Vital 04 Final

IS AMERICA A CHRISTIAN NATION? p24 5 BARRIERS TO FORGIVENESS p64 THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU SHOULD DO THIS SUMMER p26 I N T R O D U C I N G

THE VITAL

FROM NORTH CAROLINA TO FIJI, BIKING TO CODING, WE PROFILE 10 INITIATIVES OF THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH. p30 V I TA L M A G A Z I N E . C O M I S S U E _ 0 4 / J U LY _ A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I Forgave ... But It Doesn’t Feel Like It

p30

A psychologist examine five barriers to forgiveness

p64 Worship Isn’t a Pep Rally More than being pumped up, Spirit-empowered worship is about being propelled outward

The Vital 10 Individuals and organizations paving the way for the Church’s future

8 VITAL SIGNS 11 THE LEAD • Solution-Focused Faith

p58 12 PULSE

24 THINKING ABOUT

• World • Nation • Church

• Is America a Christian

Nation?

• Don’t Be That Person

Online • Doing, Being and Leaving

a Legacy

The Best Kind of Rest This summer, it’s time to get serious about slowing down

p26 Don’t Be That Person Online Build an enjoyable community on social media—without abusing your followers’ timelines

Making Sense of O.T. Violence How to understand a good (not safe) God

p74

p78

30 THE VITAL 10 From biking to coding, Charlotte to Fiji, here’s the good news about people sharing the Good News

58 WORSHIP ISN’T A PEP RALLY Quit asking “What did I get out of it?”

64 I FORGAVE ...

But it doesn’t feel like it

74 TEACHING • The Best Kind of Rest • A Mission in the

Marketplace • Making Sense of Old

Testament Violence • What Kind of Spender

Are You?

89 MAKE IT COUNT 96 ONE MORE THING

Yo u r w o r l d f r o m a S p i r i t - e m p o w e r e d p e r s p e c t i v e

VITAL MAGAZINE

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VITAL SIGNS

8

“I DO NOT RUN LIKE SOMEONE RUNNING AIMLESSLY ...”

1 Co ri n t h i a n s 9 : 2 4 – 2 7 d ra w s a p a ra l l e l b e t w e e n p h y s i c a l s a c ri f i c e a n d s p i ri t u a l d i s c i p l i n e s . S o d o e s Ve n t u re E x p e d i t i o n s , a n o rg a n i z a t i o n t h a t u s e s c y c l i n g a n d ru n n i n g t o u rs t o ra i s e f u n d s f o r m e a n i n g f u l c a u s e s . R e a d m o re a b o u t t h i s o rg a n i z a t i o n , a n d o t h e r n o t a b l e g ro u p s a n d individuals, in “The Vital 10” (page 30) .

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FROM DOUBT TO FAITH Christina Powell, a biomedical research scientist and an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, helps us grapple with our doubts about God, allowing us to move beyond skepticism, disillusionment or painful life circumstances. We can work through challenges to faith and find a renewed confidence in our beliefs when we dig deeper into our questions.

Read more at

questioningyourdoubts.com.

Download your small group discussion guide at ivpress.com/questioning.

“Doubt can be an enemy of faith. But as Christina Powell shows in her new book, doubt can also be an ally of faith. Not only can it help you ask questions that lead to new spiritual insights, but it can also help you turn tables on skeptics. Questioning Your Doubts is a good book, and questioning your doubts is a helpful way to grow your faith.�

G E O R G E O . W O O D , general superintendant of the Assemblies of God (USA) and chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship

IVPRESS.COM | 800-843-9487

THE LEAD

SOLUTION-FOCUSED FAITH

In

general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States at this time? With your personal life?

According to a January 2015 report from Gallup, Inc., Americans answer these questions very differently. On the one hand, 32 percent of Americans are satisfied with the country’s direction. On the other hand, 85 percent of them are happy with the direction of their lives.

Gallup doesn’t venture an explanation for these paradoxical results, but I will: media.

As Americans look at their own lives with their own eyes, they’re satisfied. As they look at others’ lives through other eyes, they’re dissatisfied. Put another way, if I have a problem, I can fix it. But if you have a problem, I can’t fix you.

When I see your problems through news-media eyes, I see an unsolvable problem. When I see a lot of other people’s problems on TV, then I begin thinking the whole country is falling apart … even though the vast majority of its citizens are satisfied with their lives.

If media misshapes our perception of what’s happening in our country, then perhaps we need to take some advice from

songwriter Johnny Mercer and accentuate the positive even as we eliminate the negative. This doesn’t mean we downplay the very real spiritual, social, economic and political challenges our nation faces. It does mean, however, that we turn our focus from problems to solutions. Anybody can tell you what’s wrong. It takes a wise person to figure out how to make it right.

This issue of Vital inaugurates what we editors hope will be an annual feature: The Vital 10. On pages 30–56, we tell “the good news of those sharing the Good News”—individuals, churches and ministries that are leading change on a variety of issues in their communities.

Elsewhere in the issue are other examples of leading change: Christian historian

Thomas Kidd reflects on how evangelical Christians and skeptical deists cooperated during the Founding Era (page 24). And as always, this issue of Vital includes informative, inspiring and practical articles.

You’ll be pushed to rethink how you approach worship (page 58), work (page 76), spending (page 80) and social media (page 26).

We hope that a vibrant Christian optimism bleeds off the page and into your heart.

There is no problem—in our world, our nation or your life— too large (or too small) for God to solve.

May He give us grace to participate in the solution!

George Paul Wood is executive editor of Assemblies of God publications.

PULSE WORLD

12

KEEPING YOU CONNECTED TO THE HEARTBEAT OF THE WORLD

A FAIR SHOT

A

ugust is also known as Immunization Awareness Month, established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote the importance of vaccinating against infectious diseases. Immunization has been at the forefront of the news during a year that has seen both California’s worst measles outbreak in 15 years and a push for a proven Ebola vaccine.

Though there are anti-vaccination advocates across the political spectrum, a 2014 Pew Research Center poll finds a strong majority among all parties believe vaccines should be required. Statistics provide support for vaccination: The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine has resulted in a 75 percent drop in global measles deaths between 2000 and 2013, World Health Organization says. As Christina M. H. Powell, a minister and Harvard Ph.D., recently wrote for vitalmagazine. com, “Vaccines remain relevant in the 21st century—and public health is a responsibility we all share.” Groups like HealthCare Ministries work internationally to provide such life-saving immunizations (pictured, left).

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PULSE : WORLD

IN AFRICA, A MOBILE TRANSFORMATION

SEARCHING FOR HAPPINESS? HERE ARE SOME DESTINATIONS

T

he United Nations’ World Happiness Report recently named Switzerland the happiest nation today; meanwhile, in a similar study, Gallup, Inc. reported that Latin Americans are the happiest people. But their research doesn’t necessarily conflict. “It just depends on how you define happiness,” Jon Clifton, managing editor of the Gallup World Poll, writes. Do people perceive themselves to have happy lives, or do they live in a positive way that expresses happiness? The U.N. looks for the former, and so identifies the Swiss and Danes as happy; long-life expectancy and high incomes contribute to their optimism. Gallup sought out smiling, laughing, well-rested, interested people and found them most in Paraguay, Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala.

In Sub-Saharan nations like South Africa and Nigeria, the percentage of cell phone ownership now matches that of countries like the United States, Pew Research Center reports. It’s a drastic digital leap made in a matter of years, and is even more unique because much of Africa has never even had a landline. (Two percent of African households surveyed claim a working landline; in the U.S., 60 percent still do). These newly wireless nations most frequently use cell phones to send text messages or take pictures.

Activities like getting news or using social media are not yet common, as smartphones remain rare. For now, maybe that’s for the better; 42 percent of those in emerging and developing nations feel Internet access has a negative affect on morality.

HOW MULTILINGUAL IS SCRIPTURE? The American Bible Society data shows that 57 percent of the world’s languages do not have a full Bible translation. Thirty-one percent have one in progress, while 26 percent have not begun translation.

GRADING GLOBAL POWERS Which global power has the most liked leadership? Gallup, Inc. surveyed people in 135 countries to find out which of the world’s five major global powers they approve of. The United States sees the highest marks (45 percent), followed by Germany (41 percent) and the European Union (39 percent). From there, numbers take a dive for China and Russia, which hold 29 percent and 22 percent approval ratings, respectively.

14

“

”

PULSE NATION

16

KEEPING YOU CONNECTED TO THE HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION

VBS: BOTH COSTLY AND REWARDING

T

his summer, children will attend VBS— “Vacation Bible School”—at churches around the nation. According to 2013 Barna Group research, 68 percent of United States churches have such a program.

Lack of volunteers and time are the main reasons a church may pass on hosting VBS. Providing crafts, food and curriculum for an extended time and at a low cost adds up for ministries. This is one reason why churches with an annual operating budget of at least $500,000 are more likely to offer VBS. But focusing on kids—in summer or throughout the year— is vital. “During the summer parents are often looking for ways to keep the kids busy when they’re out of school, churches are often looking for ways to draw in more kids, and kids don’t want to be bored,” Mark Entzminger, senior director of Assemblies of God children’s ministries. “A wellcrafted and promoted VBS can be a solution for all three.”

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PULSE : NATION

ALL WORK, NO PLAY MAKES A BAD BOSS

THE HIGH R.O.I. OF EXPERIENCES

N

o, money can’t buy happiness—but there is some reward when you choose to spend it on the right things. Psychologists Matthew Killingsworth and Thomas Gilovich suggest those “right things” will be experiences, not things. Why? Anticipation and excitement contribute to happiness, and the studies find that experiential purchases more often produce this response in consumers.

After an experience has passed, the memory of it (even if it was imperfect) may grow more positive as time passes. A tangible, material purchase—though momentarily satisfying— is more likely to prompt impatience beforehand and discontent afterward. (Looking for some additional wisdom on how to use your money in meaningful ways? Flip to “What Kind of Spender Are You?” page 80.)

Everybody wants a healthy work-life balance, but they could use a little help from their superiors. Workfront, a company that creates project management systems, surveyed 2,000+ people about the boundary between their personal and professional lives. When that line is blurred, “demanding,” “overbearing” or “mean” bosses are the primary culprit.

Half of participants said important life events such as birthdays and weddings have been intruded upon, and 40 percent said time with family has been ruined by job distractions.

The solution, according to many, lies in offering workers flexible schedules or the option to work remotely. Even so, bosses who expect a response to a work email during dinner can count on millennials; more than half of them said it’s OK to reply when it’s an urgent matter.

YOU HAVE TO BROWSE BEFORE YOU CAN WALK Pediatric researchers at the Einstein Healthcare Network found that more than onethird of children under age one already have access to smartphones and tablets.

BELIEF UNPRACTICED IN BAY AREA About four in ten American adults are what Barna Group identifies as “unchurched.” They either have never attended church or no longer attend (except for special occasions or holidays). In which cities do the unchurched live? San Francisco, where 61 percent fit this description, tops the list. Tied at second place are Burlington and Plattsburgh, Vermont, with both Boston, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire, taking third.

18

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PULSE CHURCH

20

KEEPING YOU CONNECTED TO THE HEARTBEAT OF THE CHURCH

“THOUSANDS OF HEARTS …

STIRRED AND REKINDLED”

M

ay 20–24, 4,500 people from more than 70 countries gathered in Jerusalem for the Empowered21 Global Congress, “a call to all believers from around the world to celebrate Pentecost in the land of Pentecost.” There were several days of general and ministry track sessions, and a special unity celebration at the Jordan River saw approximately 500 people baptized. Pentecost Sunday was marked by continuous worship and prayer at several locations around Jerusalem, culminating in a service where each attendee was anointed with oil. Lifetime Global Impact Awards were given to Reinhard Bonnke, Morris Cerullo, Jack Hayford, Marilyn Hickey, David Maines and Vinson Synan. “I believe God met many people in a special way,” Empowered21 president and global co-chair William M. Wilson says.” The best days for the Spirit-empowered movement are still ahead.” Next year’s regional meeting of Empowered21 will be held in London, and 2017’s will gather in Asia.

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PULSE : CHURCH

RELIGION AND RESTRICTION AT AMERICA’S COLLEGES

ONE YEAR AFTER MICHAEL BROWN’S DEATH, A FAITH OUTREACH IN FERGUSON

A

ugust 9 will mark one year since Michael Brown was shot and killed by officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. Though investigations later ruled not to indict Wilson, the city became a symbol of racial conflict, as well as a center for protests and reconciliation efforts.

Two weeks before this anniversary, on July 25, churches from multiple denominations will partner with Convoy of Hope for an outreach event, offering everything from career and health services to family portraits and free groceries. “It’s an event for Ferguson, not just in Ferguson,” Brian Schmidgall, pastor of MiddleTree Church in St. Louis, Missouri, says. He notes the united, multiracial effort by local ministries and services. “It will be important for the community to see the Kingdom working together.”

A headline-grabbing legal battle has been raging on many college campuses, all surrounding this question: “Should student religious organizations, recognized by publicly funded colleges, be allowed to require their leaders to hold specific beliefs?”

According to a LifeWay Research survey that posed the question, public opinion is evenly split; of the 1,000 respondents, 48 percent said no, and 46 percent said yes. Evangelicals were slightly more likely (51 percent) to say yes. Though survey participants were divided on whether or not this practice should be permitted, a majority still feel it does not warrant punishment or restrictions from academic institutions. For example, when asked if colleges should withhold money and meeting spaces from groups who, due to religious objections, do not allow LGBT leadership, 68 percent said no.

“I’M COMMANDED BY GOD TO LOVE MY ENEMIES AND TO TRY TO COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE NOT ON THE SAME PAGE.”

– Author Eric Metaxas—whose work spans Veggie Tales, the best-selling biography Bonhoeffer and a new radio program, The Eric Metaxas Show—in an interview with The Blaze

13 MILLION

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DISPLACED CHURCH INCLUDES MILLIONS A 2015 report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) notes that the number of people who have fled their homes because of religious conflict has risen to 13 million.

Overall, the USCIRF now lists a total of 17 nations as “countries of particular concern.” “There is only one permanent guarantor of the safety, security and survival of the persecuted and vulnerable,” USCIRF chair Katrina Lantos Swett states. “It is the full recognition of religious freedom.”

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THINKING ABOUT

IS AMERICA A CHRISTIAN NATION? A closer look at the faith and doubt of the Founding Fathers THOMAS S. KIDD

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T

here is no more controversial historical question in America today. As July Fourth nears, it inevitably resurfaces. Some Christians insist that virtually all the Founding Fathers were evangelical believers. Secular critics say that the Founders were all “deists” and Enlightenment liberals, whatever lip service they may have paid to God and Christianity.

The truth about God and the Founders is more complicated and more illuminating than what the clashing sides of our culture war tell us. Faith was crucial in 1776, but not because Americans agreed on religious beliefs. Instead, faith helped to unify American Patriots in spite of their deep spiritual differences. It did

so because of the way that religion bolstered public, political principles that were essential to the Revolution.

