April 05, 2006
MIM Ezine April 4, 2006
Table of Contents for This Issue:
-Completing the Church, by Thomas Tumblin
-Purpose Filled Ministry, by Teena Stewart
-Book Review of The Radical Reformission: Reaching Out Without Selling Out
-Classifieds
Completing the Church
Thomas Tumblin, PhD
Associate Professor of Leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary
District Superintendent, West Ohio Conference United Methodist Church
If George Barna is right, there will be fewer established churches in the United States by 2025. People will be less inclined to attend congregations that no longer challenge them to go deeper in their faith or impact the world. Some will drop out from disillusionment or hurt. Others will seek alternative communities where they experience spiritual sharpening through sometimes loosely coupled relationships. Ineffective churches will continue to go out of business while faithful saints discover new ways to fellowship, worship and serve. (See “The Barna Update,” October 10, 2005 or his book Revolution, both available at www.barna.org )
Regardless of one’s opinion of Barna’s projection, the very possibility ought to capture our attention. We are the stewards of Christ’s Church. As pastors and leaders in the Body of Christ, we now share the responsibility for what happens to local congregations, especially our own. It was so much easier when we could blame the pastor or administrative board. Now, we are they. In my own mainline denomination, where the membership decline has garnered national headlines for decades, Barna appears to be right on target. Most judicatory leaders describe anywhere from twenty to fifty percent of their churches as either stable or growing. When at least half of our congregations are on the downside of vitality, what’s next?
Click here to read more...Protect Your Family and Your Computer with Reliable, Safe, Internet Filtering & Anti Virus Software
Protect your family and computer from harmful viruses and pornography.
“With a
passionate concern to see this terrible epidemic confronted, our team spent
months evaluating the best filtering products and services. After extensive
testing we determined that only one, Bsafe, met our high expectations and
standards. Download Bsafe onto every computer within reach.” Pat Pearce,
Director, New Life Resources
The materials distribution ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ
Award winning anti-virus and firewall solutions to protect your family and Computer” Besafe online includes:
* Internet Filter
* Pop-up Killer
* Spyware Killer
* Firewall/Intrusion Detection
* Anti-Virus Software (Powered By Sophos)
* New! Integrated SPAM Filter
* Free Support
* Free 10-Day Trial
Purpose Filled Ministry
Let Go!
By Teena M. Stewart
Recently Ministry in Motion changed over from a sole proprietorship to a partnership. If you haven’t already noticed, we are now known as DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion. These days my partners and I are sharing duties and I must say I am breathing a sign of relief as Tom Hanover steps in as editor and Dennis Mohler assumes the role of ezine and website technician.
They’re great guys with great vision. The three of us have similar passions and ministry experience but each brings a unique skill set and focus to the table. During this changeover I’ve found myself clinging to my “baby”, longing to keep the ministry the way it was but all the while acknowledging that change and progress is important and is needed. It’s tough. I haven’t always been comfortable with the way things have progressed, and my new partners are adjusting as well. By now they are probably muttering under their breath, “Down, girl, down!”
Letting go of control is never easy, especially when we have a standard to which we expect the other party or parties to adhere. It’s very similar to parenting. When a grown child finally leaves the house to go out on his/her own, the hard challenge for the parent isn’t saying goodbye. Chances as we will see our offspring again. The hard challenge is realizing we’ve need to loosen our control.
Click here to read more...
www.DreamBuildersMinistries.net
Helping Churches Dream Dreams and Live out their Vision!
Book Review: The Radical Reformission: Reaching Out Without Selling Out
By Mark Driscoll, Zondervan, 2004, ISBN #0310256593, 200 pages
Reviewed by Tom Hanover
Mark Driscoll is founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle (www.marshillchurch.org) and Acts 29 Network. His opening pages describe his own journey to a radical change in his own life as he discovered God’s call upon his life. In response to that call he journeys into the founding and leadership of a significant ministry with international reach.
The book becomes a revealing peek into the convictions and motivations of his leadership in the church and the network. It is also a signpost pointing towards vibrant and vital ministry in the 21st century.
Click here to read more...SPEAKER AND CONFERENCE LISTING SPECIAL!
For the next few months Ministry in Motion is offering a speaker and conference listing special. List your speaking and conferences absolutely free!
This offer is good through June 1, 2006, so don't miss out on the excellent promotional opportunity. Click here for more information.
Looking for ministry resources to help you in ministry?
Be sure to visit Ministry in Motion's Bookshop. Every resource is developed from hands-on church experience. Help members discover their spiritual gifts, how to connect them in ministry and more. Visit MIM's Bookshop.
Classified Ads
Advertise with Ministry in Motion
Just $10 per classified listing. For more information on advertising visit our advertising page
---
Looking for Columnists & Writers
Ministry in Motion is looking for columnists & writers in the following areas: women's ministry, men's ministry, single's ministry, youth ministry, worship ministry, small group/bible study ministry, and general ministry. We are also open to general church ministry related freelance articles. If you have an idea for a column or would like to share ministry insight or even short ministry tips, we'd love to hear from you. Present payment is promotion only -- no pay but great exposure for you, your ministry, book, or website. Please read our writer's guidelines at http://www.ministryinmotion.net/writers_guidelines_christians.html
Searching for a New Ministry Position?
One of the needs we have perceived at Ministry in Motion is a service to help connect qualified ministers and church workers to ministry related and church staff positions. If you are presently in job search mode, or if you have a ministry position you are looking to fill, be sure to visit this page. http://www.ministryinmotion.net/jobs_churches.html
---
Christian Magazines at Great Prices
Magazines to help
Christians grow spiritual and succeed in ministry. Discipleship Journal,
Leadership Magazine, SpiritLed Woman, Christianity Today &Lots More! Click
HERE (http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1415944-35039)
for Magazines
---
Earn Commission by Selling Ministry in Motion Products
Do you have a reseller program? MIM readers often write in with this question. The answer is yes. If you have Christian products you would like to sell or if you wish to resell MIM products for commission be sure to visit our affiliate page. Earn up to 65% commission! Learn More!