National  Pastors'  Prayer  Network

CITY CONNECTIONS
One Church; Many Congregations
12/31/2004

2004 Year of Prayer for Pastors
 http://www.prayingpastor.com

Click Here for Past Updates



I N   T H I S   U P D A T E     . . . . .    and for our prayers:

NPPN: CONNECTING CONNECTORS
CITY IMPACT ROUNDTABLE: NATIONAL MEETING
SCRANTON PHILADELPHIA NEW YORK CITY: PASTORS CONFERENCE ON COMMUNITY EVANGELIZATION
TOPEKA, KS: CITYWIDE PRAYER GATHERING
CHATTANOOGA, TN: THOUSANDS EXPECTED ON GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER
CINCINNATI, OH: MEND THE RACES DURING CHRISTMAS
SACRAMENTO, CA: PASTORS ROUNDTABLE BLOG
DILKON, ARIZONA: FREE GROCERIES
MINNEAPOLIS, MN: MARKETPLACE TRANSFORMATION
RALEIGH-DURHAM, NC: PASTORS PRAYER AND ROUNDTABLE
HOUSTON, TX: BLACKABY, CAMPOLO, PASTORS PRAYER SUMMIT
SALT LAKE CITY, UT: HISTORIC MEETING AT MORMON TABERNACLE
CAN A CITY BE TRANSFORMED FOR JESUS CHRIST?
WORLD PRAYER CENTER: LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FOR NATIONAL REVIVAL

 

NPPN: CONNECTING CONNECTORS
 >From: "Neil Cox, Ministry Support Services" <coach@goal-partners.com>

Thanks for the November Connections tip re YouthWorkers.net -- excellent.  It connected me to someone just a couple of miles from us right here in the north suburbs of Indy.  So I'm planning to run 'Connections' early this next week at http://IndyChristian.com/daily.htm
 
Blessings brother for all the many ways you're impacting the kingdom.
 
YBIC, Neil
 
CITY IMPACT ROUNDTABLE: NATIONAL MEETING
>From: "City Reaching" <info@cityreaching.com>
 
National City Impact Roundtable in St. Louis April 11-13
Missouri Athletic Club in Downtown St. Louis
Hosted by the Mission Metro St. Louis
 
WHO IS INVITED
 
SCHEDULE
Begin 1:30 PM Monday, April 11 & conclude 12:30 PM Wednesday, April 13.
 
COST
Registration (yet to be determined) will include Monday dinner and Tuesday lunch at the MAC.
Double occupancy hotel rate: $85.  
Shuttle from and to the airport graciously provided by Mission Metro St. Louis.
 
FOCUS
A refreshing mix of foci & formats, but mostly accomplished city-reachers telling their stories & sharing models, followed by open dialogue or roundtables. Workshop topics will include:
 
Set these dates aside now! Consider bringing at least two, preferably five from your city movement. Consider also a mix of emerging leaders, women, diverse ethnicities and men & women of influence in the marketplace. IDEAL--bringing a diverse group of 5-7 leaders to maximize workshop exposures, creative thinking and practical takeaways for your city or region.

We are pleased to announce Tom White as the CIR Convener for 2005.  Tom is with Frontline Ministries, and a member of the CitiChurch of Corvallis Leadership Team in Oregon.  This event is offered through the City/Community Ministries of the Mission America Coalition.  National Facilitators, Glenn Barth, Jarvis Ward and Phil Miglioratti serve cityreaching movements throughout the nation in their work with the Mission America Coalition, of which the CIR is a part.  Tom White and a design team of eight seasoned veteran cityreachers are planning the foci and format for St. Louis.
 
Look for another more detailed bulletin after January 1.

Glenn Barth, Jarvis Ward and Phil Miglioratti
National Facilitators, Mission America City/Community Ministries
www.cityreaching.com 
 
SCRANTON PHILADELPHIA NEW YORK CITY: PASTORS CONFERENCE ON COMMUNITY EVANGELIZATION
>From: <hishealinghand@max.com>

His Healing Hand Ministries in NE Pennsylvania will be holding a pastors conference on February at Ladore Conference Center on February 2nd, 2005.

This is an all day help conference for pastors and church leaders on evangelizing in their local neighborhoods. Representatives from Prison Fellowship, World Outreach,
Operation Share the Word and others will be sharing to those who attend, how to evangelize and attract the lost to the local church. It is open to church pastors and evangelists from all denominations.

Ladore Conference center is owned by the Salvation Army and is located east of Scranton in NE Pennsylvania. It is two and a half hours north of Philadelphia and the same
distance west of New York City.

The cost for the conference is $25 and includes lunch and refreshments. The conference will start at 9AM and end at 4PM and accomodations are availible from the Salvation
Army for $50.