Among these beliefs were the idea of equality by God’s creation of all people and the need for religious liberty.

Created Equal You can see this unifying role of faith most clearly in the Declaration of Independence. Its proposition that “all men are created equal” rings through American and world history.

Yet when we dig into this passage, we can see how surprising and improbable it was, coming from the pen of Thomas Jefferson.

Although some Christians have tried to re-cast Jefferson as a traditional believer, there is no doubt

THINKING ABOUT

that early in life he became skeptical about some of the most important tenets of the Christian faith. He mocked the doctrine of the Trinity, and denied that Jesus even claimed to be divine. In his “Jefferson Bible,” he literally cut out—with scissors!—the miracles of Jesus, and concluded his personal Gospel with the stone rolled in front of Jesus’s tomb. No resurrection.

Yet in the Declaration, the skeptic Jefferson asserted that the equality of all people derived from their common creation by and standing before God. God endowed people with their fundamental rights, so that no man and no government can justly deprive people of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” It was the most powerful argument made for equality in world history, and it hinged on the concept of God as Creator.

Jefferson was illustrating the way in which the Founders’ world was saturated with theological assumptions. Yes, Jefferson and some other Founders—most notably Ben Franklin—doubted particular doctrines of the Christian faith. They were “deists,” to use Franklin’s own description of himself. Yet in spite of their doubts, they still carried basic theistic assumptions about humankind that were almost impossible to question in the intellectual climate of Revolutionary America. Of course we were created by God, and of course He gave us our rights, the Patriots believed. Where else could we possibly have come from?

Even the most radical doubters of the time, such as Tom Paine (the author of Common Sense), affirmed that they believed in one God. This helps make sense of why Ben Franklin was the solitary figure who proposed that the Constitutional Convention, 11 years after the Declaration, open its sessions in prayer (a motion that was not adopted, by the way.) Some of America’s “deists” believed in prayer.

And the widespread belief in God explains why Jefferson the skeptic would craft a theological statement of rights that would become, in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words, America’s “creed.”

Religious Liberty Overall, the Founding Fathers were committed to an ingenious American model of religious strength through religious liberty. Again, this clarifies why so many evangelical Christians—especially Baptists—loved Thomas Jefferson in spite of his well-known doubts about Christianity. Jefferson and James Madison cooperated with legions of traditional Christians to argue that America needed to stop supporting “establishments” of religion, or tax-funded denominations. Mother England had such a church (the Church of England), and most of the colonies had their version of an established church too. The greatest political outcome of the Revolution with

regard to religion was that the states, and the new nation under the First Amendment, decided to put the churches on an equal basis. No particular denominations would receive special treatment anymore.

Religious liberty got the government out of the business of picking favorites among Christians, but the ban on “establishments” hardly signaled hostility toward religion in the public square. Jefferson fought for religious liberty in Virginia, earning the undying support of dissenting Christians who had suffered persecution and discrimination from the established churches of America.

In the presidential election of 1800, Jefferson depended on evangelical votes to put him in office. Those evangelicals supported him not because Jefferson was a fellow believer, but because he believed in religious liberty.

A Unifying Force In spite of their diversity in religion, the Founding Fathers found a way to have religion serve as a unifying force rather than a divisive one. Two key compromises were required to make this work. For skeptics like Jefferson, it meant taking a supportive, respectful approach toward faith and the public role of religion. Even if he did not embrace biblical beliefs, Jefferson knew that most typical Americans (including his evangelical supporters) held far more traditional views than he did, and he did his best to represent those believers as he wrote the Declaration and as president.

Evangelicals, for their part, supported Jefferson in spite of his personal skepticism, because on public issues related to religious liberty, he was their great champion.

The details of one’s personal faith are unquestionably crucial in the matter of one’s eternal destiny. But in the political arena, Christians are often required to cooperate on matters such as religious liberty with friendly fellow travelers who do not share their faith.

Yes, the Founders could fight about religion, and some Christians argued that Jefferson should not have been elected because he was an “infidel” nonbeliever. But overall, the cooperation between evangelical Christians and deists made the politics of religion during America’s founding era far more constructive than the culture wars of our contemporary society. Perhaps, then, the Founders’ cooperation across religious lines serves as a lesson contemporary Americans need to relearn.

Thomas S. Kidd is professor of history at Baylor University and the author of God of Liberty: A Religious History of the American Revolution (Basic Books, 2012), as well as biographies of Patrick Henry and George Whitefield.

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DON’T BE THAT PERSON ONLINE Three reasons to avoid oversharing JOY E. A. QUALLS

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ou are likely one of the 72 percent of men and 76 percent of women that Pew Research Center reports use social media sites. Networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest are a great way to connect with friends, family and even potential employers.

One does not need to be a social media expert, however, to learn quickly that online interaction has its drawbacks. We all know that person who seems to find great pleasure in the ability to verbally vomit every moment, every heartbreak, every success and every personal habit that no one—I mean no one—wants to know about, especially not online.

Admittedly, all of us are susceptible to oversharing. In a 2013 survey published online at The Washington Post, 15 percent of Americans identified as overshare-aholics, people who post everything or most things online. This may seem like a really small number, but in the age of demanded transparency, what we consider oversharing is also becoming a cultural norm. Just a few years ago, sharing our most embarrassing moments might have been taboo; today, very little feels off limits. The line between what is public and what is private is fading.

In a world where “friends” and “followers” are acquired with the click of a button, there seems to be a greater need inside us to create an interesting persona that keeps people coming back for more. In real life as well as

THINKING ABOUT

online, we want to formulate an identity, and this should take time. In the online world, however, time can seem like an enemy. Consistent or compulsive online interaction can stem from a fear of becoming less interesting—but it also may risk credibility or “real life” relationships. If our online identity is inconsistent with our “IRL” (in real life) identity, we put our reputation and meaningful relationships on the line. If you flood timelines with on-the-hour posts about any topic that comes to mind, you could end up sharing things that probably are best left to private discussions with your spouse, your pastor or even your counselor.

When we are staring at the computer or phone screen rather than looking someone in the eye, it is much easier to let whatever is on our minds flow out of our fingertips onto the dialogue box. The first issue may be what is on our minds; Scripture encourages us to dwell on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable … excellent or praiseworthy” (Phil. 4:8). We must also remember that the same rules of good in-person communication apply online: treat others as you want to be treated, trust takes time, be honest and don’t dominate the conversation.

While we feel invisible, we are really engaging hundreds, possibly thousands of people who share connections with us—and as professed Christians, we are representing more than just ourselves.

So given this reality, what can we do to avoid being one of those people? Here are three tips to avoid becoming an oversharer and maintain an enjoyable social media presence: 1. Think Before You Post Oversharing results from several things—a lack of thought about what we are putting out there, pure oblivion to things that might be better left private, a sense of anxiety over a subject. We see the empty dialogue box, and we use it as our confessional. We usually do this not because we really want the world to know about our experiences or frustrations, but because we want to purge ourselves of a thought or feeling. These often highly charged and vulnerable posts can also garner a lot of responses from followers, making them seem like thinly veiled attempts to seek comfort or conflict (whether or not that’s the poster’s intent).

Before you are tempted to hit the send button, read what you have written. Out loud. Hearing what we’ve written can give us the space to consider the

implications of our words. It also helps us “get it off our chest,” which is often what we are looking for the post to do anyhow. I have deleted many a post after reading it back to myself and realizing that it would harm more than it would help.

2. Consider Your Audience Social media is all about the networks. Is your post something that you want your mom, in-laws, boss or, in my case, 92-year-old grandmother reading?

Are there implications beyond the post that you should consider? While different social media sites work just slightly differently from one another, most have the option of sharing with the general public or smaller, more targeted groups. Consider to whom you are speaking when you post. Is this meant for the entire Internet, or would it be better shared in a private email—or better yet, over a meal—between close friends?

3. Post—and Participate—Sparingly Keep your posting to a minimum. A good rule of thumb is to keep your online activity to no more than four posts or tweets per day. This could include retweets, shares and interactions as well; after all, your sources and your circles are a reflection of you, so consider them carefully. Just because something is published does not make it true. “Click bait” is just that: junk that has a catchy title or a titillating picture, tempting us beyond all reason to click that “see what happens next” headline. And just because someone is popular does not make them credible. Do not fall prey: What you consume and promote online has a direct connection to your own integrity. Even if you post something that has a disclaimer, most people glancing at a timeline won’t take the time to notice. What you post and participate in will be attributed to you, at least in some way.

You can avoid oversharing or creating online fatigue with your presence. And you do have the freedom to build an enjoyable community online—without abusing your friends’ and followers’ timelines. Social networks are a great way to find friends from the past, keep up with family, share what you’re working on or simply engage in friendly banter. As Christians, we must set our standard for communication at the level of Philippians 4:8—rather than what makes us Facebook (in)famous.

Joy E. A. Qualls, Ph.D., is a professor of rhetoric and communication at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri.

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THINKING ABOUT

DOING, BEING AND LEAVING A LEGACY Why you should want to build your résumé and shape your eulogy GEORGE PAUL WOOD

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he young look to the future they desire to create. The old look to the past they leave behind as a legacy. The middle-aged? We look both ways.

On May 8, I turned 46. I am closer to retirement age than to the age I was when I graduated from college. Looking back, I feel satisfied with my life so far, but I also experience holy dissatisfaction about my future. What does God want me to do over the next few decades? Who does God want me to be?

In his recent book The Road to Character, New York Times columnist David Brooks talks about “résumé virtues” and “eulogy virtues.” The former are “the ones you list on your résumé, the skills that you bring to the job market and that contribute to external

success.” The latter are the ones “that get talked about at your funeral, the ones that exist at the core of your being.” Résumé virtues and eulogy virtues correspond to the two questions I’ve been asking myself. They pertain to what we do and who we are.

It’s easy to prioritize one over the other. “We live in a society,” Brooks writes, “that encourages us to think about how to have a great career but leaves many of us inarticulate about how to cultivate the inner life.” In other words, contemporary American culture prioritizes doing over being. We have fat résumés and thin eulogies.

Prioritizing being over doing makes the same mistake in the opposite direction. When that happens, the funeral runs long because everyone has good things to say about the deceased, even though no one can quite figure out what he did with his life.

God doesn’t want us to prioritize doing over being, or being over doing. He wants us to cultivate both. In other words, He wants us to manifest both résumé virtues and eulogy virtues.

Think, in this regard, of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The apostle Paul speaks of “gifts of the Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:1) and “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22). We live balanced Christian lives only when both are present. Without the gifts, the fruit— which is love—tends toward navel-gazing and ineffectiveness.

Without the fruit, the gifts tend toward status-seeking displays of power. That is why Paul writes, “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit” (1 Cor. 14:1). Notice the conjunction: not or but and!

For another example, think of the ministry of Jesus himself.

According to Luke 4:1–13, the devil tempted Him to turn stones into bread, to rule over “the kingdoms of the world” and to test whether God would save Him from death. What fascinates me is that Jesus in fact later multiplied loaves (9:10–17), exercised kingship (22:66–71) and was rescued from death by God (24:1– 7). The temptation was not doing such things, but doing them at the wrong time for the wrong reasons.

Finally, think of God’s relationship to Adam and Eve in Genesis 2. On the one hand, He placed them in the Garden of Eden “to work it and take care of it” (v. 15). On the other hand, he commanded them “not [to] eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (v. 16). There was nothing inherently wrong or sinful about the forbidden fruit. (Hadn’t God created “trees” and recognized them as “good” in Genesis 1:27?) Rather, the forbidden fruit was a test of character: Would Adam and Eve— and will we—do God’s work God’s way?

No matter where you look in Scripture, doing and being show up together. Consequently, whatever our life stage, we should want both to build our résumés and to shape our eulogies. We should want others to remember us as good people who did good work. But mostly we should live to hear the voice of our Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21,23).

George Paul Wood is executive editor of Vital magazine.

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“ Desperate for Jesus is full of inspiration and wisdom. Pastor John F. Hannah reminds us that there will be days our faith will waver. In those times,

surrounding ourselves with prayer support is crucial; it can ultimately determine our outcome. I thank God for this book.

”

—Pastor Clifton Hurt, Chayil Advancing Life Ministries, Chicago, Illinois

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T H E V I TA L

RURAL MINISTRY

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CONVOY OF HOPE IN HAITI

CODE FOR THE KINGDOM

VENTURE EXPEDITIONS

CENTER CITY CHURCH

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ou don’t have to look far to find bad news—and if you’re looking for negative reports of Christianity in the media, well, these are also in great supply (whether or not they are warranted).

But what about the good news of those sharing the Good News? These are the stories Vital wants to amplify. We want to encourage the innovative, thoughtful and compassionate ways we see Christians living out and discussing their faith.

Usually, Vital sets aside space in our Multipliers section to tell readers about individuals and initiatives that we find inspiring. But for this special issue, we dove even deeper, identifying ten unique efforts that we believe are important to today’s—and tomorrow’s—Church. From app developers and agriculture experts to rural church planters and non-profit founders, we spoke to people who are challenging perceptions and setting new standards, within and beyond traditional ministry contexts.

We’re honored to introduce The Vital 10. This is neither a list nor a ranking—it’s a celebration, as well as a call to action. The goal is that this would be an annual opportunity to highlight notable stories that we uncover (or that you submit). Whatever your age, background or career may be, we hope these pages get you thinking about the countless and creative ways you can intentionally embody your beliefs, in your community and around the world.

Have an idea for a story that you would like to see included in next year’s Vital 10? Tell us about it at editor@vitalmagazine.com.

REACH NORTHEAST

ENLACE

CHAPLAINCY

THE GENESIS PROJECT

GIVING CLEAN WATER 31

SMALL TOWNS, BIG IMPACT Behind a movement to empower ministries in rural America ALYCE YOUNGBLOOD

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ike many, Bryan Jarrett grew up in a small town he couldn’t wait to leave.

Some of this restlessness stemmed from an early sense that he was called to be a pastor. “I had a vision for the globe,” he says. That vision has been realized over 25 years of ministry, taking Jarrett and his wife around the world and to lead Northplace Church, a large congregation outside of Dallas, Texas.

One day, while passing time on a layover at O’Hare International Airport, something shifted for Jarrett. “[God] started turning my heart toward home. I started missing what I had most despised,” he recalls. “I didn’t appreciate the value of what had been invested in me.”

Jarrett decided it was time to make his own investment—in the pastors of churches in rural areas. He started the Water Tower Network, a cohort that mentors and resources such ministers, whose positions are often misperceived as “second class” or as “stepping stones” to grander or more urban placements, Jarrett says.

“Our heart is to dignify the ‘rural tribe’ to the point that people feel called to give their life there,” Jarrett says.“My vision is to create life-giving churches in rural America. Small doesn’t have to mean inefficient; small can be power.”

