578>
written by Ca Pastoral and Intercessory Ministries
___________________________________________________>>>
13. MARTHA, MARY SAYS TO
"TAKE TIME FOR RELATIONSHIPS"
>From: info@YouthWorkers.Net
In Luke 10:38-42 we are reminded of a great relationship. Jesus went to
visit his good friends, Mary and Martha. While there, Martha became
frustrated that Mary did not help her with all the preparations for His visit.
Instead, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to what He said. Jesus
responded to Martha’s plea for help saying, "Martha, Martha, you are
worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary
has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her."
Mary chose to focus her attention on her friend, Jesus. She chose the
relationship over the tasks that seemed so all-consuming. Martha did no
wrong. She chose to do what was good and probably expected. But,
Mary did what was better . . .
In youth ministry, there seems to be so little time for relationships. The
preparations seem to constantly get in the way. How did Mary escape that
mentality? She realized that she had to choose between what is good and
what is better--and she chose what was better. She chose the relationship.
We encourage you--take time for the relationships in your life!
RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE KEY TO NETWORKING
This January’s Network Forum is the perfect opportunity to build relationships
with your peers. For many of us “Martha types,” the Forum is a great excuse
to leave the daily “preparations” behind and to be more like the “Mary
types” who take time to focus on interacting with friends, building
relationships and sitting at the feet of Jesus. The Network Forum provides you a
unique way to build relationships:
--A casual setting where you are free to be yourself
--Small group interactions related to the messages
--Plenty of unrushed time around meals and every afternoon
--Evening receptions and coffee breaks
--Skiing or sightseeing together
Choose the Network Forum to help you form a deeper relationship with the Lord
and with others. A special place like Colorado and the Adam’s Mark will be a
great environment to make a lasting memory. Though the Forum isn't until January
12-15, you can get the lowest registration rate by sending in your $49 deposit
by JUNE 30, 2001. For more details on the Network Forum, visit http://youthworkers.net/forum2002/.
___________________________________________________>>>
14. HOUSTON, TX: CITY CHURCH RESPONDS TO CITY FLOODS
>From: Jim Herrington <jhmh@swbell.net>
Friends: We are broken-hearted over the devastation experienced by so many
in the recent floods in Houston. Yet God is turning defeat into victory.
The city-church took a giant step forward in the midst of this tragedy.
Lakewood Church was among the most visibly responsive to the crisis, and
the news media told many stories of churches and ministries across the city
responding. I believe the emerging city-church was most influenced through
the response of 2nd Baptist Church, Houston (2B). 2B is among the largest
and most effective Houston congregations. Senior Pastor, Dr. Edwin Young
is a highly respected pastor/leader with a stellar reputation in the city and
nation.
2B has been fairly absent locally from participation in the emerging
city-church. (Not a criticism - a description of my experience.)
But, when the flood came, 2B marshaled their resources to mobilize people
to meet the needs of the poorest in the city. Dr. Young called 2B's
members to respond and that call was passed around among various city-church
networks. In significant numbers, believers from across the city showed up
at 2B each day. In groups of 15-20 they were assigned to a crew chief who
took the group to a home of a poor person devastated by the flood.
Together, oblivious of denominational distinctives and unconcerned about
who got credit, teams worked to clean the house - removing furniture, wiping
down floors/walls with bleach, separating trash from treasure, and caring for
the flood victims. It was an awesome sight to behold.
What have I learned? (1) Unity does not require uniformity.
Many churches worked in their community to respond. Others were
empowered by the pathway 2B provided. Unity came from our purpose not from
the particular pathway to response. (2) Emergence of the
city-church requires perseverance. If the city church is of God, in His
time, He will raise her up. Until she emerges, those who believe this is
of God must persevere in humility. (3) If this is of God,
mega-churches must find their place in the city-church. With notable exceptions,
the mega-churches have not embraced the city-church. In my humble opinion,
this is not because they do not believe in unity. It is because they do
not yet see what their role is and how they can fulfill that role without
forfeiting their calling as a local congregation. Pastors and leaders of smaller
churches must honor this challenge, refraining from any spirit of criticism and
earnestly praying that God will make the role of each church and pastor clear.