For further information, visit http://www.hishealinghand.com
 
TOPEKA, KS: CITYWIDE PRAYER GATHERING
>From: Ian Johnson <ian4christ41@yahoo.com>

Nondenominational Christian prayer meeting in solidarity with Christians in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Where:  Hillcrest Community Center, 1800 E. 21st, Topeka, Kansas.

When:  Saturday, January 15, 2005, at 1:30 p.m..

Who:  All Christians are invited, regardless of denomination.  Sponsored by Christian-oneness.org and the Topeka Evangelistic Association.

Cost:  Free.  No registration required.  No offering will be received.

Why:  There are approximately 1,000 to 10,000 native Christians in Afghanistan and 500,000 to 1 million native Christians in Iraq, living under intense persecution and in a war zone.  Many of the American and coalition troops and foreign aid workers in these countries are also our Christian brothers and sisters.

They desperately need our prayers, for safety, for provision of their needs, for boldness and most of all that peace may be restored.  Participants are encouraged to bring any information that may safely be shared regarding Christians in Iraq or Afghanistan with whom they or their churches have contact, and the
names of any soldiers from their churches stationed in these countries.

For additional information: http://www.christian-oneness.org/announcements/
Ian Johnson, (785) 235-9569
ian4christ41@yahoo.com.  
1601 S.E. Maryland, Topeka, KS 66607.
 
CHATTANOOGA, TN: THOUSANDS EXPECTED ON GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER
>From: Bob Bakke <rbakke@gdop-usa.com>

GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER
10 Days 1 Day 90 Days
15 May 2005
www.globaldayofprayer.com

Dear Friends:
I just received this word from Chattanooga.  Rejoice.

-------------
The Chattanooga Resource Foundation, is already at work planning to take part in the Global Day of Prayer for the Chattanooga area.  We expect 5,000-8,000 people. we are already showing the video and recruiting a leadership team and raising funds. Please keep us in the loop about how we can be involved with the global movement.

Douglas E Daugherty, Sr.
Chattanooga Resource Foundation
------------------------

Pray for me on Monday as I meet with leaders from across the city of Nashville, TN.  And on Monday when marketplace leaders from across the U.S. meet with Corkie Haan, Dave Butts (National Prayer Committee Chairman) and myself.

Happy New Year!
Dr. Robert O. Bakke
US Coordinator, Executive Producer of Global Broadcast
15121 Chicago Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55306
612-868-4331
rbakke@GDOP-USA.com

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14
 
CINCINNATI, OH: MEND THE RACES DURING CHRISTMAS
>From: "Crosswalk" <Religion_Today_Summaries@lists.crosswalk.com>
>Reply-To: "Religion Today Summaries" <Religion_Today_Summaries@lists.crosswalk.com>

A Kentucky church has taken the opportunity of the Christmas season to promote a message of racial unity in Cincinnati.  Alongside the display of a Christmas tree and a menorah in the city square, the church placed a cross and a sign designed to do more than just spread Christmas cheer.  The Christmas cross is colored yellow and features the words "Jesus is God's gift to us."  Next to the cross is a sign that says "red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight."  Both were placed on the Fountain Square by Decoursey Baptist Church of nearby Covington, Kentucky, in a city, according to Pastor Ashley Beagle, with a history of racial tensions.  He cites instances of police brutality, racial profiling, and even a riot in the mid-1990s.  Those tensions, he says, are stirred by yearly holiday displays of ten-foot crosses, erected by the Ku Klux Klan, that prompted fights as well as vandalism.  Beagle says he and the other members of the racial reconciliation group "Transformation Cincinnati" decided a message was needed that would bring people together and mend the races during a season of talking about God's love.  "That was our main objective: to reach to everyone regardless of skin color [or] financial background," the pastor says.  "We want to show God's love in a positive way."
 
SACRAMENTO, CA: PASTORS ROUNDTABLE BLOG
<From: "Joe Walsh" <walshusa@pacbell.net>
 
Dear Pastors in Metro Sacramento,
Greetings of Merry Christmas and heartfelt support to you and your family.  God loves you!   Your church loves you!   And this metropolitan area needs you!   And it's recognized that our region is growing at a phenomenal rate!  It's the fastest in all California.  And is it ever busy!   Ask any pastor and he'll tell you how much his work load has increased over the last five years.
 
And the busy-ness keeps us apart.   It's hard to get across the city and in the process with your meeting to use up half or more of your day.  That time is precious!   The Sacramento Pastors Roundtable (BLog) was created for that reason.  It's a place to meet online, to leave your comments, prayer requests, etc., day or night.  In your leisure.    It's ONLY for you pastor, not para-church ministry leaders or intercessors.  They will have their own.   This one is only for you!
 
Please do not be timid or shy with the BLog even though it's new.  We will grow in our experience of walking together in fellowship and unity, to love the Lord together with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
 
My the Lord greatly make His face to shine upon you -- Jesus Alive in 2005!
 