As for Northplace Church, Water Tower “has become a major part of the missions

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MEMBERS OF THE WATER TOWER NETWORK SHARE HOW THE COHORT HAS ENCOURAGED THEIR CALLINGS “To link arms with brothers and sisters from around the nation that are in the same boat as me has given me confidence to look at my task as something that’s God-called, God-inspired.

God’s going to provide for me and my family and our church.”

–Jason Byers, pastor of Barnsdall Assembly of God in Barnsdall, Oklahoma

focus,” he says. “The church is investing in sustaining this cohort. Every time they come, we invest in their marriages, in their families, we invest in their churches.”

Jarrett believes this “homecoming” to rural ministry is only going to gain momentum.

He is working on a new ranch location for training cohorts and is consulting with academic institutions on developing a degree for rural ministry. He’s also helping spearhead RuralMatters, an initiative of the Assemblies of God, Rural Compassion, OneHope and more, established to help plant and support ministries in rural communities.

Ultimately, the goals of rural ministry are the same as evangelism in any other context, Jarrett points out.

“I had a professor in college [who] on the first day of class said to us, ‘Air is air, water is water, dirt is dirt, and a soul is a soul.’ Every generation is an unreached people group.”

A time of prayer with pastors of rural churches

“I have a passion for rural ministry, and that’s where I feel called to. Water Tower was a huge step in my life toward that. Some day I pray that our church can maybe pour into another church that has needs. That’s the long-term for me. Other than that, we’re a smaller church just being faithful, but trying to make the most of every opportunity God gives us.”

–Jon Curry, pastor of Grace Community Church in Archer City, Texas

Bryan Jarrett addresses a Water Tower Network cohort in May 2015

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A HARVEST IN HAITI Convoy of Hope sees agriculture as a key to progress in Haiti GEORGE PAUL WOOD

On

Tuesday, January 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti. As a result, more than 100,000 people died, as many as 250,000 homes and 30,000 commercial buildings were destroyed and Haiti’s infrastructure was devastated.

Convoy of Hope had been working since 2006 with in-country partners to provide daily meals to children through local schools.

The chaos immediately following the earthquake combined with an already established local presence gave Convoy an open door to expand the scope of the feeding program in Haiti from 6,500 children to 62,500.

Feeding impoverished children is a strategic choice.

“A nutritious meal is the doorway to a healthy future for a child trying to escape the cycle of poverty,” says Kevin Rose, Convoy’s senior director of international program operations.

When impoverished parents

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know their children will receive a meal at school, they’re more likely to make sure the children attend—and education helps children rise out of poverty.

Lookens Pickering, assistant director of Mission of Hope, Convoy’s in-country partner, says, “We’ve seen a significant change in the educational progress and well-being of the students. They have been more motivated to attend class and, in turn, government test scores have improved.”

“Education is the most sustainable thing we can do for a child,” Rose adds.

Sustainability explains another pivotal choice Convoy is making in Haiti: training farmers in viable agricultural practices. Training farmers to increase crop yields allows Convoy to purchase food incountry, rather than importing all the food for the Children’s Feeding Initiative. More than 600 rice farmers have been so successful after receiving training that they’ve expanded their operations and secured new buyers for their crops.

Of the farmers trained in Haiti, nearly half are female. The women are now able to feed and care for their own children.

“Working with women is strategic,” Rose says. “When you see change in a mom’s life, you can count on change for the kids.”

The Children’s Feeding, Agriculture and Women’s Empowerment Initiatives are the hallmarks of Convoy’s international program.

In addition to Haiti, Convoy works in nine other countries: the Philippines, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Agronomy training covers both pilot and large-scale projects

EMPOWERING HAITI: WHY THE STAKES ARE SO HIGH Haiti has met some post-earthquake recovery success—but the nation’s long-term development remains crucial.

–Haitians who are 25+ years old received 4.9 years of education on average.

Only 29 percent attended secondary school. (United Nations Development Programme) –Ten percent of the richest Haitians possess 70 percent of the country’s total income.

(World Food Programme) –Haiti still imports to meet 50 percent of the population’s food needs.

(World Food Programme) –Economic growth in Haiti slowed to 2.7 percent in 2014 (down from 4.3 percent). (World Food Bank)

Convoy feeds thousdands more Haitian children since the earthquake

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CODE FOR I THE KINGDOM The future of the world—and the Church—is being programmed today ALYCE YOUNGBLOOD

t’s no secret that technology is changing quickly, and in turn changing the people who use it.

Chris Armas, director of Code for the Kingdom (or C4TK), sees this as an opportunity—and he thinks the Church would be wise to seize upon it. While discussing this over a video chat, he holds up his Bible, points to the binding, flips the paper. “See this?

This was technology. It’s the whole reason you and I are talking today.”

With some insight from Armas, here’s a Vital introduction to C4TK, a one-of-a-kind Christian movement that is already shaping the future.

What is Code for the Kingdom?

C4TK brings together “bright entrepreneurs, technologists and creatives to use their gifts to advance the gospel.” C4TK is an initiative of the Leadership Network, an organization dedicated to innovative ministry, and partners with nonprofits and churches around the

Programmers and creatives come together for a weekend hackathon

Code for the Kingdom has hosted hackathons in eight cities thus far

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world. Its primary presence is at weekend hackathons, which have been hosted in cities from Bangalore, India, to San Francisco.

So, what’s a “hackathon?”

CT4K hackathons offer a temporary framework for coders and creatives to collaborate, challenging them to make a difference. Projects with great potential may receive awards or get connected with a start-up incubator.

Many of these hackathons also spur ongoing community groups in their cities. This fall, C4TK expects more than 1,000 participants to attend the first Global Hackaton Weekend, hosted simultaneously in 15 international locations. For Armas, it’s about sustainability and creating “a model that can be released to the rest of the world.”

What kind of needs do C4TK participants address?

There are about 100 C4TK projects in development, including technologies that disrupt human trafficking, provide relevant prayers and Scripture readings, deliver healthy groceries to those living in “food deserts,” raise money for missionaries, connect users to mentors and much more. “You’re not going to change the world in a weekend, but it certainly gets the change in motion,” Armas says.

Why code?

“Children in the future will be mobilefirst. We have to use technology in a way that creates a Kingdom-focused environment for them to grow up in,” Armas urges. What would the world look like, he wonders, if society-altering networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Uber or Yelp were built with a Christian mission in mind?

C4TK also sees value in inviting members of the tech community to find common ground and common good.

“At their core, everybody simply desires to use their skills to glorify God. That’s what we’re giving to the people who attend these hackathons,” Armas says.

THE C4TK COMMUNITY Vital spoke more with some of the “techies” who’ve come together through Code for the Kingdom.

“Coding is just one tool that enables us to address the challenges we face. The digital world is where so many of our interactions and connections happen in 2015, and technology enables us to get beyond our limitations to create collaborative solutions. The world ‘speaks technology,’ and coding equips the Church to shine a bright light in that particular environment.”

–Ali Llewellyn, community manager for C4TK, co-founder of National Day of Civic Hacking “For me, Code for the Kingdom isn’t just about creating apps. It’s about creating a space in the digital world to encounter Christ authentically. We have people choosing to pray 24/7 on Abide from countries around the world, from Afghanistan to Iceland.” –Neil Ahlsten, co-founder of Abide, an app that walks users through meaningful, Scriptural prayers (abide.is) “I believe that the Church could have significant impact not only on the furthering of the gospel, but also addressing real world issues in a way that truly aims for lasting change. It is vital for the Church to encourage Christians to embrace coding and continuously build technologies to reach and engage audiences inside and outside of the Church.” –Jason King, founder of Steople, a tool to connect church seekers, members and leaders (steople.com), and TrueFood, a project that would deliver healthy groceries for those in food deserts “C4TK provides one of the most valuable resources for a startup: momentum. C4TK creates an intentional, energetic and encouraging environment to work alongside other believers for the sake of getting that project released as quickly and effectively as possible.” –Charles Roach, founder of Scriptive, an app that “prescribes” Scriptures and encouragement for your current emotion (scriptive.org) “Many of the individuals that I have come across at these hackathons are people who have generally not been engaged by the church; they are people who are essentially sitting on the sidelines. We must do better. As a pastor, I believe that the future of digital ministry and discipleship is bright.” –Shamichael Hallman, C4TK leadership team, campus pastor at New Direction Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee

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A biking challenge makes its way through Minneapolis, Minnesota

A DIFFERENT ADVENTURE How Venture Expeditions fights for peace and justice, one mile at a time IAN RICHARDSON

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enture Expeditions began in 2002 with three college students, three bikes and one big idea.

While attending North Central University, co-founder Aaron Smith and two of his friends heard a missionary speak about a need for a mission in Argentina. Eager to do something about it, they decided to bike across the country to raise support.

By the end of their journey—which stretched 3,800 miles—they had collected more than $17,000.

As the group continued organizing summer tours to raise money, more people became involved, and the idea of connecting these ventures to humanitarian causes grew.

Smith, along with co-founder Ryan Skoog, organized a board of directors in 2006, launching Venture Expeditions as a nonprofit.

Since then, thousands have carried out Venture’s mission to “actively engage people in God’s story of justice” by gathering donations and participating in organized cycling, hiking and running tours to fight oppression around the globe.

Each tour raises funds for partnering organizations or the Venture Foundation. In

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Venture Projects currently focus on working with refugees in Southeast Asia

ALONG THE WAY ...

“We want to move past clicking ‘like’ on Facebook or just feeling deeply about something.” a world of ice buckets and other “slacktivism” fads, Venture’s physical dimension puts literal action behind its belief that engaging a cause should change the donors, too.

“We want to move past clicking ‘like’ on Facebook or just feeling deeply about something,” Paul Hurckman, Venture’s executive director, says. “We believe in order for true justice to happen, both sides have to be transformed.”

Venture has options for everyone, regardless of athletic level. Some participants have hiked mountains in Colorado or biked around the Baltic Sea, while others have committed to run 100 miles in 100 days in their area.

“We love grabbing average people and saying, ‘You’d be amazed at how God made your body and what you can do and what it’s like to intentionally interrupt your life on behalf of other people,’” Hurckman says.

Venture is also in the process of designing a smartphone app that would track running, cycling and

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walking mileage via GPS and raise support per mile for people in need.

The app will show the impact a person makes immediately after working out and connect users with humanitarian organizations and devotionals to help customize their own fundraisers.

Half of Venture’s funds go to missionary and church partners in six Southeast Asian nations. Venture’s own foundation, Venture Projects, works specifically in Northern Thailand, Eastern Burma and on the Burma-Thailand border, helping those affected by the longtime regional conflict there. Venture also has 11 full-time missionaries in the field.

“My prayer is that somehow Venture helps to waken up hearts,” Hurckman says. “Do I think running 5Ks saves people? Absolutely not.

Do I even think running across the state [does]? No. But when you start creating space to intentionally interrupt your life and you can connect that with the needs of other people, I think there’s something really powerful that happens there.”

–Throughout Venture’s history, 4,000 participants have journeyed 846,000 miles and raised $7.8 million. More than 93,000 lives have been touched as a result of its ministries.

–Author Donald Miller biked across the country as part of Venture’s 2008 Ride:Well Tour, which raised money to support Blood:Water Mission. At the time, he was in the middle of writing his fifth book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

–Fifty percent of funds raised by Venture Expeditions go toward the organization’s extensive work and partnerships in Southeast Asia. Venture partners with local churches and missionaries in Thailand, Burma, China, Indonesia, India and Nepal to provide education, food security and discipleship to the oppressed in that region of the globe.

–Venture has partnered with several humanitarian organizations, including Convoy of Hope, World Vision, American Bible Society, International Justice Mission, Blood:Water Mission, Restore International and Exile International.

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C

BUILDING COMMUNITY IN QUEEN CITY Center City Church is carefully, creatively investing in Charlotte’s promise ALYCE YOUNGBLOOD

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harlotte, North Carolina, is one of those metro areas you might hear people refer to as “booming.”

In recent years, it’s consistently held a spot on Forbes’ list of the nation’s fastest growing cities. The “Queen City” is recognized both as a banking capital (second only to New York City) and a surging entrepreneurial culture.

As the city grows, so does the starkness of its economic divide. Center City Church, a five-year-old congregation led by David Docusen, is striving to meet physical and spiritual needs on either side.

At first, Center City Church tried what Docusen calls a “shotgun” approach to outreach, undertaking a variety of efforts in the church’s first year. But he began to sense their purpose was to “go deep, not wide” by strategically partnering with key organizations on an existing vision for Charlotte.

“I would walk down Tryon Street, from one side to the other, all through our city, and I would just keep praying, ‘We just want to be a part of the conversation—the welfare for our city, caring for the poor, caring for people in our community, but also caring for other people that are in the top floors of these sky-risers.’”

Docusen decided to start some of those conversations himself. He approached nonprofits and city influencers, not with an agenda or an idea, but with an open ear and a simple question: “What would you do if you had people who were just willing to help?”

Their neighbors had some unique answers. Center City Partners, a organization that covers everything from street cleaning to arts promotion in Uptown Charlotte, began coming to them when events or projects needed extra hands. A shelter took the church up on an offer to provide both meals for homeless families and some well-deserved time off for their employees, six weeks out of the year. A city planner invited their members to help tend an overgrown community garden near an underprivileged elementary school. An Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse, modeled after National Community Church’s multi-

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purpose venue in Washington, D.C., is in the works as a response to the city’s desire for businesses that promote community.

Docusen says building these and other meaningful, productive partnerships has been neither fast nor flashy. He describes the process as “methodical, messy, slow-growing,” not unlike the community garden they were asked to help restore. Seeds, vines, branches, fruit—that’s the essence of the gospel (John 15:1-17), Docusen points out, and that’s the story Center City Church ultimately wants to tell.

These days, Docusen is still prayerfully walking through Charlotte, but his words are now more precise, and familiar: “God, let your kingdom be established in Uptown Charlotte as it is in heaven.”

Center City Church knows it’s a task that can only be accomplished through prayer and building meaningful relationships.

“We want the church to grow with Charlotte,” he says. “The gospel is simple and beautiful, but I believe that strategies to connect with a city can be incredibly creative and match the needs of the city.”

“We want the church to grow with Charlotte.”

PARTNERSHIP PROFILES Here’s how Center City Church describes some of the groups they’ve partnered with to invest in Charlotte’s well-being. You can learn more at centercity.church/ missions.

Charlotte Family Housing “Charlotte Family Housing works to empower homeless families to achieve long-term self-sufficiency through shelter, housing, support services and advocacy.”

Wells Fargo Sense & Science Garden “Center City Church partnered with Wells Fargo and the Charlotte community to bring this dream to life.

The sense and science garden helps children learn and gives our community a fresh, new area in the city.”

Center City Partners “Charlotte Center City Partners facilitates and promotes the economic, cultural and residential development of the urban core. Their goal is to make Charlotte’s Center City livable, memorable and sustainable.”

Crisis Assistance Ministry “The Crisis Assistance Ministry works to inspire our community to justice and generosity as they provide help, hope and understanding to people struggling with limited financial resources in our city.”