--->NPPNote: Please join the NPPN
Roundtable and respond to Jim's comments and insights ... especially his third
"lesson" about mega-churches: Do you agree? Disagree? Why?
Add some insight: http://www.nppn.org/commentform.htm
There is yet much that God must do with this Bride He calls the Church. I
believe that through recent events in Houston, we took a giant step forward
toward becoming more of what this Bride should be. I rejoice and give
glory to God - and ask you to join me in praying for more.
Blessings, JTH
___________________________________________________>>>
15. 23rd PSALM INSIGHT
>From Rick Skiba <richard-henri@mediaone.net>
On June 3, 2001, Phil DelRe, Interim Pastor of Community Church of Rolling
Meadows, Illinois, delivered an outstanding sermon on the 23rd Psalm.
Among the many excellent insights it gave me, one particular
interpretation changed my entire perception of that passage of Scripture.
It was the description of the Valley of the Shadow of Death. It's
been nearly three weeks since this sermon, and I'm still stumping people with
this question: "What is the Valley of the Shadow of Death?"
It is surprising how many Christians to whom I have spoken have never
considered this question. (I had, but I'm now convinced I had it wrong.)
I ask NPPN subscribers to put this question to themselves. This may do two
things, but for sure it will do one thing.
First it may cause a dialog. Through a business associate, two other
pastors were asked this question in the past weeks. One has provided an
answer that could be interpreted as in the same vain as what Pastor DelRe
preached. The other is still searching Scripture for an answer.
Second, and most assuredly, it will give me access to spiritual confirmation of
the accuracy of this insight to Biblical truth. Share your thoughts with
me and I will share with you what has already been shared with me: <richard-henri@mediaone.net>
___________________________________________________>>>
16. TENNESSEE: DeKALB COUNTY PPG
>From: "Maryland Leck" <mouser@dtccom.net>
We are a little church in a small town in Tennessee but God is moving there and
HE has a calling on this town.
All the pastors in this area have banned together and got a group called
"Covenant Partners of DeKalb County, Inc." and we help those with
practical needs (utilities, clothes, etc.) Also we all take turns on the
radio once a week giving mini sermons. I know that is right. And we
all work together in this community. We labor in the same field to serve the
same God.
Yes, there is a "lighthouse In-Home Ministry Ministerial Fellowship that is
starting up. It is for ministers nation wide and locally who need
friendship and prayer and counseling by other pastors. We bond by the love
of God and transcend all "man made " "denominational"
barriers. We are striving to become "one" with each other.
And should anyone on your list need true intercessors who are faithful to their
calling we have 24 hour prayer going up all over the world. Just have them send
their prayer requests to me and I will post them to the group and we will pray
without ceasing believing God for a mighty work and answers. God bless!
Your fellow servant in the Lord, Marilyn
___________________________________________________>>>
17. EMBRACE OAKLAND: 600
RESPOND TO CHRIST
>From: Pastor Beverly Jaime bevjaime@yahoo.com
Over 600 Saved In Just One Day!
In just one day of demonstrating unity. in just one day of cooperating to
achieve a focused mission. in just one day of extending the love of God to the
City of Oakland remarkable things happened. The Word of God clearly states
that signs and wonders follow them that believe. Embrace Oakland on
May 19th certainly proved to be just that.
The Bay Area United
Thirty different congregations of a variety of denominations
came together with one goal. to pray for the city of Oakland and demonstrate
acts of kindness. All eight counties surrounding Alameda County sent an
army of prayer intercessors. Joining with the local Oakland churches,
these volunteer ministers walked and prayed over much of the city.
Pastor Bob Jackson of Acts Full Gospel Church of God welcomed the
help from Calvary Church in Castro Valley and Cathedral of Faith in San Jose.
Together they implemented the evangelism strategy, Seven Steps To The Kingdom.
When the teams of prayer/evangelists returned, they brought back with them
599 names and addresses of those accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Kaufman Helps Lead Celebration
Later that day at a Praise Celebration at Mosswood Park over
twenty others responded to Napoleon Kaufman's, former running back for the
Oakland Raiders, invitation to receive new life in Christ.