Click here:  {Contact Joe Walsh regarding the site}
 
Joe Walsh
"bring people together . . ."
<http://www.ccnews.org>  
 
DILKON, ARIZONA: FREE GROCERIES
>From: "Crosswalk" <Religion_Today_Summaries@lists.crosswalk.com>
>Reply-To: "Religion Today Summaries" <Religion_Today_Summaries@lists.crosswalk.com>

Residents of the nation's largest Navajo reservation are finding Christ's love every week -- in the form of free groceries. Robert and Rene Briceland provide the food to the people of Dilkon, Az. It was a tough start for the young couple who so strongly believed God had called them to help the poor on the reservation. That was then. Today, the Bricelands' persistence has paid off. Robert and Rene are the pastors of Jesus Bi'Ghan Mission ("House of Jesus"), a mixed congregation in a small community tucked away in the flattop mesa hills, about 25 miles northeast of Winslow, Az. It was their concern and care for the poor that helped them break down the barriers of prejudice and mistrust they initially encountered from the local residents. In a strange twist of fate, the Bricelands -- through their food bank -- ended up helping many of the area residents who were most opposed to their living on the reservation. The food ministry is a part of the couple's Truth of Life Jesus Ministries and was started from the back of an old pickup truck. It began by providing groceries for 50 families a month. Today it serves nearly 450 families a month. (http://www.charismanow.com)

 
MINNEAPOLIS, MN: MARKETPLACE TRANSFORMATION
>>From: "International Coalition of Workplace Ministries" <os@marketplaceleaders.org>

Delegates from 12 Countries and 25 US States Gather in Minneapolis St. Paul to be Challenged to Transform Workplace and Cities
 
Minneapolis St. Paul, Minnesota Participants from 12 countries and 25 US states gathered October 26-29 as more than 30 speakers challenged the participants to understand how to bring transformation through Jesus Christ to workplaces, cities, nations and even the local church. The annual summit was hosted by the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries (ICWM). "It was like seeing a panorama of God's move in the workplace through the many speakers we heard from this week. It really gave us a broader view of God's move today," said See Lok Ting, a business leader from Malaysia who was one of the foreign participants.
 
The session opened with a message from Alistair Petrie, author of the book Transformed! and researcher of worldwide communities where transformation has taken place. "We have identified more than 200 communities somewhere in the world that we can say are currently in some form of transformation stage. We live in an exciting time," says Petrie. Petrie helped the participants to understand what is required to bring and sustain transformation in a city. He cited that God is using marketplace leaders as a core ingredient to transformation because of the authority they have to make changes in cities and nations.
 
Os Hillman, director of the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries, presented an update on significant developments on the workplace movement in the last twelve months. "2003 was a significant year in the workplace movement because of the many non-workplace para-church groups that began new initiatives that surfaced in 2004. Groups such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the Southern Baptist's Elevate conferences targeting the 19-29 year olds, Dr. Peter Wagner's Wagner Leadership Institute and Ed Silvoso's Harvest Evangelism are just a few of the major ministries that have adopted a workplace focus in 2003 and 2004.
 
He cited the many articles and programs were featured in secular media during the year and made special note of a major cover story article that was to appear in the October 31 issue of the New York Times magazine on spirituality in the workplace. Hillman said that he believed the movement still has a long way to go to see real transformation but that some major churches were now beginning to see the value of equipping workplace believers to see their work as a calling and a ministry. This is requiring churches to change the way they are equipping. Many new books were cited as new releases in the last twelve months.
 
Other presentations were made by Linda Rios Brook, Dale Neill, Ed Silvoso, Ron O'Guinn, Al Hollingsworth, and pastor Leith Anderson. Pastor Leith Anderson of Wooddale Church in Minneapolis challenged the participants during the church focus about making the local church relevant to the preaching and teaching in that local congregation. He shared many examples of how his church is learning to equip believers where they spend most of their time the workplace. Anderson challenged pastors to invite this new process into their churches in order to change their paradigm of how they equip believers and make it more visible to the congregation. He said the pastor should not be the one that drives the process but does need to embrace it. Many practical examples were given by Anderson and the panel members.
 
One of the highlights of the summit was a reconciliation time between pastors and business leaders. Os Hillman asked pastor Ron O'Guinn to step forward and asked that a marketplace leader in the audience step forward to ask forgiveness from pastors for blaming pastors for the misplaced expectations often placed on them from marketplace leaders. This was an important spiritual moment in the summit as many participants embraced this reconciliation time. Leaders were challenged to make pastors their partners in ministry and to seek dialogue about how the church can be better at equipping believers.
 
