The conversation amongst the current visible Church is beginning to increase and become pore strategic in character. Christ seed, most often sown into the hearts of it's "kids" is germinating, and the cultural climate in our country is serving up the ingredients for a healthy "springtime". Little shoots are 'emerging" all over the country. Some are tares, most are wheat. I believe everyone on these lists have an important part to fulfill our Master's call in the planting, cultivating and support of an entire new generation of leaders for His church. Leaders that will inherently possess the good DNA to stay in the Truth, in the Way and cultivate the Life of the Spirit. I have monitored and participated in many streams of the new church but seldom have I seen such illumination flow forth as I find with our friends at Alleon Community.

Here are a few links for your edification to important essays related to this new work of the Holy Spirit we tag as the "Emergent church"

http://www.allelon.org/about/ourteam.cfm Here you will learn of Alleon's mission it's fine staff (including Craig Morton). It's a well rounded team committed to developing leadership development resources for all of us. I appreciate the many streams of historic Christianity and commitment to good thinking from seminarians and Collegiate resources (Regent University, Eugene Peterson's home for many years) I would sum up what I know of them as mature yet clear in vision.

http://www.allelon.org/articles/article.cfm?id=240 "Leading from the Margins"


http://www.allelon.org/articles/article.cfm?id=239 Beyond spiritual formation

I encourage each of us in this group to prayerfully consider whether you might be led to join this e-group. The mailings are less frequent but always challenging & thought provoking. We need each of the gifts Christ gives us, and I believe this resource is in that category!

Have a blessed week!

love,
Harold Bohr

"We've only just begun----"

The conversation amongst the current visible Church is beginning to increase and become pore strategic in character. Christ seed, most often sown into the hearts of it's "kids" is germinating, and the cultural climate in our country is serving up the ingredients for a healthy "springtime". Little shoots are 'emerging" all over the country. Some are tares, most are wheat. I believe everyone on these lists have an important part to fulfill our Master's call in the planting, cultivating and support of an entire new generation of leaders for His church. Leaders that will inherently possess the good DNA to stay in the Truth, in the Way and cultivate the Life of the Spirit. I have monitored and participated in many streams of the new church but seldom have I seen such illumination flow forth as I find with our friends at Alleon Community.

Here are a few links for your edification to important essays related to this new work of the Holy Spirit we tag as the "Emergent church"

http://www.allelon.org/about/ourteam.cfm Here you will learn of Alleon's mission it's fine staff (including Craig Morton). It's a well rounded team committed to developing leadership development resources for all of us. I appreciate the many streams of historic Christianity and commitment to good thinking from seminarians and Collegiate resources (Regent University, Eugene Peterson's home for many years) I would sum up what I know of them as mature yet clear in vision.

http://www.allelon.org/articles/article.cfm?id=240 "Leading from the Margins"


http://www.allelon.org/articles/article.cfm?id=239 Beyond spiritual formation

I encourage each of us in this group to prayerfully consider whether you might be led to join this e-group. The mailings are less frequent but always challenging & thought provoking. We need each of the gifts Christ gives us, and I believe this resource is in that category!

Have a blessed week!

love,
Harold Bohr

"Avoiding Deception"

Prov 6:16-19 These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

(17) A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, (18) a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, (19) a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren


We need discernment. Prov 19:2 (NIV) It is not good to have zeal without knowledge!

The new books skillfully assembled and marketed through SC/HC/ EC leaders are cleverly named so as to make one think that Jesus Presence is never encountered in buildings anymore-- or some variation thereof"

Sounds intriguing, catchy and even palatable, but sugar coated or not poison is still has the same effect.

Listen to the heartbeat of Jesus here in John 17:21 as He prays "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."

Let's be sure our spirits are alignedwith His.

As the Spirit moves like the wind across the land the enemy is not far behind trying to take advantage of our weakness and lack of discernment and as such attempts to dampen the work of God. By getting us to believe lies such as God leaves buildings(a partial truth leavened with lies) is to neglect the rest of the truth-that is He dwells within us and as we enter or leave buildings so does Christ.