Left: The Wells Fargo Sense & Science Garden; Above: David Docusen speaking

Myers Park Trinity Little League “Myers Park Trinity Little League purposefully gives the youth in Charlotte a chance to grow physically and relationally on the baseball field.

A long-standing community program in Charlotte, MPTLL is a generational tradition that builds kids’ self-esteem.”

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REACHING THE NORTHEAST This ambitious church planting effort could reach some of the nation’s most unchurched areas JESSICA MORRIS

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hurch planting is by no means a new concept, but ReachNortheast is taking a fresh approach to building God’s kingdom. The organization exists to reach millions of people through planting efforts in major cities—most of which are in the Northeast, an area of the United States that is largely unchurched.

“Church planting is the method, but the purpose behind the method is to reach the lost,” says Jeff Leake, founder of the movement and lead pastor at Allison Park Church in Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

As the president of CityReach, a network birthed within the ReachNortheast movement, Brian Bolt heads up their efforts to plant churches and recovery homes in the “worst parts of cities in the U.S.A.” Together, Leake and Bolt came up with the vision to start 100 churches in 10 years.

“Jeff actually said to me, ‘Can you plant a church in January and maybe one in March?’ He ended up moving both of them to February and … he said, ‘I think I’m going to plant these on the same day.’ It was the coolest thing I’d heard of,” Bolt shares. “We realized that we could walk through

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the same training and systems and process, and they’d be hitting the same benchmarks at the same time.”

Starting with a plant in Pittsburgh, they have gone on to birth 65 churches across the Northeast, and reaching down into Florida. The numbers are inspiring, but they are not the point; ReachNortheast carefully considers planting locations. “For us, it’s not about taking people from other places. It’s about reaching people [who] are completely overlooked and trying to bring them to Christ,” Leake explains.

Bolt’s story is integral in this mission to encourage “unlikely people.” His past includes a lifestyle of drug use and a miraculous healing from a gunshot wound to the head. Back then, Bolt’s recovery took place in a facility operated by Victory Outreach in San Diego, California. “They planted them in these really rough places and near these recovery homes, and I said, ‘Well, if this guy can pastor a church, I think I can.’” In the same way, CityReach

THE UNIQUE REACH OF WOMEN ReachNortheast is launching a number of churches with women behind the pulpits—a strong example for the future of the Church, which still struggles to represent women at all levels of leadership. Vital spoke with Svetlana Papazov, founder of Real Life Church in Richmond, Virginia, about her ministry.

[Learn more from Papazov’s unique vision for ministry in the marketplace on page 76 or at reallifechurchrva.org.]

ReachNortheast and CityReach aim to create “not just churches, but life-giving churches”

Brian Bolt, president of the CityReach network

is now empowering the marginalized.

“Our churches … have hope homes that are taking drug addicts off the street, seeing lives change. It really has become a movement now,” Bolt says. “They see my life and they say, ‘Well, if you can do it, I think I can do it.’”

While their work pushes them out of their comfort zones frequently (“It’s a huge risk of faith,” Leake says), the method has been productive thus far; across their two networks, more than 20,000 people will attend their planted churches this weekend alone.

This exponential growth sometimes means planting up to 13 churches in a day (CityReach is aiming for 25 in one day), so ReachNortheast works hard to ensure their pastors and planters are going out supported and well-trained. “Every Monday, we have 25 [pastors] plus our team on a conference call, and they’re going through teachings and trainings,” Brian says. The two networks share a training school (Northeast Ministry School) and a compassion-oriented nonprofit (Network of Hope) to assist churches in reaching their community.

Whether someone is pioneering a church plant or supporting those who are, Leake reminds believers that anyone can take part in this calling. “The mission is not to plant churches; it’s to reach the one.”

On Women Who Lead “ReachNortheast was very, very supportive. My gender has never been brought to the table, into any of the discussions. I think it will serve the larger Church to assess the call of God on the individual. Both males and females are image-bearers of God. If we limit the expression of God’s image to only the male gender in leadership, then we’re truly limiting the way God works in the world and how His kingdom purpose has come to bear on His mission here.”

On ReachNortheast “We have been blessed to have not just access to their process, but also to their financial support and to their human resources support. They’re going into very uncharted territories to follow a process that actually works and has a success rate.”

On Her Call to Plant “My dad is a minister. So I’ve been always doing missional work, inside the church and outside of the church.

I began to sense a very strong passion to train the Church to get outside of church walls and to engage people in the marketplace in a very effective fashion. That’s something that we’re about to launch. We’re putting the things that we do on Sunday morning outside in the marketplace, Monday to Friday; things like prayer, being available to entrepreneurs, divine guidance, strategizing with God.”

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THE EVANGELISM LINK For ENLACE, sharing the gospel starts with providing sustainable solutions to poverty GEORGE PAUL WOOD

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on Bueno grew up in El Salvador as a missionary kid. After completing graduate studies in economic development in the United States, he returned to El Salvador with a desire to promote sustainable solutions to poverty. He founded the organization that would later become ENLACE, and it experienced a degree of success in community transformation.

Bueno felt something was missing, however.

“In one community,” he says, by way of illustration, “we created a water system that was accessible and affordable to the majority in the poor village.” But when he pointed out that poor people in more remote areas couldn’t access the water system, village leaders expressed opposition. “They stated that it wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the community to have to support those people.”

Hearing this, Bueno had an epiphany. “I realized that unless there was a change in people’s hearts, then long-term sustainable change would not be possible and would not reach the poorest of the poor,” he says. “God showed me clearly that unless His Spirit changes people’s visions of life and understanding of themselves and others, then relationships won’t be restored and true community cannot be built.”

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ENLACE’S PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS In 2014, ENLACE provided: 1 bridge 1 street light 1 clinic 2 playgrounds 3 schools 5 water systems 6 medical programs 84 new homes 67 chicken coops 103 tilapia farms 181 home gardens 235 eco-stoves 255 latrines

In short, he discovered how crucial the Christian Church is to the process of community transformation.

That epiphany defines ENLACE’s approach today.

“We come alongside churches that have burdens to help their communities in some way and equip them to make a sustainable impact.”

ENLACE measures sustainable impact by how well it achieves these eight outcomes: • developing leader churches, • building the capacity of community associations, • eradicating extreme hunger and poverty, • improving enrollment rates and access to education for children, • assuring environmental sustainability and community health, • improving infant and maternal health, • preventing the spread of infectious and viral diseases, • and strengthening community infrastructure.

In 2014, home gardens impacted 1,086 people through ENLACE

Children gather next to a cistern, one of ENLACE’s projects

“In seminary, I was taught how to be a pastor of my church, but ENLACE taught me how to be a pastor of my entire community.” – Mauricio Reyes, pastor of Cristo Vive Church, ENLACE Church Coach (Enlace 2014 annual report)

In Spanish, enlace is a verb meaning “to link, connect, form a relationship.” ENLACE (the organization) sees a biblical link between the Church’s evangelistic mission and its efforts to transform communities.

“At the heart of what we’re doing is trying to help the Church reflect on Scripture so that they see that Jesus not only forgave sins but healed and fed,” Bueno says. “So we train church leaders on the biblical principles of God’s plan for His Church.”

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CREATIVE CHAPLAINCY From the Air Force to the air waves, there are few places today’s chaplains aren’t present IAN RICHARDSON

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ny time and any place can be a crucial setting to share the gospel.

Being present in those places at those moments is the mission of chaplaincy.

Over the years, chaplaincy has taken many new forms, and chaplains today are meeting the needs of people in ways you might not expect. The Assemblies of God (AG) alone has nearly 600 commissioned chaplains working across the country, ministering everywhere from military bases to prisons to radio stations to rodeos.

Here is an introduction to a few men and women working across the nation as part of the chaplaincy: 1. CH (Capt.) Delana I. Small: Army Chaplain, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Small is the first female chaplain assigned to a Combat Arms unit in the 101st Airborne Division. As an Army chaplain, she speaks at services, administers weddings and officiates funerals. She also advises the command team on matters involving faith and provides counseling.

Working alongside fellow soldiers throughout their training, Small ministers to soldiers of a wide variety of faiths, as well as many who have no faith.

“I’m introducing faith in Christ to people in subtle ways, maybe in being that person who’s available for a conversation or helping that soldier get their finances in order or help them get some food,” she says. “Having an open opportunity to share faith with people who would never receive faith in other contexts, that’s the most rewarding thing for me.”

2. Mike Reighard: Critical incident response ministries Reighard heads the newest chaplaincy initiative of the AG chaplaincy: critical incident ministries. Building on his involvement with Super Storm Sandy, the Sandy Hook shooting and the tornadoes throughout the Midwest.

Reighard realized the fellowship needed a cooperative plan to minister to people during these incidents.

In 2013, Reighard formed the 46:1 Response program, which responds to critical incidents that occur across the U.S. and provides AG leaders and churches with collaborative resources, data and tools to prepare them for

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troubled times. He says that even though the program is not fully rolled out, the response has been overwhelming.

“There should be no doubt for Bible-believing people that our world lives in a culture of crisis,” Reighard said. “Christian denominations, above all, should be the most prepared to care for their flock during these times.”

3. CH (Maj.) Tim Maracle, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Chaplain In his position as chaplain in the 10th Special Forces Group, Maracle supervises five battalion chaplains. As he prepares these chaplains for ministry and works alongside the others in the Special Forces group, he says what he does is an unconventional approach to military chaplaincy because of the unique Special Forces culture.

“Camaraderie between Special Forces Soldiers is something extraordinary,” Maracle says. “Trudging down a tough trail, tackling a seemingly impossible task, completing a back-breaking pace during a ruck march, jumping out of helicopters endears people together and earns credibility for our chaplains to minister in an incredible way.”

4. John Page, Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) Prison Seminars Page is passionate about a need often left behind in prison ministries: discipleship. For the past 14 years, he has worked with fellow AG Chaplain Bob Holyfield to offer week-long multimedia biblical teaching seminars in federal, state and local institutions around the country. He also helps set up six-month discipleship programs in institutions that request them.

As part of each seminar, Page also shares the gospel message. He says many have accepted Christ through this opportunity.

“Starting on Monday until we finish the program on Friday afternoon, their countenance has changed. They smile different, they look different,” he says. “I get to see a lot of lightbulbs come on.”

5. Terry Hunt: Team leader, West Ohio Crisis Management Team When a critical incident takes place within one of Ohio’s schools, emergency teams or workplaces, members of the West Ohio Crisis Management Team are called in to intervene. The trained group of 120 is comprised of pastors, police officers, nurses, mental health professionals, counselors and those from other backgrounds.

Hunt said he has made between 60 and 70 crisis interventions during his nearly 14 years on the team. He says his role is especially important in meeting the spiritual needs of those affected.

“This is where it is at,” Hunt says. “We must have born-again Christians on that team in that situation that can respond to the cry of help, hope and healing and know how to touch the face of God.” 6. John Battaglia: Political chaplain, Missouri State Capitol Battaglia describes what he does in the Missouri State Capitol as “influencing the influencers.” As an AG chaplain, Battaglia forms relationships with Missouri’s legislators and holds verse-by-verse Bible teaching one day a week, offers biblical coaching and provides counseling.

“I just make myself available,” he said. “There are those intentional things that you do, and then there’s the serendipitous moments where if you’re there you get to participate. The more they see you, the more trusting and comfortable they are.”

7. Gary and Tammie Webb: OCJ Kids Through their Arizona-based nonprofit organization, OCJ Kids

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(Opportunity Community and Justice for Kids), the Webbs equip churches and community volunteers to interact with the state’s Child Protective Services and to provide resources, support and mentorship to foster children and foster parents.

Since becoming AG chaplains in 2010, the Webbs have trained more than 600 volunteers and have reached more than 3,500 foster youth per year. They have launched 23 foster care resource centers in local churches to provide accessible living supplies.

“When we started, there were no ministries or organizations reaching out to these children,” Gary Webb says. “Serving as chaplains, we are able to connect the Church and all of her resources with government and group home agencies to provide necessary resources, supplies, support structures and mentors to foster youth as they journey through the system and transition successfully into independent living.”

8. Tom Zahradnik: CEO, Sound of Life radio Zahradnik has been CEO of Albany, New York station Sound of Life since 2004 and an AG chaplain since 2008. With the slogan “The right song at the right time,” Sound of Life has had the mission of reaching eastern New York since 1985. The station plays adult contemporary Christian music.

Zahradnik says this way people can find a message of hope in Christ through a medium they are more open to.

“Ultimately God leads people to Himself or touches their hearts, but music is a real instrumental tool to do that,” Zahradnik says. “God sovereignly is able to touch people, encourage them and help them at the right moments.”

9. CH (Lt. Col.) Donnette Boyd: Wing chaplain, Air Force Saved during her tenure as an Air Force line officer, Boyd has been putting her experience in Air Force culture to work for 15 years as a chaplain. She currently oversees four chaplains and three chaplain assistants in her wing.

Along with performing basic pastoral functions, visiting airmen units and advising leadership on faith-related matters, Boyd says she is in the only department that offers confidential counseling, which prompts people of all faiths or no faith at all to come to her seeking guidance.

“They give so much of themselves,” Boyd says. “It’s vital to have people such as myself and my colleagues who are here for them to inspire them, encourage them, whatever it is they’re going through, whatever phase of life that they’re in.”

10. Russ Weaver, Cowboy Church TV host A former rodeo and racetrack chaplain, Weaver now pastors a cowboy church in Texas. And, for the past eight years, he has been co-host of Cowboy Church, a half-hour music and preaching program that is viewed in as many as half a million homes a week on the Rural Farm Delivery Channel (RFD-TV). His co-host is Susie McEntire, country singer and sister of Reba McEntire.

Weaver says he switched his outlook on evangelism when he realized he would make more of an impact by reaching and discipling one person per year than trying to win hundreds at large, one-time events. It was the relationship he formed with McEntire and her husband, Paul, as their pastor that led to this new ministry opportunity.

“Everything we’ve ever accomplished is through the deal of just trying to spend time with a person and bring them along to where they can be solid Christians,” he says, “and the thing multiplies out.”

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A STAGE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS How a Colorado club became a platform for redemption KAITLYN GATES

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t’s not uncommon to hear about churches taking “secular” spaces—movie theaters, cafes, coworking offices—and giving them sacred value by finding familiar ground from which to minister in their community. It’s not so common, however, that the converted space was previously a strip club.

Such are the origins of a Fort Collins, Colorado church called The Genesis Project—formerly a bar known as The Hunt Club, and the setting for an unexpected story of reinventing both people and places.

For Aaron Bekkela and his brothers, The Hunt Club was a family business—by most standards, a successful one. But over time and for various reasons, the work began to weigh on them.