Needs Of Many Met
Meanwhile 30,000 pounds of food was distributed to those in need and
many visited prayer and ministry booths. The Holy Spirit knit the hearts
of the pastors and people together. Great inroads were made for Kingdom
purposes. Not only was the life of the city impacted, but also
individual volunteer ministers experienced remarkable change.
___________________________________________________>>>
18. CHARISMA EDITORIAL: GET OFF THE
FLOOR
>From: charisma@strang.com
First Word - by J. Lee Grady
Charisma magazine, May 2001
We charismatics have been blessed with a season of spiritual
refreshing during the last seven years. Some say it came to the United States
from South Africa. Others say it blew north from Argentina like some kind of
Latin hurricane. Others say it swept down from Canada after the Toronto Blessing
erupted in 1994.
For many of us it didn't hit until the next year when an
outbreak of revivalist fervor at a Pentecostal church in Florida made national
headlines. Those lively meetings at Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola
spread a fire that transformed cold, traditional churches all over the
country--from western Michigan to the Pacific Northwest to tiny towns like
Smithton, Missouri.
Many of us became addicted to the revival experience. We read
Tommy Tenney's The God Chasers and became rabid pursuers of the Holy
Spirit's presence. We broke free from personal bondage after reading T.D. Jakes'
books. Some of us went to revival meetings three and four nights a week,
desperate for a touch from God. We ran to the altar countless times, seeking one
more divine encounter.
We soaked in the anointing. We saturated ourselves in the
glory. We saw heavenly gold dust on the pews, felt oil running from our hands or
smelled the fragrance of the Lord. We fell to the floor, overcome by His power.
We trembled, shook, shouted and danced as we celebrated our own personal
Pentecost.
It was wonderful. It was necessary. It burned the religiosity
out of us. But guess what? We can't make this place of refreshing our home. In
fact, if we stay there we will miss God's ultimate destination.
The early church had their upper room experience. They felt
the rushing wind of the Spirit and saw mighty tongues of fire. But after they
were empowered they moved into the streets. Their passion prompted them to
preach. They took what they received and gave it away. They left the 99 sheep
and went after the lost. They knew the fire wasn't for them to toy with. It was
fuel for their mission.
If a revival is to truly impact a generation, it must
transition into evangelism. It can't be contained, bottled up or hidden in a
building with doors and stained glass. It is not for the chosen few. The
anointing is for the multitudes.
Many of us are addicted to the charismatic euphoria of
yesterday, not realizing that God has moved on. We are stuck in a time war,
struggling to shift from the refreshing of 1994 to the revival of 2001--a
movement that is destined to impact unbelievers on a scale we can't imagine.
It's time to get off the floor. How many times do we need to
be slain in the Spirit before we will begin sharing the gospel with our
neighbors and co-workers? How many more doses of the anointing do we need before
we will go out into the harvest where the Lord is waiting to demonstrate His
power? How many prophecies to you need to receive before you will believe you
are called to minister?
Please stop hiding inside the church. God knows the lost
aren't going to come in that uninviting building, so He has already gone outside
to look for them. So should we.
Share your insights---> http://www.nppn.org/commentform.htm
___________________________________________________>>>
19. CHICAGO: CITYWIDE
ROUNDTABLE
Impacting € CH!CAGO
€ Transforming
³Because I love this great city and my heart yearns for its people
to be saved²
Isaiah 62:1; an intercessors¹ paraphrase
Radisson Hotel O¹Hare € 6810 N. Mannheim Road € Rosemont, IL
60018
(1 mile north of Interstate 190 / Just east of O¹Hare
Airport at Mannheim &Route 72 (Higgins Road))
One Great City
Citywide Roundtable Of Pastors &
Leaders
12300pm Registration Opens
1:30 Roundtable Begins
.Presentations: Tom & Chris Sine
.Roundtable Discussions
.Prayer for the City
5:30 Networking
6:30 Banquet
8:00 City Strategy Session
³What?² Tom & Chris Sine...
launch our Roundtable by revealing how the future has arrived and it¹s
unavoidable impact on church ministry.
³So What?² City Leaders...
from across Chicago¹s Body of Christ will focus discussion on how we can
reach the people and peoples of our city - together.