Those of you fighting on the front lines as Christ increase His rule of human hearts need to discern the voices we hear. In all wars their are the "Tokyo Roses" that spread lies and half truths to get us to question the truth. This is how movements often miss the mark.

Please avoid the voices of the "accuser" and those who sow discord, and those who lie with not so clever exaggerations.

We need relationships so tightly in covenant with one another and Christ that we can speak the truth in love when we see another drifting off the center line.

And finally, recognize that when God's people gather in a field or a house or a large building of course God is present, and of course good things can happen.

Let's make it clear that we are for every holy convocation gathered in Jesus name SC is not about brick & Mortar or clapboard in a neighborhood, pure and simple---it's all about relationships, bridges built strong enough to carry the Truth, the Word of God, our ultimate weapon, the Sword of the Spirit, not intended to cut each other off at the knees with--but rather to free the captives!

Let's be discerning When reading/promoting books and seminars thatmight foster division or tiered class spirtuality. Be aware of that cold chill that sweeps over us when encountering the accuser at work.

We will be led forth in Peace and go out with joy, as we follow His gentle voice!

We can do this stuff Saints.

Blessings,
Harold

"I am very sure of this"

"I am very sure of this ------thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of the very return of Jesus christ, developing that good work and perfecting and bringing to completion in you" Phillipians 1:6 (Amplified) version.
From the Church that Paul and friends planted in Lydia's home (Acts 16;12-40) this Church became the model of joyfulness for thousands of years, making it on the top of Paul's petitions of gratefulness to God for the depth and intimacy of fellowship he had with them. With the theme of joy and rejoicing repeated (16 times) in this letter written from prison we can be encouraged that as we carry this hope of Glory (Christ) within us and help new worship gatherings emerge, that He will finish all He starts. Here we have Paul showing how the apparant halting of His ministry through imprisaonment really was god's advancing of the gospel. Look at 1:12 and here Pauls's passion in saying "I want you to know and continue to rest assured----. Nothing can really stop us in this advance of His church. So when momentarily challenged, and doubts insue, knees shake, take heart! God isa continuously taken Satan's schemes and reversing them and his curse. Think of the crucification and then ressurection! It's the same Spirit that raised christ from the dead that will quicken our mortal bodies and provide that deunomos power needed to like Paul, help our feeble apparant failing efforts become instruments of His Spirit to advance His Kingdom.

Note the passion of fellowship Paul expresses, submission to one another, the Spirit of giiving displayed, all of elements of emergent Church life, similar to what God is at work in and through you. Catch Paul's demeanor and faith as expressed in 1:19 "I am well assured and indeed know that through your prayers and a bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my preservation, and for ths spiritual health and welfare of my own soul and avail towards the saving work of the gospel! (Amplified). And I add to the work each of you are engaged in by saying the obvious--Amen! and Amen!!

"How the Church Grows"

Thanks Sam for writing as led to on this crucial subject. If there ever was a "besetting sin" that sterilized previous house church movements it was this "cloister" mindset. That is to enjoy the Presence of God in our midst and the comfort of loving and being loved by the saints already accepted by one another. I have been sensitized to the concept of our gathering places being "Lighthouses" in our neighborhoods. Shades drawn, windows and doors open so that all that pass by in our relational circles can sense the light, love, and open arms of our saviour extended to them. One meeting in our circle is referred to as the a "safe house" on the block where kids, adults and whomever can find help when things go awry. "Hide it under a bushel "NO" goes the chorus we all know, this applies to our gatherings. Each of need to champion Paul's example of "I entered their world----" 1 Corinth 9:22 ---"to understand things from their point of view with the goal being to lead some to a God saved life"--Message Translation. Being proactive is the faith posture needed herein--and the temptation is to remain passive and mildly content with our extended family as it is. God help us! (and He will!!)
Blessings,
Harold & Wendy Behr
Jacksonville Oregon