Bekkela recalls a series of pivotal events in his own life: A dancer once asked, “What are you doing here?” and told him her mother was praying for him. On a hunting trip,

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Rob Cowles, lead pastor of The Genesis Project in Fort Collins, CO

The Genesis Project gathers at its recently renovated building in May 2015

one brother handed him a Bible and prodded, “Just look.” Meaningful relationships with his wife and daughter began to cast his occupation in a new light. Then a flyer from a local church caught his eye at the right time.

“I didn’t know how to connect those dots: How was the guy running the local strip club going to go in and start talking to a pastor?” he says. But his wife was supportive, and they visited Timberline Church, an Assemblies of God congregation in the area.

For the first time, Bekkela saw what it meant to follow Christ. He committed to explore his newfound faith, separate from The Hunt Club and go back to school. It took time—and one tearful, prayerful breakdown in the shower—but his plans fell into place.

Eventually, Bekkela made an appointment with Timberline’s lead pastor, Dary Northrup. “He came in and said, ‘Do you know anyone who might want to buy the building and turn it into something else?’”

Northrup remembers. “That was such a unique situation. We weren’t searching to buy a strip club or anything. What we typically do is we try to be ready for opportunities.”

Generous donors quickly raised more than a million dollars to purchase and renovate the property, and Timberline executive pastor Rob Cowles transitioned into leadership for the new church plant. The Genesis Project officially opened its doors on February 8 of this year.

It hopes to tangibly meet needs in this industrial area through a coffee shop that employs at-risk youth, a community center in a neighboring trailer park, a kitchen that offers classes and a mobile food cart that feeds the hungry.

“Our vision is to reach people that don’t do church for whatever

reason,” Cowles says. As the name suggests, The Genesis Project is about new beginnings—spiritual, vocational or otherwise.

“One of the things we say often is, in a building where a lot of dreams died, we’re seeing God through new dreams in the lives of people,” Cowles says, adding that they have “been able to journey with a few of the former employees.”

As for Bekkela, he attends The Genesis Project and is now a therapist with a heart for counseling those with addiction problems.

As he marvels at how the “puzzle” of this transition came together, he offers one piece of advice: “Turn it over to Him.”

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RIPPLE EFFECT H Water ties together a California church and a nonprofit working in Fiji ALYCE YOUNGBLOOD

ow can a church leverage its influence and interests to make a global impact?

There’s no one right way—but here’s a template.

At Newbreak Church in San Diego, California, you’ll find a bunch of surfers.

Lead pastor Mike Quinn and outreach pastor Darrel Larson are no strangers to the waves themselves. But Larson has been witness to the power of water on other levels. Outside of his role at the church, he’s also the founder of Give Clean Water, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing sustainable drinking water solutions in Fiji— home to both top surfing competitions and a surprisingly severe water crisis.

You can probably see the organic opportunity for missions here, but we’ll let Quinn and Larson tell you more about it.

What is Give Clean Water?

Give Clean Water “partners with local community organizations to identify families in need of clean water filters.” For now, their focus is Fiji, but “what Give Clean Water is doing is an applicable methodology everywhere,” Larson says. They’ve been able to collaborate with a range of groups including popular surfing brand Volcom, the Fiji Ministry of Health and the World Surf League (previously the Association of Professional Surfers). They address the water crisis using Sawyer Point One micron filters,

Darrel Larson, left, founder of Give Clean Water

Through Give Clean Water, $180 can sponsor a family for a lifetime of clean water

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a gravity-fed, economically viable resource considered to be the best practice for treating rural water in Fiji.

Why Fiji?

You’ve probably drank out of a plastic bottle bearing a label praising the purity of Fiji’s water, but the truth is that more than half of the population on the archipelago’s 110 inhabited islands doesn’t have access to clean water. “Fiji is very famous because of the surf industry and because of the island of Tavarua itself—which is a very, very small little dot in the whole Fijian nation,” Larson explains. This means rural areas are often overlooked. “It is beautiful, to be sure, but you’d be surprised at the poverty,” Quinn says. The United Nations reports that Oceania, the region that includes Fiji, saw no improvement in drinking water and sanitation conditions between 1990 and 2010.

How is Newbreak Church involved?

“Newbreak’s always been one of the original partners with Give Clean Water and has been a big part of the success over in Fiji,” Larson says. For the church, this means regularly sending both funds and people to Give Clean Water projects, which in turn frequently work with pastors in Fiji as local community leaders.

“It is kind of an amazing story of strategy and integration of natural governmental systems, and Christ, and church and Christians,” Quinn says. He adds that surfers are typically “philanthropic and environmentally sensitive,” making this project an even more natural fit for his congregation.

What can the Church learn from this effective partnership?

Both Quinn and Larson emphasize that, for churches looking to make meaningful contributions to justice projects, it’s important to cooperate with both Christian and nonChristian efforts. (Give Clean Water itself is not a faith-based organization, though it is consistently led and fueled by individuals with a missional focus.) “Work with the people that are on the ground, not to the people that are on the ground,” Larson says. Quinn agrees with this relational approach. “It works for me as a guy living in So Cal, in the neighborhood. It works for me as a pastor of a church. It works for me as a missionary in Fiji. It works for me everywhere.”

Filters used by Give Clean Water are considered best practice for rural Fiji

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MAKE IT COUNT Small Towns, Big Impact You either live in or near a rural area. How can you tangibly affirm the value of churches there?

A Harvest in Haiti Learn more about Convoy of Hope’s Agricultural Initiative, as well as their other programs, and consider giving or volunteering through convoyofhope.org.

Code for the Kingdom Read about the community of C4TK and their upcoming events at codeforthekingdom.org. Back them up by visiting sites or downloading apps that were birthed from their hackathons.

Reaching the Northeast Become a part of ReachNortheast’s mission to plant 100 churches. Give at reachnortheast.com or inquire about volunteer opportunities at volunteer@reachnortheast. com.

A Different Adventure Interested in taking part in one of Venture’s long-term trips or their international, national or local challenges?

Get started at ventureexpeditions.org.

Building Community in the Queen City You can invest in Center City Church’s presence and partnerships at centercity.church/give. In addition, consider how you might help your own church uniquely serve its community.

The Evangelism Link Church partnerships, internships and donations are great

Learning about the stories and endeavors within The Vital 10 is step one. The next step is up to you—but the list below could be a starting point for supporting these special missions, or even following their examples.

ways to be a part of ENLACE’s work. Information can be found at enlaceonline.org. Maybe their work will also inspire you to look locally and globally and ask: How can other churches be similarly equipped to transform their communities?

Creative Chaplaincy • What chaplains are supported by your district? Meet and invite them to speak in your church.

• Work with a local military installation near your church to see how you can minister to the troops there.

• Visit pray1tim2.org to find state-specific prayer guides or subscribe to a daily or weekly email that will supply you with names of state and federal leaders and public information to help you pray focused and effectively.

• Support the Capitol Commission at capitolcom.org/ donate.

• Support Sound of Life at soundoflife.org/give/ financial-gift.

• Get involved with OCJ Kids in Arizona via ocjkids. org/get-involved/transition-success-centers.

• Donate to IBLP at iblp.org/about-iblp/donate.

• Donate to Cowboy Church at cowboychurch.tv/ support.

A Stage for New Beginnings Give to the future of The Genesis Project in Fort Collins: genesisfortcollins.com/index.php/giving A Ripple Effect Give Clean Water is always looking for trip participants, sponsors, volunteers and unique fundraising ideas. Get involved at givecleanwater.org. Learn more about the vision and ministry of Newbreak Church at newbreak.org.

BE A PART OF THE VITAL10 We are already looking for stories to feature in the next Vital 10! Are you part of a ministry that you believe is breaking the mold? Do you know of a pastor, organization or community leader multiplying God’s kingdom in new and effective ways?

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How do you see Christians connecting, growing, serving, going and worshipping around the world? What ministries give you hope for the future of the Church? We want to hear more. Send an email to editor@vitalmagazine.com.

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More than being pumped up, Spirit-empowered worship is about being propelled outward MIKE CLARENSAU

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omething happens when we enter the presence of God. There’s an undoing, an exposure of our hearts that reveals every weakness and flaw. What else could possibly result from a perfect God’s encounter with imperfect beings like us?

But many have different expectations when they participate in worship. They’re searching for good feelings, for an elevated sense of worth or some worship experience that “ministers to them.” They emerge from church services like they leave department stores, deciding if they got what they wanted or if they should try a different “store” next time. What I got out of it is the focus, an evident sign that consumerism has infiltrated the local church.

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Shouldn’t the One worshipped be the primary recipient of worship?

Imagine a worshipper in the Old Testament temple wondering which Levite might kill the animal he brought in the most pleasing way.

Personally, I prefer the way that guy killed my bull last year, you know, less bloody and he had such a serene look on his face (the bull, I mean). Really?

When we’re determined to be the primary recipient in a worship setting, we likely look just as foolish.

In those temple days, they called the moment of worship a “sacrifice,” and it wasn’t simply because the animal gave its life. Sacrifice meant humbly acknowledging sin and looking to God for mercy. It meant pouring oneself out before Him, even though the blood of the slaughtered animal symbolized that pouring. Worship cost the worshipper something.

I suspect the idea of worship hasn’t really changed much. Of course, Jesus’ sacrifice put an end to zoo sounds at church, but the need for humble expressions and sacrificial attitudes remains. God has shown himself a unique blend of complete holiness and unconditional love, uncompromising righteousness and tender mercy, and both sides of that coin are revealed in true acts of worship.

Something important, powerful and difficult happens when we worship God. To be in His presence means we encounter the God whose nearness overwhelmed those whose similar moments are recorded in the Bible. Ask Moses about being near to God when he carefully removed his sandals before a bush God had touched (Ex. 3:5–6). Ask Elijah about the fire and earthquake that shook him from his depression (1 Kings 19:11–13). God wasn’t even in those powerful displays given to Elijah—they were His entourage—

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but God himself came near in just a whisper.

Ask John, the young man who had walked with Jesus every day. As an old man, he entered Christ’s presence and fell down like a dead man (Rev. 1:17–18). Responses may vary, but being overwhelmed by the awesomeness of God is clearly a common thread.

“Woe to Me” Spirit-empowered disciples aren’t casual about God’s holiness. They know there’s something immense and even fearful about drawing close to Him. Yes, Jesus’ sacrifice has opened that door, but stepping in is still an intense experience.

That’s why everything about relationship with God begins with repentance. Jesus said we must discover a poverty of spirit (Matt. 5:3). We can’t get close to God without the brightness of His glory revealing every speck of darkness in our hearts.

Isaiah’s encounter with God shows this clearly.

Read how this remarkable prophet began his journey with God: In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa. 6:1–8) You can’t miss the amazing sight that confronted Isaiah in this remarkable scene. Flying seraphim, smoke, shaking doorposts and an eerie cry proclaiming God’s holiness. There’s a lot of “wow factor” in his effort to describe this place.

But it’s Isaiah’s reaction that demands our

Our encounter with God begins with brokenness.

attention. We can’t really picture what he saw, but we can grasp what he felt—and it wasn’t pleasant at first. In that moment where the white-hot reality of God’s immense holiness was on display, Isaiah could see the blackness that filled his own life.

No wonder the Jews had long believed that no one could see God and live (Judg. 13:22).

Isaiah was convinced he was a goner.

By comparison, I think Isaiah would compare favorably to most of us. If God graded on a curve, this upstanding, welleducated prophet would place higher in the grade book than we would, so I’m guessing a similar moment for us wouldn’t prove more pleasant. To stand in God’s presence would make anyone desperate for a hiding place.

But God has a plan. For Isaiah, a coal from His altar burned away the prophet’s sin. For us, that burning coal is Jesus himself.

Because of His sacrifice, we too are made new and can survive and even thrive in that remarkable place.

The point is that our encounter with God begins with brokenness. We don’t dance a celebratory jig in God’s throne room or rejoice at the good fortune of our access without first having relationship restored. The children of Israel begged Moses to send God away as they were overwhelmed by His nearness. Their sense of inadequacy was more than they could bear.

But Moses went up the mountain toward God. He had no reason for greater confidence in his own holiness, but he knew God had called him there and he wanted every piece of God’s plan for his life. Moses, like Isaiah, was ready to serve God wholeheartedly. His first experiences in God’s presence ultimately made him want to be there more and more.

Spirit-empowered disciples are like that. We know of our

WITH EXPECTATION What are some of the preferences believers bring into a worship experience—and how could those expectations shape the future of our faith practice? Barna Group asked millennials—churched, marginally churched and unchurched—to choose a word that describes their ideal church. The top terms were: • • • • • •

Community, 78% Sanctuary, 77% Classic, 67% Quiet, 65% Casual, 64% Modern, 60%

Less desirable descriptions of a church included “privacy,” “auditorium” and “trendy.”

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To raise one’s hand to God’s mission may well be the greatest expression possible for humanity.

own unworthiness, and that God is every bit as majestic and awesome as the Bible attempts to describe. We’ve felt our own undoing in His presence, yet something makes us hunger to be there again and again.

“Here Am I, Send Me” Something makes us want to lay aside our own life plans when we hear what Isaiah heard. There, where self-focus had reigned for a moment, Isaiah overheard more than just the seraphim’s cries of God’s holiness.

He heard a cry from the One on the throne, and that cry sounded different. There was no question in the seraphim’s voice, for God’s holiness is an established fact. But God’s voice faltered, as if somehow the selfexistent and all-sufficient One required something He did not possess—a choice He had given someone else the power to make.

Who will go for us?

Now there are more than a few occasions in the Bible where I wouldn’t necessarily want to be present. There are even such moments in this story. But what comes next defines the heart’s desire of every Spiritempowered disciple. We long to answer God’s question just as Isaiah did.

Here am I, send me!

I added the exclamation point, but I’m pretty sure Isaiah’s volume level would have demanded one. To raise one’s hand to God’s mission may well be the greatest expression possible for humanity. This is the result of entering God’s presence, the true purpose of His self-revelation.

This is what worship looks like in the life

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of the Spirit-empowered. There is a reflection and awe of God’s real presence, and a keen awareness of our own weakened ability to respond. There is the relief of God’s mercy and cleansing, and we can’t get out of that place without hearing the heart of the One worshipped. Spiritempowered disciples long to meet God, and we emerge from such encounters with deepened resolve and determined dependence on the One who has called us. No wonder such worship proves lifechanging.

Such worship drives disciples back to the familiar place of want and need. The longing and hunger to be in God’s immense presence underscores our own inadequacy and makes pursuing Him and His power that much more essential.

To be with God is to need Him, to further distance ourselves from any reason for pride, and to hear His heart again and again.

Those who live Spiritempowered lives know that worshipping God doesn’t pump us up but propels us out into the arena where He longs to be most visible. In humble obedience, we sacrifice ourselves for His great purpose and know that every step we take is about Him and not about us. For how could true worship of God ever be about us?

Mike Clarensau is an author and dean of the College of Bible and Church Ministries for Southwestern Assemblies of God University.

This article is excerpted with permission from his new book, A SpiritEmpowered Life (Vital Resources, 2015) .