³Now What?² Prayer Leaders...
facilitate Ask-Seek-Knock prayers for the Lord to reveal His goals and plans
for impacting and transforming Chicagoland.
Roundtable participants will have an opportunity to network, enjoy a message at
the Evening Banquet, and participate in the City Strategy Session facilitated by
Phil Miglioratti of the National Pastors¹ Prayer Network
ONE GREAT CITY October 5, 2001
Session I ~ Future of the City & City Reaching
Christine and Tom Sine will describe how our urban and suburban communities
are likely to change in North America as we race into the 21st century. As
we are rapidly becoming a part of a new one world economic order it is
dramatically impacting all of our lives, congregations and communities in ways
that we seldom discuss at church. Our cities are becoming globalized.
Which means we will have growing opportunities to do international mission
with out leaving our continent. While some of the urban poor are getting
jobs in this new economy many are being left behind. There are remarkable
opportunities to be involved with urban churches in faith based initiatives, job
training and small business creation. African American and Hispanic
congregations have much to teach us about urban evangelism and church planting
and the spiritual life of the cities and how we can do city reaching with them.
We will also describe how people in our churches in the suburbs and small towns
are being impacted by the new global economy. Many are enjoying growing
affluence but it often comes at a price. We find that many middle class
people are under pressure to work harder and longer than ever before. They
and their kids are also under mounting pressure to consume at levels never seen
before. Which means people are likely to increasingly have less time and
money left over for church, prayer, scripture, family life as well as time and
money to invest in mission. This is an opportunity for leaders to call
middle class congregations and believers back to a whole life faith in which
mission is moved to the center of our lives and communities. It is an
opportunity for middle class Christians to discover that the good life of God is
the life given away in being involved in God's mission to the city.
Session II ~ Dreaming New Dreams & Creating New
Possibilities for City Reaching
Christine and I will revisit God's dream for the future to enable us to find
a biblical vision for city reaching and a renewed sense of mission purpose for
our lives and churches. In fact we will share creative examples of urban
ministry from not only North America but other countries to enable leaders to
create new models of city reaching where they live. We will look at
everything from creating Christian communities in the city to share the good
news of Jesus Christ to urban agriculture projects to help people help
themselves. We will also describe how a new generation are planting new
urban churches where mission is much more at the center of their life together.
We will particularly stress the possibilities of urban/ suburban partnerships in
city reaching. We will also share a broad range of creative new ways
middle class Christians and congregations can put God's purposes first in their
lives creating new forms of timestyles and lifestyles that are more festive and
celebrative than the rat race where believers have time and money for the things
that matter most including mission to the city.
· Tom Sine... He may be best known for his book The Mustard Seed
Conspiracy but his current book, Mustard Seed vs. McWorld: Reinventing
Life and Faith for the Future, has a great deal of content that relates to
city reaching. Tom and Christine have just finished their first joint
project which will be released by Baker Books entitled: Living On Purpose:
Finding God's Best For Your Life. The book is designed to be used as a
church study resource to enable people to draft biblical mission statements for
their lives to reinvent their priorities to put first things first... which
includes time for ministry.
· Christine Sine... She is a medical doctor from Australia that
left her private practice to build a hospital and a medical ministry on the YWAM
ship the Anasatasis. Before we were married she was the Chief Medical
Officer in charge of this medical outreach. She has written two books, Tales
Of A Seasick Doctor on her time on board the ship and Survival Of The
Fittest which is written for people going abroad in short term missions.
She does speaking on a number of mission related topics from the Future of
Global Medical Missions to the Global Aids Crisis. Most of our speaking
and consulting we do together. Christine teaches a course on Incarnation
and the Urban Poor for Fuller that focuses on the future of urban mission. With
her husband, she teaches courses on mission for Fuller in Seattle.
To Register, Send Us...