Home is where the heart is.... The more I connect with people, the more I realize that the idea of family and connectedness is central to the the heart of God in redemption. We have been redeemed by the Lord of relationship to be in relationship with Him and with one another. Of all the language of the New Testament, the most compelling, the most raw and in your face, is the "one another" passages, and in particular the "love one another" passages and their implications. For many, and I among them, we have cherished the "home is my castle" mentality. This is not a negative, and even though it may appear\n to be an oxymoron, it is not. Our homes should be places of refuge, such as a castle, but our homes too need to be like an open garden, a place of welcoming and resting. Our homes should be "safe" places for people, and also a welcoming place for new people, new relationships. Home is where the heart is. If our hearts are open to the Lord and His passion and compassion, surely we will yield to Him, and seek to open up our homes to new people, and new relationships, and the deepening and strengthening of existing relationships. One of my concerns in the "house church movement" is the capacity to "ghetto-ize" and become separate from those relationships we had previously. I am seeking to remain connected with people I was once closer to, and also seeking to re-connect in some relationships that have become somewhat distant. "

Sam buick

"Helping those born upside down"

C.K. Chesterton is one of the writers I retreat to when I need a spiritual "tuneup" In this discussion on the Organic Church Life let's look at what it means to cultivate the "fruit of the Spirit". That is, the orchard of our heart that through the rain of His Spirit & the light & warmth of His Love results in the 9 fruits listed in Gal 5:22&23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, a quiet mind, kind acts, well-doing, faith, gentle behaviour, control over desires: against such there is no law."

Chesterton outlines the issue quite succinctly in what follows, but I would like to add that in our SC Gatherings the tendency towards introspection and sobriety can rob us of our rightful inheritance, that is the "Spirit of Joy", the "joy unspeakable and full of Glory" that carries with it the inherent ability to heal, to strengthen and to give evidence to an on looking world that though we don't see him in the flesh we experience what Peter refers to in 1Pe 1:8"To whom your love is given, though you have not seen him; and the faith which you have in him, though you do not see him now, gives you joy greater than words and full of glory:" BBE translation.

There is a luminescent, evervescent Glory that flows forth from the joyful heart that contains a measure of the Glory of Christ. It speaks of "Life" and "Life more abundantly and is best cultivated in small fellowships. St. Ireneaus of the early church is often quoted saying "The glory of God is man fully alive." and we can participate in His Glory when we cultivate this fruit of the Spirit.
Listen to Chesterton's perspective;

"The mass of men have been forced to be gay about the little things, but sad about the big ones. Nevertheless (I offer my last dogma defiantly) it is not native to man to be so. Man is more himself, man is more manlike, when joy is the fundamental thing in him, and grief the superficial. Melancholy should be an innocent interlude, a tender and fugitive frame of mind; praise should be the permanent pulsation of the soul. Pessimism is at best an emotional half-holiday; joy is the uproarious labour by which all things live. Yet, according to the apparent estate of man as seen by the pagan or the agnostic, this primary need of human nature can never be fulfilled. Joy ought to be expansive; but for the agnostic it must be contracted, it must cling to one corner of the world. Grief ought to be a concentration; but for the agnostic its desolation is spread through an unthinkable eternity. This is what I call being born upside down.

The sceptic may truly be said to be topsy-turvy; for his feet are dancing upwards in idle ecstasies, while his brain is in the abyss. To the modern man the heavens are actually below the earth. The explanation is simple; he is standing on his head; which is a very weak pedestal to stand on. But when he has found his feet again he knows it. Christianity satisfies suddenly and perfectly man\'s ancestral instinct for being the right way up; satisfies it supremely in this; that by its creed joy becomes something gigantic and sadness something special and small. The vault above us is not deaf because the universe is an idiot; the silence is not the heartless silence of an endless and aimless world. Rather the silence around us is a small and pitiful stillness like the prompt stillness in a sick room.