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A psychologist explores five barriers to forgiveness GEOFF W. SUTTON

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any of us have had the confusing experience of thinking we had moved on from a past hurt, only to be reminded of the painful experience all over again. It’s enough of a spiritual struggle to follow Jesus’ command to forgive others as God has forgiven us (Matt. 6:14–15). When, with God’s grace, we have forgiven the offense, why is it that we keep getting tripped up?

Let’s take a look at five reasons why we may continue to struggle with troublesome memories and what we can do about them.

RESTORING BALANCE Before reviewing the five difficulties, let me put forgiveness in perspective. Forgiveness is a solution to a problem. In 1 John 1:9, we learn, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Sin is ultimately an offense against God. From the perspective of justice, offenders ought to be punished for sin. Until that sin is punished, an imbalance exists.

Fortunately, in His love and forgiveness, God has provided a way to correct that imbalance.

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When someone offends us in a way that produces harm, they have damaged our relationship. It is natural for us to feel hurt and angry. Many desire revenge. We are naturally aware that justice demands punishment. If we plan to “get even,� we seek revenge rather than trusting God or some legitimate authority to handle the problem of injustice. On the other hand, some not only avoid memories of the offense, but literally avoid the offender. With the passage of time, the hurt feelings become like a smoldering fire ready to ignite with a drop of fuel.

Many Christians eventually recognize the need to forgive the offense and move forward to live in the present with friends, enjoy family events, focus on projects at work and use their gifts in church. Still, there are many barriers to achieving forgiveness. In this article, I am writing about people who have already forgiven an offense and/or the offender, but find themselves lured back into the struggle, wrestling with bad feelings that won’t go away.

BARRIERS TO FORGIVENESS 1. We forgave out of duty before we realized how much we were hurt.

A friend of mine, Everett Worthington at Virginia Commonwealth University, likes

Hurt feelings are warning signs that something is wrong.

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A common approach to forgiveness has four “ABCD” steps: Assess harm, believe you can forgive, commit to forgive and do something to remember.

to talk about the difference between decisional and emotional forgiveness. As Christians, we know we are supposed to forgive people for their offenses. But forgiveness involves our thoughts and our feelings.

We can and should forgive out of duty. Besides, forgiveness produces a harvest of benefits for our health and our community. We are, however, created with feelings that connect us to God and other people. Hurt feelings are warning signs that something is wrong. We can recover from emotional hurts, but the process takes time. Leslie Greenberg, the psychologist behind Emotionfocused Therapy, and his colleagues found that people who underwent 12 weeks of therapy focused on emotional healing and forgiveness were much further along in forgiveness and letting go of their pain than a group that participated in an educational approach to forgiveness.

If you had a severe fracture, you may need more than one surgery to repair the damage, but the rehabilitation process can take weeks or months before you regain normal functioning. Deciding to act on forgiveness is important to the healing process, but when the offense was deeply painful, emotional recovery may be slow.

Let us remember to pray for emotional healing and recognize that healing is not always instantaneous. Forgiveness is a part of overall spiritual growth—and spiritual growth takes time. Forgiveness can be an event, but it is often a process.

2. We tried to forgive a person or an organization and missed the offense that really bothered us.

Don Davis of Georgia State University and his colleagues discovered that viewing an offender as evil was the second most powerful factor linked to unforgiveness in a sample of young, mostly Christian, adults. For example, if we were unjustly fired from a job, we may hold that offense against our former employer. Losing a job unjustly can feel like betrayal. It hurts us financially and attacks our sense of worth. It’s especially hurtful if we have invested years of our life in an organization, perhaps even working many hours beyond the typical work week. We can have a problem with forgiveness if we just focus on the obnoxious character of the supervisor or the generally disrespectful treatment by the organization. Not surprisingly, every time something reminds us of the person or the organization, we feel angry and

recall many of the things we hated about the person and the job.

But forgiveness works best when we focus on a specific offense. What happened? How did we suffer? How did we feel about what was done?

Let’s assume that the termination referred to above was truly unjust.

Even so, the termination is the main offense that needs to be forgiven here—not the character of the supervisor or problems in the organization.

We are used to asking forgiveness from God for our sins, but not for who we are. That can be a model for forgiving others: Identify and forgive the specific offense.

3. We confused an urge to repair a damaged relationship with forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not reconciliation.

Forgiveness means letting go of the hurt feelings and the desire for revenge; reconciliation means repairing a damaged relationship.

This point usually comes up when people believe they have to reconcile with someone in order to forgive them. In one survey, Jaimée Allman and I found that more than 70 percent of Christians feel this way.

I am not just talking about an intellectual difference between forgiving people and reconciling with them. I am talking about an emotion—the feeling that something isn’t quite right if I only let go of bad feelings and the desire for revenge, while doing nothing about the damaged relationship.

Even when a person has chosen to forgive someone, there may be no sense of closure. And often that is true.

Forgiveness requires only one person. We have a degree of choice about the matter. But reconciliation involves two people (at least), and we cannot control the person who offended us.

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It may or may not make sense to fully reconcile; each case is different.

Forgiveness makes sense for victims of abuse—but reconciling with an abuser may not be wise.

Reconciliation requires trust, and trust requires feeling safe. We must make sure that we are not confusing our Christian duty to forgive a person who hurt us with an urge to reconcile with that person, especially when trust has not been restored.

4. We didn’t close the case.

Just as some people struggle to relax in the present when a project is unfinished, some hurts are so painful that the memories will pop up again. A news story or encounter reminds us of the painful experience, and it can feel like the problem never ends, never goes away. We may have dealt with the issue in prayer or with a pastor or counselor and assumed it is in the past—forgiven, over and done with.

In situations where we have worked through a difficult forgiveness process, a final step can be helpful. Worthington indicates a final step called “holding onto forgiveness,” an important component in the successful treatment of unforgiveness. I have recommended people take some sort of meaningful action, as if to stamp “Case Closed” on the experience.

One Easter weekend, a church my wife and I attended held a Good Friday service during which we were encouraged to write a concern on a paper then walk up to the front and nail it to a wooden cross. Maybe you don’t need a physical activity like this to put aside the past, but some type of action may serve as a reminder that you have truly dealt with the past. You have turned over the hurt to God, along with the desire for revenge. Nailing your pain to the cross, so to speak, can be a powerful way of closing off the past.

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There is another message from the cross. The image of Jesus broken, abandoned and hanging during His dying moments is even more powerful when we remember what He prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23: 34a). The words suggest that He had already forgiven the abusers for their mistreatment. Now He was praying that His Father would also forgive those who had made His last days so full of pain and suffering. This is undeniably hard to do—but the ability to pray for those who have hurt us serves as a powerful marker that the old hurts are behind us. We have moved on.

5. We tried to find a meaning in the suffering, but it didn’t make sense.

“Why didn’t God just take me?” asked my mother when she ended up in the hospital with a broken hip at age 93. She rehearsed the fateful event, directed her anger toward the inconveniences of hospital routines—and barely seemed to see her anger toward God. Many, from my mother to Job, have questioned God in times of pain and suffering, in a desperate effort to make meaning out of tragedy. Every year we learn of people killed, disabled and made homeless by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or earthquakes. Good people and their families suffer physical and emotional pain in this fallen world. And they often wonder if or why God “let it happen.”

Sometimes we do know the source of our suffering, and it still doesn’t make sense. A drunk driver slams into the car of our neighbor or friend. A deranged person enters a school or office and kills dozens of innocent people before killing himself. A

“I THINK TRUE FORGIVENESS MEANS YOU ALSO RECONCILE WITH THE PERSON WHO OFFENDED YOU.” (Source: Jaimée Allman and Geoffrey W. Sutton, Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Spirituality: Empirical Findings Regarding Conceptual Differences, 2009)

70.5% AGREE

17.5% DISAGREE

The ability to pray for those who have hurt us serves as a powerful marker that the old hurts are behind us.

Which offenses do you find easy to forgive?

Which offenses are difficult to forgive?

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THE SIDE EFFECTS OF FORGIVENESS It’s not a just a spiritual issue; forgiving someone can also positively affect your physical and mental health. The Mayo Clinic highlights a few ways this can occur, including: healthier relationships; less anxiety, stress and hostility; lower blood pressure; fewer symptoms of depression; stronger immune system; improved heart health and higher self-esteem.

As you might guess, this means unforgiveness can also do real damage to your mind and body. In a 2010 report published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, researchers reported that holding grudges may lead to heart disease and cardiac arrest, elevated blood pressure, stomach ulcers, arthritis, back problems, headaches and chronic pain.

faithful wife learns that her husband wants a divorce after 30 years of marriage.

If we can figure out the cause of a problem, we hope we may be able to avoid disaster the next time. In this way, our memories protect us and serve a useful function.

Unfortunately, our memories can also lead us into an endless review of pain and suffering that is unresolved.

Each review evokes even more pain and suffering.

Theologians have pondered the problem of evil for millennia; we cannot solve that problem. We can, however, deal with the reality that sometimes we attempt to hold God responsible for bad things, rather than trust that He is good. Another finding from the study

by Davis and his colleagues indicates that anger toward God is significantly linked to unforgiveness. Please don’t misunderstand me: I’m not saying God has done something wrong to us, and we need to forgive Him for it; that’s not possible. What I am saying is that anger toward God often feels like unforgiveness toward people or circumstances that have hurt us. To move forward, we must make our peace with God, release our anger and invite the Holy Spirit to comfort us and help us create a meaningful life.

Forgiveness is a part of overall spiritual growth—and spiritual growth takes time.

If you can find a meaning in the suffering, focus on how it will help you with your future. But if the tragedy seems to make no sense, grieve the loss and release the hurt. Find a creative way to move forward, or even give of your time and resources to help people in future disasters or similar tragedies.

FORGIVENESS BRINGS HEALING On May 4, 2007, an EF5 tornado nearly two miles wide destroyed 95 percent of my wife’s hometown of Greensburg, Kansas. We went out to help her family. On that Sunday, we worshipped with friends in a tent on the cement slab where the Assemblies of God church used to be. Pastor Christa Zapfe pointed to bricks from the old church and encouraged us to rebuild.

Forgiveness is one way God helps us rebuild our lives after a loss. Rebuilding is never easy. A pile of bricks could serve as a tearful reminder of all that was lost.

But with God’s grace, that same pile can present an opportunity for rebuilding our lives.

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Geoff W. Sutton is a licensed psychologist and emeritus professor of psychology at Evangel University.

He writes and speaks about Christian virtues and healthy relationships.

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TEACHING

THE BEST KIND OF REST It’s time to get serious about slowing down AUDREY ADKINS

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here is a recent MasterCard commercial in which adorable children try to convince their parents to take more vacation days. It is filled with the children’s promises of learning more languages, becoming more well-rounded and studying harder in school if their parents will agree to take “one more day.”

It’s cute—but it’s also poignant.

Shouldn’t we be showing children what it looks like to foster a lifestyle where we take time to slow down

and savor the moments we have been given? We often do not, but I believe that we should.

And isn’t summer the perfect time to do this? There is a freedom about the season. It makes you want to stop for a little while and be completely present in the moment. The days are longer. School is most likely not in session for those of us who are still students. It is an opportune time to slow down.

Yet, if we aren’t mindful, summer could come and go. We could miss precious time to be intentional about rest, focusing instead on greater productivity. “We don’t have time to rest!” we say to one another. But our hearts tell us that time isn’t the issue here; our fear is.

Our culture is not good at seeing this tension between rest and work.

The U.S. Travel Association noted that in 2013, Americans used less vacation time than they had in four decades. We value productivity and results over quietness and rest. In 2014, Gallup, Inc. reported that 40 percent of people in the United States slept less than the recommended amount because they were always plugged-in. We do not know how to balance the demands of daily life with the needs of the soul. Subsequently, we have created a mess. We’re the busiest we’ve ever been, and we don’t know how to slow down. We are burned out, but it is not just our fate.

It is often because of poor priorities.

But we are too afraid to ask for help.

Instead, in our fear we have named time our master, and failed to ask the Lord of rest for His help in figuring out and practicing this delicate balance. Things will fall apart if we do not involve the God of all rest in the endeavor to follow this command to slow down.

What Rest Gives Us You might be thinking, “What

TEACHING

does God have to do with rest?” He created it, and it says a lot about who He is. Christ himself is our rest.

Psalms 62:1 says, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.”

Too often we think of rest as something found in a day, an activity or a moment in time. But the true rest mentioned in this psalm is a different kind of a rest. It is unique. It is a rest that fills a dark and empty void that comes from endless business and avoidance of the mess. I like to think of it as a soul rest. It’s more than waking up after a good night’s sleep or getting home after a day at the park. This rest is life-giving in a way that can only come from the Father. It cannot be found anywhere else.

When we seek to find our rest in God, we renew our hope in Him, we (re)gain much needed focus on things that are truly important and our joy is restored to us.

Our hope is renewed because we are forced to slow down and remember God’s saving acts in our lives and the world, our focus is rightly restored to our Creator and our joy is enlivened at the sweet peace that we receive from His presence. These things—hope, focus, joy—do not come from worldly or purely physical rest.

They come from God alone.

How to Embrace Rest One of the things that has been helpful for me has been to recognize working rhythms and resting rhythms.

Rituals can be an important part of your day. Doing devotions in the morning could be your jump start to remind you that there is a day that awaits your creativity and productivity. Making a cup of tea when you arrive home from work could be a signal to your body to wind down. Is there a ritual that you could incorporate into your day to signal to your brain and your body that this is the time to slow down?

Rest is also about being intentional. It’s about leaning into the Father of peace and the Author of time, trusting that His grace will sustain you for the tasks at hand for your day, including those that might be considered restful. Rest is giving up control, and asking God to help you recognize His presence with you amidst the mess and fear. It is His leading and guiding you in your life’s journey. Rest is, at its very core, about deepening your relationship with the One who created you to be a resting one. It’s about giving up fear and embracing the love of the Father for you, as His child—a love that invites you and welcomes you into a deep rest.

In our moments of fear, and recognizing our mess, God is there. If we lean into Him, He will help us to stop doing and start being. God made us for rest, and

We do not know how to balance the demands of daily life with the needs of the soul.

He commands us to do so. He commands us to rest—in the same list where He commands us not to murder or steal or commit adultery (Ex. 20:1-17). And yet we still view it as optional. Rest is not optional as a disciple of Jesus. It is required and encouraged and needed. When we are overextended, it is time to rest. It is time to take some time with the One who made you and ask Him to help you. It is time to be mindful and intentional about receiving the rest He so graciously created and offers to you on a daily basis.

Rest alone. Rest together as a family. Rest as a couple united in Christ. But make sure that you are daily seeking to be transformed by the rest He offers—in mind, in spirit and in body.

Audrey Adkins grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Nathaniel, live in Springfield, Missouri.

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TEACHING

A MISSION IN THE MARKETPLACE God is working in “the real world” too SVETLANA RENEE PAPAZOV

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grew up in a Christian family in communist Bulgaria and began preaching from the age of 14. I witnessed how this society drew strict lines of separation between faith in God, creativity and diversity. When a person is denied much, she desires much.