Dale Neill, president of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce, was the keynote speaker at the Twin Cities Workplace Ministry banquet co-hosted with ICWM on Thursday night. "The Church must grow past the 'Gospel of Salvation' message and understand that it is only when we begin to implement the principles of the 'Gospel of the Kingdom' that we will really begin to see change in lives and cities and nations. The Church has no understanding of this realm," he said. Neill gave examples of how we are losing the battle because of a lack of understanding in how to defeat spiritual forces that are often unseen. "The Church must grow up," he said.
 
Dawie Spangenberg of Transformation Africa shared what God is doing on the continent of Africa through Transformation Africa. More than 20 million people prayed together this past May 2 in Africa as the continent held this one day of prayer focus. More than 2000 venues in 56 nations participated. He shared how the Global Day of Prayer will take place on May 15, 2005 on all continents and challenged the delegates to get their cities on board with this initiative. Spangenberg challenged the marketplace leaders with a strong exhortation: "If you are a business leader in a city and are not actively investing with your talents and resources toward transformation in that city, then you need to leave that city! You are raping your city!" Spangenberg challenged the delegates to get involved in transforming the city where they live.
 
The Summit concluded with a very meaning time of commissioning and communion led by pastor Johnny Enlow. The Summit included more than 8 teams of intercessors that prayed for each of the participants all during the summit. Participants surrounded the intercessors and prayed for them in appreciation for their service to them.
 
All of the sessions and workshops were recorded and can be purchased at the following website.
http://www.best-christian-conferences.com/dev/store/scripts/conference3.asp?id=5641 <http://www.best-christian-conferences.com/dev/store/scripts/conference3.asp?id=5641>
 
For more information visit our website at www.icwm.net
Subscribe: ICWM-subscribe@MyInJesus.com
 
RALEIGH-DURHAM, NC: PASTORS PRAYER AND ROUNDTABLE
>From: Biblicalwm@aol.com

ROUNDTABLE ON RACE - FEBRUARY 24, 2005
In partnership with First Steps Ministries and Building Together Ministries, BWM is proud to announce our next Roundtable on Race will be Thursday, February 24, 2005 from 12:00-2:30pm at Building Together Ministries in Raleigh.  Our guest speaker will be Dr. Dumas Harshaw, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Raleigh.  Lunch will be served. Sign up now by calling (919)783-6075. SEATING IS LIMITED!  There is no charge, but a $5.00 donation is requested.
 
PASTOR'S PRAYER SUMMIT - MARCH 7-9, 2005
Make plans now to attend! Pastors Prayer Summit, March 7-9, 2005 Ft. Caswell Retreat and Conference Center, Ft. Caswell, North Carolina.  Join with area pastors for three days of prayer, worship, sharing and fellowship at Caswell's quiet, contemplative coastal setting.  Hosted by Raleigh-Area Concerts of Prayer.  For more information, please contact Don Rayno at 388-3836.

II CHRONICLES 7:14 PASTORS PRAYER GATHERING - EVERY TUESDAY
Bethlehem Baptist Church , 7215 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC. This gathering has been a follow up to the Raleigh Promise Keepers outreach in 2002. You are encouraged to join with area pastors to pray each  Tuesday (7:00AM-8:00AM) as we humble ourselves, seek God's face and confess our sins. We pray that as we ourselves draw near to God in this way, the area Body of Christ will be encouraged to do likewise. Such is the air that revival breathes. For more information, please contact Bethlehem Baptist Church at 847-5219.

RALEIGH PASTORS' PRAYER - 1ST & 3RD THURSDAYS
Pastors are now meeting weekly for prayer in Raleigh. Each 1st & 3rd Thursday at noon, area shepherds gather together for an hour to pray for one another, for the needs of the city, and for God to move in revival here in our region. The host church is Raleigh International Church, at 4020 Capital Blvd. Interested pastors can call Olden Thornton at (919) 875-0950. Pray that God would bring many area pastors together each week to join in prayer. Pray that their hearts would be knitted together. And join with these pastors in praying for the Lord to bring a powerful work of spiritual awakening to the Church here in our area. For more information, contact Don Rayno  <mailto:drayno55@aol.com> at Raleigh-Area Concerts of Prayer (919) 388-3836.