We are perhaps permitted tragedy as a sort of merciful comedy: because the frantic energy of divine things would knock us down like a drunken farce. We can take our own tears more lightly than we could take the tremendous levities of the angels. So we sit perhaps in a starry chamber of silence, while the laughter of the heavens is too loud for us to hear."

from Generous Orthodoxy by C.K. Chesterton

Organic Church Life

Making Spiritual Course Adjustments

Welcome to 2006! One certain word of prophecy that is true---major changes are in store for the world, yours and ours, the culture, and the Church. It happens, look at Paul's journey to Macedonia--the progressive revelation of God's Spirit, the lamp unto our feet, our understanding of Scripture, all of these and other facets of the Spirit filled life necessitate course adjustments as our shift to recognizing what God is doing and saying requires that we get in step as well. And this is a good thing!

What follows reflects our changing perspective as I talk, mostly listen, with the Lord and others. Simple Church and the resulting new fellowships that emerge as a result of this revelation are increasingly being called upon by the age old traditional church being asked to minister, help lead and to share the principles of life they experience in their smaller fellowships. How we respond to these queries will determine the staying power of the new gatherings we shepherd. Why? The answer is "simple"; There is only one body, one faith etc. and we each have individual functions to perform throughout the church universal as well as within our small gatherings. The same "body life" that strenthens and guides the smaller expression equally applies to the larger body as well. Without each member's function nd contribution we all suffer weakness and lack. As God grants us these platforms to share we can speak to the reality that the same "Organic" principles of communion and fellowship can be applied to larger ministry center type institutions if they really desire to respond. The same principles that make the SC so desirable can be cultivated amongst the larger meetings with synergism. (God adding the "plus" factor of our combined efforts. For clusters of smaller fellowships that are born outside of, yet from within the larger concentration and growth in full participation, everyone gets to minister, missional outreach can and is being realized. Genuine simple church life, the principles of relationship that spur one another on in the faith, should and can be a part of the ethos that constitutes the entire body regardless of size or style of any one congregation. Simple Church Life is simply a way of being Church and is not exclusive from any form that God chooses to

Recognizing this, I am in the process of taking down my Simple Church websites and raising up a new one named "Organic Church Living" to focus on what the Churches (SC & conventional) are learning as this new phase of our life\'s work continues. If you are interested in being included on the new distribution list please let me know by separate e-mail at haroldbehr@gmail.com. There are oodles of other sites that cover the mechanics of simple church, but few that emphasize the organic function that leads to life. Quite frankly their are many house churches that are dead as dead can be for lack of understanding God's organics. Thebottom line to this is that the same principles of living life in the Spirit that lead to new works, Simple Churches and in some cases house church equally apply to enhancing the effectiveness and fruitfulness of modern & conventional congregations. All it takes is a willingness to being filled, being taught, and being commissioned by the Holy Spirit. Without this all forms, models or approaches to any kind of Church activity is all froth, all smoke, wood hay & stubble, and in the end illusionary.

It's our hope as we journey together that as God shines more light for His Church that these discussions will expand in 06. Only God knows what the future holds for us and this world he so dearly loves, but with Christ as our Shepherd we will not lack for spiritual manna and subsequent growth towards maturity.

Love from our hearth to yours,

Harold & Wendy Behr

"Sowing the seed of His Kingdom hilariously as we go"

"A Kinder Gentler SC gathering"

