imagining how the church can reorient around mission

I say to people all the time, “The church is born with a Womb.” That is maybe a strange way to put it, but in my experience, churches rarely conceptualize themselves as church planting movements. Church plants and planters are courageous types, forging new territory for mission, reaching people that more historical churches cannot. That said, church planting usually is seen as a single act, planting a single church, rather than preparing from the very beginning to be a missionary movement. I have always believed that we don’t see movement because we fail to see ourselves rightly. When we planted Immanuel 3 ½ years ago, we framed into the very DNA of our being not only the need but also the priority to multiply. And, not just disciples, but discipling communities (btw – IMHO, this is a critically significant aspect of discipleship). Discipling is a communal venture. Our hope and intention, at Immanuel (the plant that I help lead) is to not only be a presence of shalom in the West Central neighborhood of Spokane but that that shalom would be extended to other neighborhoods in our city, regions and even countries. We are purposely shaping our priorities to live into God’s dream of multiplication.

I am up early again on another beautiful Spokane morning. The mornings are the best in my city, cool and quiet. The heat of yesterday (high 90’s) has been subdued by the sun disappearing out of sight for a few hours and by the dry Spokane air that makes the hot weather here bearable. 

As I’ve done my morning chores with the dogs and find myself in my yard attempting quiet, I’ve invited my two beasts (Gus and Gordo)  to join me. While reading another chapter from the genuinely inspiring Mary Oliver book, Upstream, I find my two dogs tussling in front of me. At first, I am peeved by the distraction but as I let my mind drift, I find myself entranced by their, at least from my human brain interpreting what is going on, “attack dance.” Everything has a thing that it is supposed to do. Rivers run to the sea; trees grow to the sun and dogs put their mouths on each other (they also poop, pee sniff butts and bark at things that only they can see). They are being very “Dogly” and, are you ready for this…I think I like it. I find myself liking them for the first time in the last 40 hours. They are doing what dogs have always done. read more

“Live your life as a missions trip.” – Reggie McNeal

I love that quote! It rings of truth. I really aspire to live my life with that focus. read more

I have known Mary DeMuth for some time now, as she and her husband Patrick were missionaries in France with the organization I led – Communitas International, formerly Christian Associates. She is a prolific writer, mentor and nationally sought after speaker. She asked if I would spend a bit of time talking about the transitions I’ve had going from a local church leader to the CEO of an international mission and then back to the local church as a planter. I unpacked some of the micro-conversions I have had from inside of the faith. It was a blast to chat with her.

Please let me know what you think about it! read more

Robi and Trey are gone to the mountains, to Kokanee Glacier to explore the wonders of God’s creation. I am so glad for Robi. She really is wired for the outdoors. I say this with as much humility as I can muster, but in one way, one way only, it is a shame she married someone who is just as wired for the city.

As a result of their hiatus, the consequence is I am here stuck with the dogs…errr, livestock. As you may know, we have two Newfie puppies, one ten months and the other ten weeks (pictured). Don’t ask why. The answer is deftly hidden in the universe somewhere. Nevertheless, the person who loves the city is the primary care-giver to two soon to be abnormally large dogs who are, can I say, quite needy. read more

I’m sorry, I have been trying to stay out of the political posts, but I find it unethical and incredibly irresponsible for a wiretapping accusation to be made about a former President and then walk it back like it didn’t happen. So, you can rashly besmirch someone and then just say, “JK?” How long will we or can we tolerate such recklessness and/or tactics? This stuff continues to boggle my mind.

“Conversion cannot be thought of simply as a change of heart; it is a change of citizenship.” Simon Chan

If you say you are a Christian, it is not an option – you must begin with theology (who is God, who am I before Him and what does He desire), rather than nationalism or partisanship (what is best for our country or the party I belong to) in discerning how to engage culture. While the latter is important, we must be the best of citizens; it MUST be subjugated to the will and ethic of the Kingdom. The most frightening thing for me is not our new President, or Russia or Islam or Fake News, or some other external influence, though each carry with them a reason for consternation. The thing that frightens me most is the famine of “believers” who recognize the collision of Kingdoms that is taking place around them.

This is unquestionably an indictment on the church for its lack of spiritual formation (a topic for another day). read more

Thanks to my wise wife, I am trying my level best seek to understand before being understood when it comes to folks who have and are endorsing Donald Trump. I am truly trying. That is the reason I stopped posting about the election or Trump some time ago. I would hope that those same people would attempt the same exercise when aggressively speaking out against those who are resisting the incoming president. If you think it is just sour-grapes, you have remarkably missed the reason.

From guest blogger, Holly Clark. Holly serves on the Leadership Team at Immanuel Church. 

————————————— read more