DURHAM MINISTERS IN PRAYER-  EACH TUESDAY
Dayspring Fellowship 922 9th Street, Durham.  (919) 286-105 8
 
HOUSTON, TX: BLACKABY, CAMPOLO, PASTORS PRAYER SUMMIT
>From: info@missionhouston.org
>At: <http://www.UBAHOUSTON.ORG>

Blackaby To Lead Spiritual Encounter Weekend
    A Spiritual Encounter Weekend featuring author Henry Blackaby is planned for January 28-29 at Grace Community Church, 14505 Gulf Freeway. The event is sponsored by Grace Community, Houston Prays and Union Baptist Association.  ...more <http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/news/fullstory_public.cfm?articleid=19547&website=missionhouston.org>

Author, minister, and advocate for the poor and disenfranchised Tony Campolo will be part of a celebration of the diversity of the body of Christ from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at Willow Meadows Baptist. Campolo to Address "Diverse by Design"
    "Diverse by Design" is the topic of a January 15 gathering in southwest Houston that welcomes congregations of various denominations and cultures for a time of prayer, song, worship and preaching from celebrated and thought-provoking author and advocate Tony Campolo. The event is scheduled for 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday evening at Willow Meadows Baptist Church and is being co-sponsored by the church, Mission Houston, and Union Baptist Association. Two ministry opportunities are also scheduled as follow-up events.  ...more <http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/news/fullstory_public.cfm?articleid=19730&website=missionhouston.org>

Pastors Preparation for 2004 Prayer Summit <http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/photoalbum/album_view.cfm?albumid=3943&website=missionhouston.org>

2004 Prayer Summit <http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/photoalbum/album_view.cfm?albumid=4283&website=missionhouston.org>

North Channel Congress Stage 1 <http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/photoalbum/album_view.cfm?albumid=3860&website=missionhouston.org>

A Day of Listening <http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/photoalbum/album_view.cfm?albumid=3622&website=missionhouston.org>

Houston Profile Project Training  <http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/photoalbum/album_view.cfm?albumid=3354&website=missionhouston.org>

Feedback  Surveys
Beliefs About Personal Transformation  <http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/forms/completeform_public.cfm?formid=3169&website=missionhouston.org>
What do you believe about personal transformation?
Community Transformation Feedback  <http://www.missionhouston.org/synapse/forms/completeform_public.cfm?formid=3237&website=missionhouston.org>
Thank you for your interest in community transformation. Your responses will assist Mission Houston as we live into our vision for a transformed city.
 
SALT LAKE CITY, UT: HISTORIC MEETING AT MORMON TABERNACLE
>From: "assistnews" <assistnews@adelphia.net>

EVANGELICALS SPEAK AT MORMON TABERNACLE FOR FIRST TIME IN A CENTURY
Historic event in Salt Lake City stirs controversy, raises hope for change
By Mark Ellis
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

LA MIRADA, CALIFORNIA  (ANS) -- Noted Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias and other evangelicals shared the stage November 14 with leaders of the LDS church for the first time since D.L. Moody preached there in 1899.

The joint event dubbed An Evening of Friendship," was organized by ex-Mormon Greg Johnson, director of Standing Together Ministries, a coalition of evangelical churches working to improve relations with the LDS church. He worked alongside Robert Millet, the prolific LDS author and professor at BYU, to put on the evening.

The Tabernacle was filled to capacity with 7,000 tickets distributed. Some estimate one-third or more of the audience was Mormon; evangelicals made up the balance.

We're amazed this happened, period," said Craig Hazen, professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University, who gave the closing prayer. The Mormons have been changing a great deal since the 19th Century," he noted. The changes in Mormonism made this possible."

The evening was not without controversy. In brief introductory remarks, Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Seminary, apologized to Mormons for misrepresentation of Mormon theology by evangelicals. "I am now convinced that we evangelicals have often seriously misrepresented the beliefs and practices of the Mormon community," Mouw said. Indeed, let me state it bluntly to the LDS folks here this evening: we have sinned against you."

The God of the Scriptures makes it clear that it is a terrible thing to bear false witness against our neighbors, and we have been guilty of that sort of transgression in things we have said about you," he continued. "We have told you what you believe without making a sincere effort first of all to ask you what you believe."

Mouws conviction stemmed from "lengthy closed-door discussions" he and a small group of evangelical scholars have held over the last six years with their LDS counterparts, he said.

Several evangelical pastors in the audience took offense at Mouws comments, and the subsequent controversy caused him to clarify his remarks in an email sent to Baptist Press News. I certainly did not mean to imply that every evangelical has sinned in this regard," Mouw wrote. In none of this am I saying that Mormons are orthodox Christians. But I do believe that there are elements in Mormon thought that if emphasized, while de-emphasizing other elements, could constitute a message within Mormonism of salvation by grace alone through the blood of Jesus Christ."

The focal point of the evening was Ravi Zachariass message "Defending Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life." The Christian apologist originally from India received a standing ovation for a message that emphasized the sufficiency and exclusivity of Jesus Christ. He described the resurrection of Jesus as mankinds only hope, and also taught about the Trinity.

When Ravi spoke in the Tabernacle he was right down the line; really clear," said Dale Fincher, a staff writer and apologist with Ravi Zacharias Ministries International. He said only Christ can rescue us from our fallen condition and only through Jesus is there salvation," Fincher said. He said our goal is to see the face of Christ, not necessarily to go to our own heaven."