Wendy & I have been in this harvesting profession for a long time. Our invites to many different forms of house churches, meeting simply, NT Plants, in and out of denominations have yielded some unique perspectives and I want to share one of them with you now.
Because we encourage folks to a "life in the Spirit", to cultivate an overflowing life, to the exercise of their faith based upon God's Promises in the Word, these terms and the life manifested itself often serves as a "Pavlolian Response" by those deep with Pentecostal history. It's a response much like Paul referred to the Corinthians with the thought that "They will think you mad" when they can't understand. I'm talking about behavior that "excludes" new participants, the kind of meeting that has the ring of "club" membership where there are insiders and outsiders and by virtue of how the meeting is led, what people are doing and saying etc.
Quickly the new people know what group they are in. There is much we can do to make our gatherings more entreatable with out compromising the integrity of the gathering. Paul empathizes this in 1 Co 4:13 "being defamed, we entreat" even towards those who might be hostile. The bottom line is you as an undershepherd have the responsibility to "take out or dampen the edginess of some".
Being intentionaly incarnational means that first time attendees need to feel the love and grace, the inclusiveness of Christ's mercy and acceptance coming forth from those gathering. Not confusion or feeling like an outsider. These kind of gatherings grow up, the former often "blowup" eventually. It's my firm belief that those who are more mature should take their "urge to go weird" captive and do their praying in the Spirit and intercession like zeal to their private prayer closet. Being incarnational is not about our rights, but how to love and extend ourselves towards those not yet Christians, or newly born.
This is why you are needed as an undershepherd. And one more characteristic of a healthy SC is it's focus is not about "propagating a movement", it's not about dos and don'ts and it certainly isn't about proselytizing. It's all about gathering together in Christ's name, in His Presence, each person having opportunity to share what the Spirit would have them speak. In other words it's not about charismania, audiences for prophesying or practicing some ancient mystical ritual. it's just never about us. With you setting the tone for thios kind of gathering, often in the silence Christ will manifest himself to people for the first time. Let's be careful not to thwart God's intent. Always it's about "Lord, what would you say to us as we gather?" And of the more important roles of the undershepherd is to gently lead and keep the flock grazing in this rich field of blessing. May God empower you and instruct you this week as you go forth with Joy!

love,
Harold

"When our lives lose their Edge"

It happens, more with leaders then we want to face up to, our testimony loses it's sharp edge, our prayer becomes just that (ours not the Spirit's), and we murmur and grumble and finding ourselves wanting to quit, after all "it will serve them right" as we pass blame unto the precious sheep we are called to feed and protect,"after all, they don't listen, don't obey, and yes they just never seem to get the giving thing". Ever been there? Truthfully? I have more then once.
Well, I never have heard a true undershepherd who hasn't slipped into this malady. And, I never have met a fruitful servant who when encountering this attack on our spiritual nervous system hasn't had to repent and return to our first love. But do we need to cycle up and down like we are on some king of Christian rollercoaster? I don't think so.
The Spirit of Wisdom (which we all should have, or give up ministry until we do), says in Pro 8:33 "Mark a life of discipline and live wisely; don't squander your precious life. Pro 8:34 Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me, awake and ready for me each morning, alert and responsive as I start my day's work. Pro 8:35 When you find me, you find life, real life, to say nothing of God's good pleasure." There it is, the simple discipline of seeking the Kingdom of God 1st, not 3rd or 10th or until you get around to it, or "oh well, God knows my heart", I'LL GET BACK TO IT TOMORROW MORNING". Ad nausea.
The truth is simple, choosing God first when we awake, like David, early in the morning, saturating our spirit with the Word, the living Word, sharpening up our senses, testimony, setting our course, heavenly and incarnationally to all we touch. Then, like St. Francis we can say "I preach always, sometimes I use words.", others can see our lives as "living epistles" like in the earliest days in the Church.
Listen to Jesus here in Luk 21:34 "But be on your guard. Don't let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, Luk 21:35 for it's going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. Luk 21:36 So, whatever you do, don't go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that's coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man."
If you find (When) yourselves losing the edge, feeling like what's the use, that is the perfect time to take Proverbs 8 before the Lord some morning early, sooner then later, and listen to the Holy Spirit of Wisdom teach you, and then Luke 21 in it's entirety, and add your "amen" to Christ's "Amen" and walk on into the daylight where everything looks differently through His eyes. Faith, hope and charity (love) abide in the light of His Word. Let's not be careless, nor let our friends slip into the state of unbelief, together we can do this thing-the Lord's commission to you and us, in the light of His Word and the Power & Wisdom of His Spirit!

And one final admonition, let's be careful whom we party with and what cup we imbibe of----and let's not get caugjht up in the holiday spirit of shopping!

Blessings fellow sojourners,

Harold

"What's the SC Message?"

What is the Message of God's Simple Church?