$35/individual; $50/couple
Make check / Send to: NPPN,
1130 Randville Drive 1D, Palatine, IL 60074
|_| Reserve one hotel room for _____ specify nights
$96/room per night (includes hotel tax)
|_| Pastors / City Leaders SPECIAL
$50 (+ commit to register 10 for Saturday's One Great Day
conference)
Call / Email for details: 847-991-0153 / phil@nppn.org
Include:
Your Name
Ministry Position
Address
City State Zip
Phone
Email Address
Church Name
Church Address
City State Zip
Phone
___________________________________________________>>>
20. MISSION AMERICA CITIES AND
COMMUNITIES REPORT
>From: "Carolyn O'Brien" <CarolynObrien@McLeodUSA.net>
Greetings and blessings friends! It is refreshing to know that the Spirit of the
Lord is moving in cities and communities throughout the nation. We
are humbled that our Lord would allow us to be a part of what He is doing. Our
focus is to faithfully serve our Lord in our roles to identify, connect,
resource transformational leaders who are ministering to mobilize the whole
church to take the whole gospel to the whole nation.
Help Us Build This City Contact Network
We have a vision of identifying, connecting and resourcing transformational
leaders in each of the 2600 cities in America with a population of 10,000 or
more over the next 3-5 years. We hope to have leaders in 600 cities
in this network by the end of the year. You may know of city leaders doing
transformational ministry who are not connected to this email network. Please
forward this email to those you know and ask them to email us if they are
interested in this growing learning community and network. Reply to
CarolynOBrien@McLeodUSA.net.
Monthly Conference Calls
The monthly Mission America City/Community conference calls for
servant-leaders have really seen an increase in participants. On our last call
with Don Eberly, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Faith Based and
Community Initiatives, there were approximately 100 people on the call. We
believe our next three calls will be extremely beneficial and would ask you to
mark the following dates on your calendar :
July 19, Dr. Raymond Bakke, Founder/President of International
Urban Associates, will share an international perspective on Transformational
Urban Leadership in cities, and opportunities for theological education in this
field.
August 16, Dr. Alvin Vander Griend, National Facilitator of the
Lighthouse Movement, will give some encouraging updates on the movement and
report on the daylong national radio broadcast scheduled for September 15.
September 20, Dr. Paul Cedar, CEO of Mission America will update us
on the growth of the Coalition, the Annual Meeting, and significant Coalition
initiatives.
Remember, calls begin at 10 am Central Daylight Time. We encourage calling
in at least 2 minutes before the start of the call. We will provide time for Q
& A. RSVP to CarolynOBrien@McLeodUSA.net and we will send you
the phone # for our next call. Minute from all calls are available
by request.
Major gathering of City Leaders in Orlando--October 24 - 26, 2001
We expect to have city/community leaders from across the country at our next
City Impact Round Table (CIR) meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 24 in
Orlando as part of the Mission America Annual Meeting. The work from this
learning community will serve city transformational movements in some vital
ways. If you have not registered for the conference, we encourage you to do so
immediately (and reserve your hotel now as well). For registration info,
contact CarolynOBrien@McLeodUSA.net.
Your brothers and fellow servants in Christ, Jarvis Ward and Glenn Barth
Mission America National Facilitators for City/Community Ministries
___________________________________________________>>>
** CITY STORIES ---> phil@nppn.org
-How is God moving in your PPG?
-How can others connect with you?.
-Respond to something you've seen posted
-Submit a prayer request for your city or region
-Share a model or resource for prayer evangelism
=============================================================
Phil Miglioratti, National Pastors' Prayer Network. 1130 Randville Drive,
Palatine, IL 60074
847-991-0153 ~ 847-358-9337(fax) ~ http://www.nppn.org
~ email: phil@nppn.org
Register your PPG: http://www.nppn.org/ppg/
Sheila Straka ~ Intercession: sheila@nppn.org
Chuck Straka ~ Web Master: straka1@nppn.org
Adam Shields ~ Tech Support: Updates@nppn.org
--->Unless clearly identified as "Personal To _____" or
"Confidential" all information and comments sent to phil@nppn.org will
be considered for use in a future NPPN Update.
--->Send all Email attachments as "text" (rather than in a specific
program).
--->Copyright 2001. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute to
those who will partner in praying for and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ
with everyone in our nation and beyond.
--->Opinions reflect the views of each author or respondent, not the NPPN or
any other person or organization
=============================================================