Mormon leaders sat on one side of the stage and evangelical leaders sat on the other. After many of the points people would applaud," Fincher observed. "The Mormons applauded on almost every point except for one," he said. "When Ravi said, The only way to find unity in diversity is in community in the Trinity the Mormon scholars sat there with their hands on their laps."

Fincher was initially concerned about the strength of Zachariass voice, because of some recent difficulties. I heard Ravi use his voice in the Tabernacle unlike any time in a decade," he said. There were some climaxes in that sermon that just shook the roof. It was amazing."

Christian singer and songwriter Michael Card led five worship songs for the evening. "It was surreal to see evangelicals worshiping in Spirit and Truth at the center of Mormon power and influence," reported Biolas Craig Hazen. (Pictured: Craig Hazen, professor of Christian apologetics, Biola University).

Some months ago Greg Johnson, president of Standing Together, sent a personal note to Gordon B. Hinckley, 94, the current head of the LDS church, seeking approval for the event, which included two other evenings at local colleges. Some were shocked when the LDS leader approved. God has put him there for such a time as this," Fincher believes.

They want to be recognized as Christians said Hazen. "But Christians are monotheistic, and until Mormons embrace that we cant talk about it."

Hazen sees a possible parallel in the recent history of the Worldwide Church of God, which embraced orthodoxy after the death of its founder, Herbert W. Armstrong. "The changes in that body has given us new vigor and hope," Hazen said. Its recharged our batteries in terms of dealing with LDS."

On the one hand, Hazen sees Novembers event as a "spiritual earthquake that will be featured prominently in future historical accounts. On the other hand, he doesnt want to overblow what happened. To think this is a turning point or Mormons are going to repent or get rid of all the craziness in their past its not going to happen overnight, he noted.

Hazen is among a handful of evangelicals engaged in ongoing discussions with Mormon scholars. Were having rich discussions right now, he said. I cant wait to see what God does next.

ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 2126, Garden Grove, CA 92842-2126 USA
E-mail: danjuma1@aol.com, Web Site: www.assistnews.net <http://www.assistnews.net/>
Mark Ellis is a Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News  Service. He is also an assistant pastor in Laguna Beach, CA. Contact Ellis  at marsalis@fea.net
You may republish this story with proper attribution.
 
CAN A CITY BE TRANSFORMED FOR JESUS CHRIST?
>From: Nicholas King <worldprayer04@yahoo.co.uk>

   --->NPPNote: Pastors Prayer Groups and City Reachers should take special note of the final segment of this posting that offers insight on why pastors are often barriers to city-wide prayer and collaboration.

Can a City be Transformed for Jesus Christ?
by Os Hillman

A city can be transformed for Jesus Christ, today we are finding no less than 200 cities across the world that are in some form of transformation in the world, according to Alistair Petrie, author of Transformed! Petrie spoke at the 2004 ICWM Workplace Transformation Summit in Minnesota October 26, 2004. He cited these cities as having a level of transformation in every aspect of its public and governmental and business life. This is what it means to transform.

Websters dictionary says it this way:
 
Transformation means to "change the form of; to change in structure or composition; to change in nature, disposition, heart, or the like; convert. It means a thorough or radical change, whether in appearance or nature." However, transformation does not equate to perfection or utopia for either an individual or city
 
One of the First Cities Transformed in the Bible
One of the first cities in the Bible transformed was Samaria. It started with the woman at the well. She was a Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the "water cooler." Jesus did two things that went against societal norms. First, he spoke to her. Men did not often speak to women in that culture. Second, he was a Jew and she was a Samaritan. Neither would speak to each other. These two things were immediately noticed by the woman.
 
Jesus asked her for a drink of water. During the conversation he asked about her husband and she said she did not have one. But Jesus said she had had five. This "Word of Knowledge" allowed Jesus to speak into her life. This led to the woman's conversion. She shared her newfound faith with others in the city and many believed because of her testimony. "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers." -- John 4:39-41
 
One of the first things that must take place for a city to be transformed is for Jesus to be invited into that city through the city gatekeepers. This is what happened in Samaria and it has also happened in cities where transformation is taking place. In Uganda, the Christians replaced the evil government of Idi Amin. The Parliament prays, the police fax prayer requests to judges, and a major bank plays praise music on all 11 floors. In some communities crime is down 70 percent.
 
They attribute this change in power to the prayers of saints made on behalf of their country. The new city leaders invited Jesus into their city as Lord over their city. The results? At one point AIDS in Uganda was at 33.3 percent. The World Health Organization predicted that Uganda's economy would collapse by 1999 or 2000 because there would be only widows and orphans left. So people sought the Lord and prayed. Today, AIDS has dropped to 5 percent.
 