Well Paul, who is the champion of SC planters makes it very clear, so clear that nobody can honestly debate it. Listen in---"I Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God's plan laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus." from 2 Timothy 1. Clearly the "Message" is one of "Life" by Jesus. How clear read vs 10----'1:10 But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. And as any SC planter can identify with, listen to his singleness of heart in vs. 11----" This is the Message I've been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher." Now nothing happens apart from it being proclaimed---think of this week's celebration of Rosa Parks statement and the impact it's had in driving back racism. But as she knew and Paul knows proclamation can bring on "Trouble"-with a capital T. Listen to vs 12---" It's also the cause of all this trouble I'm in. But I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground--the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end." Once again the simple message we proclaim is according to 1Jo 1:5 "This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there's not a trace of darkness in him."

Paul reiterates in Eph 3:6 "The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I've been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board."

Notice the planter's focus "Eph 3:7 This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details."
Paul earned his way in his profession while pursuing his "life's work", and God revealed how he could integrate work and calling--do we get this?

Was Paul adequately trained? Was he prepared for this call? This is important! For those of us inclined to always be searching, reading, attending seminars and seminary in preparation for the calling listen up!

Eph 3:8 "When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities. And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ."

Eph 3:9 "My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along."

Quite Simple wouldn't you agree?

Here's how he accomplished it----Eph 3:10 "Through Christians like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!

The strategy? Eph 3:11 "All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus." So what's our part? Look at Eph 3:12 "When we trust in him, we're free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go."

He equips each of us with a holy "boldness" to do "bold things", and it's not so much about the words we say but as my son Jon likes to quote "Preach Always! (Use Words if you must! St. Francis first echoed this as he lived his life as a "living epistle".

It's important to connect the dots and go deep in God to touch that vein of living water that causes His life to bubble up and overflow from us such that everyone we come in contact has had opportunity to drink from this fountain we call our lives and find refreshment, light and most of all what it means to be loved as a result. This kind of life overflowing and spilling into the dry deadened lives of the lost results in new life springing up everywhere we go. It's not possible to be around the fellowship with overflow and not become changed. Life always begets life!

To sum it up, the message is incredibly simple yet profound "In Him there is Life". And we can't, shan't and not be bewildered as to our incompetence to reach those "outsiders". We simply are to make ourselves to be the "available" vessels for God to fill to overflow. After all it's "Christ in you, that is the hope of Glory" for the world.

Be strengthened in Christ,

Harold Behr

"Misfitism"

When you look carefully at Jesus teaching in Luke 15 you pick up on how he and his associations stood out---like a sore thumb.

Luk 15:1-7 By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, "He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends." Their grumbling triggered this story. "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it--there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good.

When you look at the qualifications and character of the 12 Apostles chosen by Jesus you can understand why they were viewed as misfits. (None would be ordained or recorded as pastors today). Yet these so-called "misfits" were who God used to turn the then known world upside down and give birth to Christ's Church. Those of us engaged in SC development see God restoring this remnant that possesses the singleminded, some say simple minded goal of bringing today's misfits into his Kingdom. We believe there are still yet new Matthew Luke and John people out there. But they are not to be found amongst ther mild mannered religious any more today then yesterday.

The characteristics of a God Chosen Misfit iinclude their ability to "count it all joy:" when persecuted---according to Jesus.

Being a "misfit" puts us in good company now and forever.


* Criticism hurts for we all want to be accepted, but because we believe in tent making leadership anointed by God, and are not interested in doctrinal purity and belief systems as much as "being" Christ's incarnated body touching a disenfranchised generation, because we put value on small gatherings of 6-12 meeting obscurely in a home without fanfare, because we stress a radical all out discipleship, because we discharge formulaic growth strategy in exchange for relational connections, because we emphasize a Spirit led approach rather then purpose driven-and on and on-organic versus organizational methodology--we just don't fit very well. But it's part of our calling. They misunderstand Jesus, His life and teaching, even to the point of crucifying him---should we expect less?