So my husband, Michael, our nine-monthold baby and I immigrated to America, and when we did, I had one desire on my heart: to enter vocational ministry.

One Sunday morning, as I looked around the congregation worshipping with us at an Assemblies of God church in Illinois, I heard God say to me, “There are many people willing to work on the inside of the church, but very few minister outside its walls. I need you on the outside.”

And so, my husband and I started a small business. We put my education in landscape architecture and my husband’s skills for building beautiful yards to work, literally fulfilling the creation commission God gave Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden: “to work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15).

We interpreted the service we provided to customers as a form of worship to God, to be performed with excellence. But we also took seriously our responsibility to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission (Matt.

28:19–20) by discipling our unchurched employees, praying for our customers and giving them Bibles as gifts. God blessed that business, and we went on to open three more.

God eventually stirred our hearts to plant a church that trains believers to minister outside the church’s walls. The last several years, I have pursued additional biblical, theological and ministry training to make this dream a reality. In a few months, we will launch Real Life Church in the Richmond, Virginia area. Our goal is to transform the local community by helping members of our community integrate faith, entrepreneurial leadership and small business skills.

Through these experiences, we’ve learned valuable lessons about working for the Lord and reaching unchurched people in a mission field that is often neglected—the marketplace.

The Great Divide The American Church increasingly occupies a place on the margins of society. The Pew Research Center recently released a new study showing that fewer people identify themselves as Christians, while more people identify themselves as “nones”—that is, they have no religion.

Separation between the sacred and the secular spheres of life has become so common that many Christians struggle to integrate their faith with their workaday lives in the marketplace. Some of them even worry that secular involvement or employment may “defile” them in some way.

Only a holistic Christianity that incorporates faith into the whole of life—uniting work, ministry, worship and family—can succeed in the marketplace. The marketplace is where economic exchange occurs. It is the place where humans buy goods and services, whether material or cultural. It is a place that brings together Christians and non-Christians in a mutually beneficial relationship. Since God is the God of all life, a sharp divide between sacred and the secular does not fit His agenda.

enter into economic exchange to be a blessing as God has blessed you.

Work through relationships. In our businesses, my husband and I approached every individual as a precious soul that God created and cares for. This didn’t mean immediately jumping into evangelism.

We recognized that not every person we met through our work had an “ear to hear” (Mark 4:9–12). But as long as we provided our service, we personally prayed for them while seeking opportunities to bless and disciple them.

God’s purpose is to reconcile people to himself in a fruitful, loving relationship, and He is working nonstop to place them in environments that introduce them to reconciliation. Your job allows you to be an ambassador of reconciliation within an environment that is more spiritually diverse than what you encounter in a church.

Sometimes you will meet resistance—different beliefs, different backgrounds, different goals—but this is when “faith muscles” are being stretched and strengthened. If we isolate ourselves and do not do life with those outside of church, we cannot model our faith to or disciple them.

Work well. When the public sees Christian companies and products, they often think of sub-par work, of people more interested in gaining business by using a Christian logo than in doing a good job. What if Christians were known as a community of excellent workers? What if a Christian symbol on a door or a package was seen as a hallmark of creativity? What if we raised the bar for what productivity looks like? When we offer great service and quality products, we put the generous spirit of Christianity on display.

Beyond simply bringing Christian ethics into the workplace, God calls us to bring His culture of light into all of life. Enter and lead with that brightness. God will give you the grace and strength to bridge that secular/ sacred divide and thrive in doing the greater works He planned for you to do (John 14:12). He created you to live in the fullness of your potential in Him: “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Phil. 2:13).

Beyond simply bringing Christian ethics into the workplace, God calls us to bring His culture of light into all of life.

The “Go” of the Great Commission Christopher Wright, a contemporary evangelical theologian, says it is not so much that God has a mission for His Church, but that He has a church for His mission.

God actively engages all spheres of life in order to bring people into a flourishing relationship with himself.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Church should intentionally engage all areas of life to bear witness to Jesus Christ and connect people to God. When Christians enter the marketplace, we fulfill that part of the Great Commission that commands us to “go” (Matt. 28:19).

As you go, here are a few keys to help you fulfill your unique calling, become a credible witness to God and bless your community.

Work for others. When you enter the marketplace, you should look for more than personal success. Put the benefit of others first. Ask, “How can I model Christ to the customers, employees, investors or vendors—especially in the difficult cases?” When you keep your cool or give people a second chance, others will know there is something different about you! Wherever you work, lead or minister, model the Jesus way by building a company for the benefit of the “least of these” (Matt. 25:40) and

Svetlana Renee Papazov is an entrepreneur and lead pastor of Real Life Church in Richmond, Virginia. She has a D.Min from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

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TEACHING

MAKING SENSE OF OLD TESTAMENT VIOLENCE How to understand a good (not safe) God PAUL COPAN

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was speaking recently in the Atlanta area on the topic of violence in the Old Testament and divine justice. During the Q&A time, one mother asked, “How do we teach our children about the nature of God when we see much of the Old Testament’s violence connected to God himself?” A very good question! And it is relevant not just for Christian parents but for anyone who reads or teaches biblical passages that include commands such as, “do not leave alive anything that breathes” and “completely destroy them” (Deut.

20:16–17).

To help us answer this question, keep in mind what Scripture teaches about God’s nature generally.

A General Review of God’s Nature God does not condemn us for our troubling questions and doubts. The psalmist questioned why God had forsaken him (Ps. 22:1–2). Jeremiah charged God with deception: “You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived” (Jer. 20:7). Even so, God did not condemn these hurting, angry saints for their complaints. God is God, but He allows us to wonder about—even question—what He is doing.

As the cosmic authority, God is good, but He isn’t safe. In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis, Lucy asks Mr. Beaver whether Aslan the Lion—the book’s Jesus-figure—is safe. Mr. Beaver replies: “Safe? ... Who said anything about safe? ‘Course He isn’t safe. But he’s good.

He’s the king, I tell you.” In both the Old and New Testaments, God (or Jesus) is good, kind and merciful, but He is far from safe. For example, Paul writes, “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God” (Rom. 11:22). The New Testament affirms both greater divine love displayed in the cross of Christ and greater divine sternness for rejecting or taking God’s grace lightly (Heb. 2:2-3; 12:15-25). While we can come boldly to God because we’ve been fully accepted through Christ (Heb. 4:16), we cannot approach Him casually.

The God of the Old Testament is the

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God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. While some dismiss the “angry” God of the Old Testament, favoring the “gentle” heavenly Father of the New instead, New Testament authorities themselves unabashedly identified with Him. For example, Jesus affirmed the Noahic flood (Matt. 24:37–39) and divine judgments against Sodom and Tyre (Matt. 10:15; 11:21–24; Luke 17:26-32), saying judgment would be worse for those who rejected Him. Stephen and Paul affirmed God’s command to drive out of the Canaanites (Acts 7:45; 13:19).

Beyond identifying with the Old Testament God, Jesus himself acted as a divine judge. For example, He drove moneychangers from the temple (John 2). He used harsh language and threats of judgment against those who opposed God’s purposes. For example, Jesus told the parable of tenants against “the chief priests and Pharisees,” describing God bringing the “wretches” who reject His Son to “a wretched end” (Matt. 21:33– 46). Yes, enemy-loving Jesus welcomes children and is a friend of sinners (Matt. 5:44; 19:14; 9:10–13), but He can be stern when His divine authority is rejected and His people mistreated (Matt. 25:41–46). As a society that emphasizes love and acceptance, we’ve forgotten that justice is needed to make sense of mercy in the first place.

God’s anger in judgment is not capricious or uncontrolled; it springs from love, a grieved heart, and a commitment to justice. Many people think anger is always a bad thing, but this is false. A wise person is “slow to become angry” (Jas. 1:19), a slowness which is part of God’s own character (Ex. 34:6). When God commanded Israel to drive out the Canaanites in judgment, He had waited patiently over 400 years until their sin reached full measure (Gen. 15:16). Judgment or punishment is a last resort—something God doesn’t bring about willingly (Lam. 3:33; Ezek. 18:31; 33:11; Jer. 27:12-14). He desires to relent and show mercy when people repent (Jonah; Jer. 18:8), and He judges with a grieved heart (Gen. 6:6; Ezek. 6:9).

A Specific Look at the Old Testament In addition to general points about God’s nature, keep in mind these specific principles for interpreting Old Testament violence.

God issued commands for fallen humans in the midst of a morally compromised, ancient Near Eastern society (Matt. 19:8). War was a way of life—a means of national survival—in the ancient Near East, and God, who affirms the ideal of peace (1 Chron. 28:3), used this less-than-ideal setting to bring about His judgment.

The Canaanites were morally corrupt, engaging in

activities that would be considered criminal by any civilized society—incest, infant sacrifice, bestiality, ritual prostitution. War was a last-resort means of judging corrupt Canaanite practices. Only at this lowpoint could God provide that promised land for Israel, through whom salvation would come to all nations.

The commandment to war against the Canaanites was unique and unrepeatable, included in the unfolding plan of salvation history, which culminates in the cross-work of Christ (Acts 7:1–53; 13:13–41).

God’s anger … springs from love, a grieved heart and a commitment to justice.

God demonstrated the validity of His commands and the prophetic credentials of Joshua by performing immense quantities of public signs and wonders—the plagues of Egypt, the Red Sea and Jordan crossings, manna, the pillar of fire and cloud over Israel’s camp.

In case there was any doubt that God was behind these difficult commands, the signs and wonders wrought

by God were well-known in Canaan (Josh. 2:8–11; 5:1; 1 Sam. 4:7–8), which should have served as ample warning to the Canaanites. To ignore these signs is to ignore power and presence of God in the midst of Israel.

Terms like “utterly destroy” and “we left no survivors” are strongly hyperbolic—a common feature in ancient Near Eastern war texts. Alongside these statements, we frequently read about an abundance of survivors, the very ones who had been completely “destroyed” (Deut. 2:34). Joshua appears to speak of completely subdued enemies, yet there is much work to be done to drive them out (Josh. 23:7, 12). Saul “totally destroyed” the Amalekites who had attacked Israel (1 Sam. 15:8, 20), but we still see David fighting against an army of them shortly thereafter (27:8–9; 30:1, 7–17).

The point is that when reading Scripture, we need to read it in its ancient Near Eastern context, and war texts specifically used a lot of hyperbole.

While more could be said, I hope these lines of thought are instructive for Christians seeking to better understand the character and actions of God—who is, as Mr. Beaver so memorably put it, good, but not safe.

Paul Copan is the author of Is God a Moral Monster?

(Baker, 2011) and (with Matthew Flannigan) Did God Really Command Genocide? (Baker, 2014) .

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TEACHING

WHAT KIND OF SPENDER ARE YOU? Examining the motives behind money management styles TED CUNNINGHAM

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od has much to teach us about wealth and wealthbuilding. I think the first, most important lesson is don’t misplace your trust

in it.

Paul put it this way to young Timothy, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Tim. 6:17).

Jesus said, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matt. 6:27–32).

We’re all consumers. We need to eat.

Our children must be clothed. All of us rest our heads somewhere each night. We spend money every day. The real issue is not whether we spend money, but how we spend money. Your family’s spending motives flow from the heart and determine your spending habits.

Seven Spending Styles Of the following spending habits, which one or two best describes your family?

1. Ego Spending This is focusing on yourself while being indifferent to the needs of others. This doesn’t even have to be outside your family or your community. Part of the joy of being the spiritual leader in the home is that we get to take the extra and give it to the others in our family rather than spending it on technology and toys for ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with technology and toys, but is your spending focused on you more

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than those in your family?

2. Entitled Spending This confuses privilege for necessity by feeling you deserve or need something. My generation wants in three years what our parents spent 30 years accumulating. Air, clothes, food, water and shelter fall into the need category.

The latest phone, computer and specialty coffee drinks are most definitely privileges.

3. Emotional Spending This is making purchases to medicate pain, hurt or loss. It’s closely related to emotional eating. Soothing your emotions with spending is short-lived. Stay out of the malls and offline when you are feeling down.

4. Envy Spending You want what somebody else has. “Why shouldn’t I have that if they have it?” “Why shouldn’t I get it because they got it, and we’re kind of in the same status, right? We’re in the same season of life.”

5. Essential Spending This type of spending gets by with the basics. This would define my parents’ and grandparents’ generation. This is why my parents order only water in restaurants. They save thousands a year with this motive. We don’t need the best of everything, we don’t need to spend a ton; we can get by with the basics.

6. Extravagant Spending People caught in this spending habit choose the topof-the-line best in every category. This is the opposite of essential spending.

7. Exhausted Spending This happens when excessive spending fatigues you. It usually happens around the holidays or vacations. You have no energy left because you have no money left.

Solomon said, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.

This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them?” (Eccl. 5:10–11) We’re consumed with consuming. We can’t get enough.

Studies are now conducted to answer the question, “When is enough, enough?” ...

and the borrower is slave to the lender” (Prov. 22:7).

Your family may need to get as drastic as my pastor friend in Canada did when he went on a spending fast. He spent no money on “extras” for an entire year. It was tough, but he says it completely changed his priorities. You may consider a one-week or one-month family spending fast just to see where your want-o-meter is at. It may be the solution to changing the demands for stuff in the home.

Eradicate the kid-centered home, which produces self-centered children. When there is money left in the budget, explain to them why they don’t get it. Prioritize a date with your spouse when there are a few extra bucks at the end of the week. If the kids whine or complain, tell them to start a lemonade stand.

Abigail Van Buren said, “If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them and half as much money.”

Pastor Eugene Cho says, “Generosity is what keeps the things we own from owning us.” I love it. Everything comes back to generosity.

Solomon said, “Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart.

They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands” (Eccl. 5:15).

What do you say?

God has much to teach us about wealth and wealthbuilding.

A Family Effort “Spend less, enjoy more” is our family motto. Find more joy at home rather than at the mall. Don’t feel the pressure to give your children everything they ask for. Avoid debt, and its stress. Remember, “The rich rule over the poor,

Empowering Everyone in the Home Singles: Before marriage, work hard and keep your spending under control. One of the best ways to prepare for marriage is to eliminate debt. Pay off school loans and live on a budget. This will allow you to start your marriage with a financial margin.

Spouses: Take control of your family’s finances. Agree on a plan before introducing it to the entire family. Show your children how you sacrifice for each other.

Parents: Get serious about the responsibility of work in the home. Eradicate prolonged adolescence by giving your children jobs to do around the house. Some jobs don’t come with a paycheck because it’s just part of being in the family. Find extra jobs where they can earn a little extra spending money. Consider an allowance and walk them through how much to give, save and spend. Envelopes are great teaching tools to help with this.

Ted Cunningham is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, Missouri. This article is excerpted with permission from The Power of Home (Salubris Resources, 2015).