The marketplace is key to a city being transformed because those in the marketplace often are in places of power that can make changes. So, the natural result of a life transformed is a marketplace and a city transformed. The problem that exists today is that "marketplace apostles" are not being recognized nor do they even recognize themselves. They have not seen their careers as a holy calling and have not understood God's redemption nature of their work and calling. Consequently, they often resign themselves as "financiers" of God's work instead of being a major catalyst for transformation of their workplaces and cities.
 
God Is Birthing Coalitions throughout the Nations
Another ingredient to city transformation is the formation of city coalitions. In the larger cities I see four types of people coming together with a vision for transforming their city. They include workplace leaders, pastors, non-profit workplace ministries and intercessors. When you combine these four groups of people you have a very strong core of leadership that can impact a city. However, the difficulty is bringing those leaders together in such a way that there is real unity.
 
God is doing this very thing in Africa. My friend Dawie Spangenberg heads up Transformation Africa. It began four years ago in Cape Town. A man named Graham Power got a vision from God to have his city begin to pray for the needs of the city. He rented the local stadium and God filled it up. This led to church leaders getting involved and four years later the largest prayer meeting ever took place on May 2, 2004 with 56 countries throughout the continent of Africa praying together for three hours. More than 20 million people were estimated to have been praying that day. Before the first prayer day took place four years ago in Cape Town, more than  20 bombs had gone off in the city. There has not been on incident since that time. Also, for the first time in African history, there is no national civil war taking place in any country in Africa. These are evidences of God's activity when Christians pray for their city and move in unity.
 
Jeremiah Lanphier Caused a City to be Transformed
In 1857 Jeremiah Lanphier started a small prayer group on Wall Street. It began with 6 people. Within 6 months there were 30,000 praying together. It started a revival in New York City that spread to other cities across the nation. Businesses were closed at noon hours to pray. The fabric of the city was changed.
 
William Wilberforce was also a transformer in his day. Although he did not cause a city transformation movement, he alone led more than 69 world-changing initiatives that changed society. The most notable was the abolishment of slavery in England after 30 years of work.
 
What is the DNA of City Transformation?
There are four key ingredients required to see a city transformed. They include 1) prayer, 2) humility, 3) unity, and 4) knowledge of God's ways.
 
*Prayer
In every city where transformation has taken place believers have had to come together to pray for their city. Prayer changes the spiritual climate of a city. "God prepares the Church by releasing holy discontent with its own impotence and spiritual barrenness. If revival is to come, the Church has to pray for a hunger regarded as radical," says Evan Roberts, from the Welsh Revival of 1906. "God prepares the Church by  releasing holy discontent with its own impotence and spiritual barrenness. If revival is to come, the Church has to pray for a hunger regarded as radical." "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chron 7:14.
 
There are some key gatekeepers that must be the focus of our prayers if we want to see change in the city.
Prayer for Leaders - 7 Key Areas - We must identify and pray for city gatekeepers in 7 domains and these general categories.
1.City Church  all churches and denominations
2.Legal
3.Business
4.Political
5.Education
6.Medical
7.Media and Entertainment

*Humility
God uses men and women who recognize they need each other and do not seek glory for their work. This is the kind of leader God is using today. "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way" (Ps 25:9).  A man's pride brings him low,
but a man of lowly spirit gains honor"(Prov 29:23).

The Bible says Moses was the most humble man on earth. This is why God used him to deliver a people from slavery and bondage. "Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth" ( Num 12:3).
  
*Unity
Unity is a core ingredient of city transformation. Jesus tells us in John 17: "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me".  (John 17:22-23). We do not have unity just for unity's sake. Unity is built when we roll up our sleeves and enter the battle together. Having a citywide prayer day allows a city to join together in the battle for the city. It is not the event that will change the city, it is the process of developing unity among leaders that will cause the change in the city. Prayer and coming together is simply the vehicle God uses to bring his favor on the city. The marketplace and the  Church must come together to bless the city with practical initiatives that benefit the city.
  
*Knowledge of God's Ways
David wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the city of Jerusalem. He was zealous for God and celebrated as he brought the Ark into the city. However, the Ark was being carried into the city on a cart and Uzzah reached out to catch the Ark when they stumbled. He was stricken dead by God and David was devastated. "When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled.  The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God." (2 Sam 6:6-7).
  
Why didn't David know that the Ark was required to be carried by priests on poles? That is a question I would like to ask of David. Many times those of us in the marketplace are zealous for God but we often move in presumption instead of faith that is rooted in knowledge of God's ways. We must connect with our priests and pastors to jointly work on bringing the presence of God into our cities. Otherwise, we will fail like David. "For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge" (Romans 10:2).
 