"In pursuit of Misfits"

In building Simple Churches food is an important activity. There is a spiritual component of fellowship that accompanies gathering folks around a table to share a meal. Jesus teaches us to be proactive this way in Luke 14, and I hope you will take some time to re-read His careful instructions on this teaching as soon as you can.

I'm going to draw down on a few verses for our discussion.

Luk 14:12 Then he turned to the host. "The next time you put on a dinner, don't just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor.
Luk 14:13 Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks.

Let's consider being deliberate in whom we invite over, everyone is invited, but not everyone will show up.

Note Luk 14:18 "Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. Then listen to what happens in Luk 14:21 "The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, 'Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.'

Luk 14:22 "The servant reported back, 'Master, I did what you commanded--and there's still room.' Luk 14:23 "The master said, 'Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full!

The expectation is that most of the well to do we invite will beg off, but the wretched misfits will show! Wendy & I have experienced this over and over. The poor, the sick (mentally, socially and physically) and lonely will show up and as such become those whom when we allow God's Spirit to work his "ministry of reconciliation" through, as we extend ourselves as God's instruments of salvation. These folks re resposive to love!

It seems that religion has problems with God's people gathering clusters of misfits and wretchedness together. And having fun and enjoying these people is enough to get one thrown out on their ear of many "holy" convocations, or at best shunned, guilt by association etc. In following Jesus this is part of the cost we incur.

As long as SC and HC leaders are willing to gather other flock's sheep and neglect the hard work (but rewarding--and yes even fun) of building bridges of relationships with these unlovely, crude and crass misfits Christ speaks of, we won't see real Kingdom growth in our generation. But many of us (you) are finding the exhilaration associated with watching and cooperating with God as he imparts new life and transforms these folks right before our eyes. Yes misfits are to be our target demographic according to Jesus! And sometimes it will take months and years for the process of being saved to manifest itself before us, but the sense of thankfulness and freedom That results is reason enough to stay the course. So let's look at ways of "crossing the tracks", and inviting these people that God loves so dearly.

And at the same time be discerning when it comes to dislocated sheep. Sometimes the best thing we can do is redirect them back to the flock they came from.

Be Blessed,
Harold Behr

"Gigs, Performances and Numbers"

I've been musing, thinking about this business of "being" the Church, "sent", not gathered, "into" the world --- not the sanctuary. When it becomes clear who we are and what is our mission and our "model" being (Jesus), many other things fall into place and perspective. One of the more difficult perspectives to communicate in the development of Simple Friend's Churches is where, with whom and the nature of what is our work, and what true "success" really is. (I'm aware this could foster healthy discussion in itself so if you are inclined reply with your thoughts) Note this short story Jesus used to illustrate this;

Luke 15:1 "By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently." Who do we gather with-saints or sinners? It's easy and tempting, even profitable sometimes to gather "found sheep" and declare this as new church development. But is it really?

Luke 15:2 "The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, "He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends." Where are we scheduling our time to hang out? Church/Religious crowds? With the "saved"? Who's coming to dinner?

Luke 15:3 "Their grumbling triggered this story." Does Jesus wants to redirect our focus and understand whom the harvest consists of?

Luke 15:4 "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it?" Would we, would I? What about our performance reports? Do we go for the best numbers? Offerings? Or after the lost soul who "should of known better anyway" or whatever excuse for uncomplicating our lives we choose.

Luke 15:5 "When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, Being a saving agent is much more fun then fattening up those in the holding pen. What are we doing anyway!

Luke 15:6 and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' This is a real Party!

Luke 15:7 "Count on it--there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue." If our life's work can be likened to a performance, whom are we playing for? The Kingdom of His Dear Son and the hosts of Angels? If so Jesus makes it clear what brings joy to Him, and where our priority should be if we are to be serious.

Our audience does not consist of whom is over us , or whom we are accountable to, it is not and can never be to those who we walk beside, but rather it intended to be the ultimate gig performed for Jesus and He alone. And here in this story He makes it clear what is music to His ears.

Let's examine ourselves and see how our lives are being read and "ponder the paths of our footsteps" KJV, or as the CEV does it "Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. Proverbs 4:26.