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2.# Which#Bus#Company#has#the#exclusive%endorsements#of#LifeWay# (Southern*Bap.sts),#Cokesbury*(United*Methodists),#Gospel#Publishing#House# (Assemblies*of*God)#and#Gospel#Advocate#(Churches*of*Christ)? #

3.# Which#is#the#only#Bus#Company#to#provide#churches,#at#no#cost,#a ######7%Year%/%70,000%Mile%Body%&%Chassis%Warranty#on#all#new#buses?

4.# Which#Bus#Company#has#the#best%prices?

1 Answer: Carpenter Bus Sales Doesn’t that make it easy to know who to work with?

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Come visit our booth at SOAR in Orlando to receive a $1,500 credit on your next bus purchase.

Welcome to the My Healthy Church store section.

We curate an exclusive collection of Spirit-empowered resources, simplifying the search for your next book, album or curriculum.

Check out what’s inside and see the difference My Healthy Church can make.

After the Honeymoon Stepping Up Stepping Up identifies five stages of a man’s journey through life—boyhood, adolescence, manhood, mentor and patriarch—and examines a man’s responsibilities at each step. Rainey calls men to seize the moment and take action.

It’s about embracing courage and rejecting passivity and cowardice.

FamilyLife Publishing ISBN: 9781602002319 $17.99

Originally written as Facebook posts to his engaged son, After the Honeymoon features 90 devotions that provide insight and wisdom from Rod Loy based on biblical principles and his own 27-year marriage.

Whether seeking to start a marriage off on a solid basis or wanting to rekindle and strengthen their marriage, this book provides couples with unique ideas to build a thriving relationship.

The book includes: 90 days of daily devotions, 90 date ideas under $10 and examples from real-life couples.

Praying with Confidence This easy-to-follow guide was written to improve your prayer time. Over 31 days, author Jeff Leake provides tips to help you develop a new discipline of prayer.

Each day features a unique prayer pattern based on well-known prayers throughout the Bible, as well as the six main elements of prayer: Worship, Agreement, Thanksgiving, Specific Requests, Confession and closing again with Worship. Learn to have confidence, variety and effectiveness in your prayer life.

Influence Resources ISBN: 9781629121895 $14.99

Salubris Resources ISBN: 9781680670394 $12.99

Spanish: Después de la luna de miel ISBN: 9781680670585 $14.99

Spanish: Ora con confianza ISBN: 9781680670899 $12.99

Thrill Sequence

Fearless

Inside Out

Are you constantly looking for your next adrenalinepacked experience?

Seeking another dose of excitement from an adventure with suspense, fun and danger rolled into one? What if your Christian life were just as thrilling? Jesus said that He came to give us abundant life.

In Thrill Sequence, Rob Ketterling encourages readers to seek adventure in a full-on, reignited faith. He challenges others to discover the excitement in passionately pursuing a life of service and reckless faith. Thrill Sequence demonstrates that intentionally following Jesus is the ultimate thrill experience.

A caring pastor and author meets you in this collection of 261 inspiring devotions.

Dr. George O. Wood examines the Book of Mark, providing a Scripture passage and prayer for each day. Wood shares an upbeat mini-story or vignette every day. For example, one reading introduces the first grocery store owner who offered grocery carts. Wood explains that our Savior does something similar for us. We tend to carry more burdens than necessary, so the Lord reaches out and says, “Let Me do it for you.”

Rich and Robyn Wilkerson fill this exhilarating book with stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for God. Their concept is that “anyone” can be a servant leader.

They have followed servant leaders into hospitals, prisons and high-crime areas. Their book isn’t about culture, politics or religion.

It’s about setting aside differences, forming new bonds with others who choose to meet needs and taking action. You’ll find concrete reasons to both lead and serve.

Vital Resources ISBN: 9781680660067 $24.99

Salubris Resources ISBN: 9781680670363 $14.99

Spanish: Intrépido ISBN: 9781680660333 $24.99

Spanish: De adentro hacia afuera ISBN: 9781680670776 $14.99

Salubris Resources ISBN: 9781680670189 $14.99

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The Bush Always Burns The Bush Always Burns introduces a Jesus all of us can seek, find and trust in moments that are bright and moments that are dark. Heath Adamson takes us back in time to meet himself at age 17.

Adamson grew up knowing a little bit about the occult, too much about drugs and almost nothing about God. If you find yourself struggling to know your heavenly Father the way Heath did, The Bush Always Burns offers strength and solace for today. It is a lifegiving reminder that Jesus is (and always has been) waiting for us to turn and see that the bush always burns and the ground is always sacred. This is the first title in a series of three releases from this author.

Vital Resources ISBN: 9781680660005 $12.99 Spanish: La zarza siempre arde ISBN: 9781680660241 $12.99

The Word and the Spirit

Confessions of a Church Kid

As a Christian minister who works with youth and youth leaders, David Hertweck could supply quick answers about the Holy Spirit.

Instead, Hertweck compels young men and women to embark on an exciting journey and find the answers on their own and dive into the Bible.

Interactive questions entice young people to keep going. A special bonus: This book also shares insights from other youth who know the Holy Spirit in an invigorating, personal, life-changing way.

Growing up a church kid is tough, and being a Christian in this world is not for the faint of heart. In a spiritual tug-ofwar, there is a battle between living for God and finding acceptance. Is it possible to live a setapart life and have a seat at the cool kids’ table? In a humorous and let’s-just-behonest approach, Elyse Murphy goes on record about struggling through her teen and young adult years, just trying to find her place. In Confessions of a Church Kid, Murphy reminds us that Jesus still loves us, awkward mishaps and all.

Gospel Publishing House ISBN: 9781607313946 $12.99 Spanish: La palabra y el espíritu ISBN: 9781607314028 $12.99

Salubris Resources ISBN: 9781680670240 $12.99

Kid Bible Heroes

Spiritual Parenting

The Christ, Volume 5

Jesus wants hearts and souls that are shaped in vibrant faith and love toward God and others. How can parents cultivate this in their children?

Spiritual Parenting introduces the simple but revolutionary concept that parents are, by the power of God’s Spirit, to obey and depend on God in order to create an environment God can use to beckon their children to Him.

After appointing His disciples, the man they call the Messiah moves on, performing miraculous signs and wonders. Even as the dead are raised to life, demonic forces are struck down, and the sick are made well, skeptics remain.

This exciting volume about the Christ takes readers along with Jesus on His travels as He makes this message clear to those who doubt: Whoever is not for Him is against Him. The Christ, Volumes 1-4 are also available now from My Healthy Church.

David C. Cook ISBN: 9781434764478 $14.99

Salubris Resources ISBN: 9781613281475 $3.99

Kids can do great things for God! Want proof? Then check out Kid Bible Heroes. These apps are interactive, narrated Bible stories that feature kids in the Bible who did great things for God. Each Kid Bible Heroes app by My Healthy Church includes games and activities, life application points and fun cartoon-style storytelling. Your kids will experience the stories of David and Goliath, Samuel, Miriam, Mary and the young boy who brought the fishes and loaves to Jesus.

Purchase a Kid Bible Heroes app and begin reading and listening in English, Spanish or Portuguese today.

My Healthy Church $2.99

Spanish: El Cristo, tomo 5, ISBN: 978-1-68067-001-1 $3.99

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MAKE IT COUNT Don’t just read. Connect. Grow. Serve. Go. Worship.

A pattern for discipleship, inspired by Acts 2:42-47

Follow along with Vital over the next few pages to find big thoughts and next steps related to this issue.

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MAKE IT COUNT

ON THE WEB In print and online, Vital magazine aims to give you something to think about, then encourages you to go beyond the words. Here are some recent highlights from articles and conversations on vitalmagazine.com. We hope you’ll join us there too.

Connect

Grow

Serve

Go

Worship

“Let’s set the pace for great conversation.

Let’s ask good questions. Let’s look into each other’s eyes. Let’s take the time to pause long enough to show we care. Let’s check our hearts and remember that we too long to be seen, to be known, to be valued and to be heard. Let’s treat those around us the way we want to be treated. Let’s become what we want to experience in the world.”

“3 Ways to Ask Someone How They Are Doing and Actually Mean It,”

by Emily Cummins

“In Christ we are new creatures. By His stripes we are healed; and not only does He heal our wounds, He heals our nerves so that we can feel again. Yes, it might mean our hearts become more tender to the trauma of this world, but it also means we taste the joys of life with a richness that astounds us. And that undiluted joy is, I suspect, worth every moment of sorrow.”

“Was Jesus the Most Emotional Person in History?”

by Kevin Ott

“There might not be time at this point in your life to learn a new skillset.

There’s a good chance you have a unique skillset already. There’s a good chance you know what that is. The first step in serving in your local church is self-identifying this gift. One of the worst events that takes place in churches today is misappropriation of volunteers.”

“The Busy Person’s Guide to Serving the Church,” by Matt Marcantonio

“The millennial generation can pose some frustrations to many Christians.

Along with these frustrations, though, comes immense opportunity. The Church cannot cower from the challenges of the millennial generation, nor should she treat millennials as shallow customers chasing the next fad. She must, rather, seek out the opportunities to proclaim the truth of the gospel by pointing to Jesus.”

“What Pentecostals Have in Common with Millennials,” by Seth Drewry

“I definitely see what I do as a ministry. I do everything for God’s glory, whether it’s setting up a quality image, listening to a client talk about her personal life after a coffee meeting that was intended for branding talk or building friendships where friends know I am there for them. … As Christians, I believe we represent God, so we should be in the forefront when it comes to quality work.”

“When Instagram Brings Influence,” an interview with Melody Joy Munn,

by Karen Huber

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MAKE IT COUNT

CONNECT G

eoff Sutton draws a distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation in “I Forgave … But It Doesn’t Feel Like It” (page 64). He cautions that while choosing forgiveness is a command to Christians, not all circumstances require a fully repaired relationship between imperfect people.

So what does it look like to reconcile with an individual, and when should we pursue this?

You could start by assessing if the relationship is still built on trust, and if necessary,

NOTES

what it might take to rebuild that trust. Both of you should discuss if new boundaries and expectations should be put in place (and if these things can’t be openly discussed, there is a chance you’re not yet ready to reconcile). Ask the other people you love and rely on how they feel about this reconciliation and if it might affect them.

Finally, commit the reconciliation process to God in prayer, trusting that His love and wisdom would guide both parties.

1

Is there anyone in your life whom you have forgiven for a wrong, but have not reconciled with? Why?

2

Think of a reconciled relationship you’ve observed. What do you appreciate about this? What do you think could have been done differently?

3

How does reconciliation between individuals differ from reconciliation achieved between groups of people?

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MAKE IT COUNT

GROW P

erhaps “Doing, Being and Leaving a Legacy” (page 29) was the first time you were introduced to the terms “eulogy virtues” and “résumé virtues”—but you’ve most likely already encountered the ideas behind them. People want to be accomplished, and people want to be admirable, and it can sometimes feel like the two are often far apart. But as George Paul Wood reminds us, “God doesn’t want us to prioritize doing over being, or

NOTES

92

being over doing. He wants us to cultivate both.”

Do you overemphasize what you do, or focus too much on who you are? Maybe it’s time to generously share your successes, skills, money, time, influence; maybe it’s time to generously share your best qualities through greater discipline, education, intention, collaboration.

No legacy will be perfect, and no two will be the same, but all could benefit from a generous spirit.

1

How do you think people describe you when you aren’t around?

What do you hope they might say?

2

Scripture tell us God “looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7).

What does He see in you?

3

Scripture also tells us people don’t look at the heart, but at external realities. If so, what would they be led to assume about your heart?

MAKE IT COUNT

SERVE O

ur cover story, “The Vital 10” (page 30), was meant to highlight innovative and unique efforts to live out one’s faith, within and beyond the church.

But make no mistake: There are simple, subtle, everyday ways to do this as well, and they are just as worthy of celebration.

Greeting people at the sanctuary, guiding cars to parking spots, volunteering to serve meals, offering childcare,

NOTES

gathering neighbors together, cleaning up after an event, carpooling and supervising, donating to a shelter … When done with focus and joy, these common opportunities to serve can have significant impact.

There is a chance you could be called to do “big,” original things for the Kingdom—but there is also a chance you might be called to commit to a “smaller” and just as beautiful form of service.

1

When was the last time you went out of your way to thank someone who participates in one of the serving ministries mentioned above?

2

When you serve, do you struggle with craving attention or affirmation for it?

3

What story in The Vital 10 most resonated with you? Why?

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MAKE IT COUNT

GO T

he public may see church as optional—but they don’t often have a choice about whether they should work a job or make purchases. As Svetlana Papazov shares in “A Mission in the Marketplace” (page 76), the marketplace is a prime environment to demonstrate the compassion, grace and excellence of the Christian life through our interactions, our products, our work ethic, our witness.

Papazov calls this the “corporate

NOTES

94

Go” of the Great Commission.

Just as believers are sent out to minister to all nations, they are also called to the unreached in their neighborhoods and businesses.

Your personal and professional life should not be separate from your spiritual life.

If you were to tell an employee, a customer or a competitor that you were a Christian, what would they think, drawing from their exchanges with you?

1

What do you look for in a product, restaurant or service? Are these qualities you often associate with Christians in business?

2

In your current position, how often do you interact with people who don’t share your beliefs?

3

What are some creative ways to naturally incorporate evangelism into your work?

MAKE IT COUNT

WORSHIP M

ike Clarensau challenges us in “Worship Isn’t a Pep Rally” (page 58) to consider our motives when we enter or leave a worship setting.

Do we consistently ask, “What did I get out of this?” Or are we aware of what Clarensau says: “How could true worship of God ever be about us?”

The Holy Spirit is a Comforter— but the Spirit also pushes us to uncomfortable places, where

NOTES

we recognize the brokenness of the world, our own brokenness within it and our responsibility to be an agent of healing. Heartfelt worship should be open to these encounters.

At the next service you attend, be mindful of your expectations and the posture of your heart throughout the songs and sermon.

Then, consider how your response might resemble the “Here am I, send me” approach of Isaiah (Isa. 6:1–8).

1

Do you have very strong preferences about the setting or the songs sung during worship? Why?

2

What was the most memorable worship experience you’ve had?

Did it make a meaningful difference in your daily life?

3

What activities, conversations and relationships do you see as opportunities for worship?

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ONE MORE THING

Who Do You Say That I Am?

Jesus famously asked this of His disciples in Matthew 16:15—and if He were to pose the question to today’s American adults, 92 percent would acknowledge Him as a real person who actually lived, a Barna Group survey says. Fifty-six percent would say He was God, not just a religious figure. Sixty-two percent would say they’ve made a meaningful commitment to Him.

would say they’ve made a meaningful commitment to Jesus.

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Rob Ketterling

Herbert Cooper

WHAT DO THESE LEADERS HAVE IN COMMON?

Mike Quinn

Wilfredo De JesĂşs

They chose AG Financial as their lending partner in church growth.

Watch their stories of ministry growth at www.churchloans.ag.