Dawie Spangenberg, director of Transformation Africa exhorts business leaders in a city to take serious their commitment to their city. He said in a recent talk to marketplace leaders, "If you are a businessman or woman in your city and you are not actively involved in using your talent and resources to transform your city then you are raping your city." This is strong language for an American to hear but there is truth to his statement. Our businesses were not made simply to provide employment and a good living for all those involved in that business. There is a higher purpose God has for any business. We must be good stewards of that calling upon our work lives.
 
Why Don't Local Churches Get Involved in City Transformation?

I have often wondered why local churches do not see the need to invest in transformation of their cities. Only recently have I come to understand why this problem exists. It has a lot to do with the lack of the five-fold ministry gifts cited in Ephesians 4. "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ"  (Eph 4:11-13). If a local church does not have balanced  leadership made up of all five offices then the church will not have a focus that goes beyond its four walls.
 
Peter Wagner cites some excellent insights from Jim Hodges of Federation of Ministers and Churches about this dilemma.
    "The pastoral mind-set focuses primarily on individual believers, the "sheep," as it should. The apostolic mind-set focuses on the corporate vision and outreach of the local church.
    The pastoral mind-set wants to take the congregation, the "flock," to its next level of service to God. The apostolic mind-set goes beyond the congregation and targets the city and regional transformation.
    The pastor mind-set attempts to maintain harmony, balance, and peace and stability. The apostolic mind-set pushes out to the frontiers of the mission of God with all the risks involved in aggressive warfare.
    The pastor mind-set regards the church as the family of God. Socialization becomes important. The apostolic mind-set regards the church as the army of God. Effective strategy become important. Pastors want their people in the bedroom (intimacy with God), while apostles want them on the battlefield (warfare against the devil).
    Pastors are comfortable with and connect better with teachers. Apostles, on the other hand, are more comfortable with and connect better with prophets.
    The pastoral mind-set avoids controversy so that everything remains settled. The apostolic mind-set welcomes and confronts controversy with the goal of resolution."
 
As I mentioned earlier, God is forming city coalitions throughout the nations right now. I have documented at least 10 cities that have formalized coalitions operating. What does all this mean? Perhaps Alistair Petrie has the answer: "Present-day indicators point toward a revival of national and international proportion, the likes of which we have not yet seen, but that appears to be on the horizon."    Alistair Petrie, Transformed!
 
WORLD PRAYER CENTER: LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FOR NATIONAL REVIVAL
>From: Tatsuo Akamine <tatsuo_a@sbcglobal.net>

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FOR NATIONAL REVIVAL
"We must work the works of Him who sent Me, as long as it is day; night is coming, when no man can work (John 9:4)
     
February 10-11, 2005 (Thurs.-Friday) (changed from January 13-15, 2005 )
World Prayer Center, 11005 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, Colorado  80921
 
Purpose:  
1)   To inform and challenge Pastors and Christian leaders on the nature and impact of revival ("revival" with big letter "R") both historically and in current national and global revival movements.  
2)     To establish and implement effective city-wide and nation-wide revival prayer strategies in order to turn the tide of godlessness and wickedness and to usher in a national spiritual awakening.
3)   To bring together revivalist leaders to pray, to wait on Him, to hear what God is saying to us individually and corporately in this unprecedented historic season for the Body of Christ in America.  
4)  To learn how we can be used instrumentally by Almighty God to spread revival from our knees to the pulpits in America; to the pew then out of the four walls of the sanctuary to transform our cities, states, and nation.
5)   To strengthen, encourage, and then expand the network of existing ministries devoted to national revival throughout North America.
  
Some of the Guest Speakers
    Peter Marshall, revivalist, historian who co-authored with David Manuel three  national best-sellers, The Light & Glory, From Sea to Shining Sea, Sounding Forth the Trumpet, will share on the impact of revival in U.S. history and what God is saying to us in 2005.  
    Dick Simmons, Founder & Director of Men for Nations, Washington D.C., will teach on the indispensable role of intercession and prayer in historic revival movements.  The Lord has given him the vision of training & mobilizing 500,000 men across America to initiate a national pre-dawn prayer offensive (5-7am) to turn back ungodliness and usher in national spiritual awakening.   
    Dr. Matthew J. Welde, ordained Presbyterian minister and global church leader with an extensive educational and ministry background that has taken him to every continent in the world.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Center for World Missions, Pasadena, CA. Dr. Welde will come and address the current global revival movements.
 
Who Should Come?
       Pastors (Senior, Associate, Youth, etc.)
       Market Place Christian leaders (Government, Business, Media, Education, etc.)
       Revivalists/Evangelists
       Prayer Leaders
 
Sponsored by Prayer Summit for more information contact Tatsuo Akamine @ (310) 738-5970.   PLEASE RSVP by January 18, 2005.
Feel free to forward this email to other leaders the Lord may put on your heart.  
 
For National Repentance & Revival,
Tatsuo Akamine, National Coordinator for Prayer Summit
 
National Pastors' Prayer Network
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