Jesus prayed that the Father would "not remove us" but "keep us in" the world. Paul says "I entered their world" 1 Corinth 9:22

I believe this is one of the single most important concepts to be learned and practiced amongst those who sense what's good right and true with simple church life today.

"Jesus, open our eyes, as we unplug our hearing may your Word penetrate and be inscribe upon our hearts. Lord empower us to rewrite our day planners and make it priority work to make friends with the lost. Teach us how to speak without religious gibberish, how to laugh with hurting people, how to heal with comforting words and actions. How to see ourselves as your Priests in the parish of our neighborhoods. Lead and guide us, fill us to overflowing with your Spirit, and at the end of our day may we say your ways are ours. In Jesus name, Amen."

Blessings,
Harold

"Making Tough Choices"

As we "walk in the Spirit" (and thus avoid fulfilling the lusts of the flesh) we have choices to make, sometimes any of which could be considered "good" in the eyes of an onlooking world. The early disciples faced these situations wherein they reached the end of their ability to make a cognitive decision sometimes resorting to what some would say gambling or casting lots.

The nature of making a God pleasing decision does not conist so much in the processing of information as it is to adjusting our bearing and posture. Whatsoever is not of faith----is sin, God says, so in the process of choosing we want to assume a bearing of "faith", not fear. Decisions by the roll of the dice may seem desperate but the truth is there are choices we face where we just don't have an objective "Word" from the Father nor a subjective leading of the Spirit. Sometimes the correct choice is just to risky or difficult.

This is when we want to get down on our knees, humble ourselves before God and simply say "I can't decide, help me Lord". Telling God of our inability to choose and asking Him for help will place us in a "listening mode" apt to hear clearly what to do or not to do. With the hearing comes the empowerment to obey.

Travel with Jesus and note His posture;

"Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles. Luke 6:12-13 - NKJV

Prayer proceeded all that Jesus said and did. He prayed to the Father before He made choices or settled on decisions and before every other kind of task that He faced. As a result, He said of Himself, "I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." When we give prayer the same priority Jesus gave it, we'll also come to see what the Father does and hear what He says. (John 5:19)
Jesus' ministry was led by prayer. Yours (our) life and ministry in the world and with His Church will have to be led by prayer too. If we're going to follow Jesus, we're going to have to follow Him in prayer.

Like most lessons this one has been reinforced personally when deciding what bivocational job I should take in supplementing God's gifts for the ministry. I had two great offers and simply couln't decide. Well after counsel with my dearest friends and praying this way--God removed one of the choices and the burden and presure rolled off my shoulders.

If you, like me, enjoy walking unemcumbered in the Spirit one vital "simple truth" is we want to get used to a default bearing of "faith" and a posture that causes us to fall on our knees before God, like Jesus---saying "not my will--but yours be done".

"Numbers and Numbering"

Our world, in and out side of the Church,inspired by the dark "prince of the power of the air" is being damaged, driven and destroyed by it's ill informed view based soley upon numbers. Phrases like "the bottom line", the "number of churches in our networks", "souls saved", "attendance up by #" and of course "offering totals" are only a part of the "littany of success "as defined by this spirit of the age.

And Simple Churches are no less subject to this bent view often lookin to find it's security in numbers. Numbers attending meetings, numbers of House Churches, Conference totals--- ad nauseum. One of the truthful perspectives about our life with God is found in how a father "knows" his children. We don't think of our kids in terms of numbers and even moreso our God knows us by name, the number of hairs on our head, our future and all of the details in between.

Dare we view our little flocks we undershepherd with any less concern for detail? Are not the contours of their lives , their hopes, fears and faith worthy of our knowing?Years ago when Wendy & I first concluded God was asking us to open our home and lives for the gathering of His Church Wendy said "Question Harold---if it's only our family that gathers will you still lead the meeting?" Of course I said yes, but it was an important bridge to cross. We sometimes are tempted to think that it's not as good a meeting when few or none show up as compared to when the living room overflows.

It is no small thing to realize the value of one soul, young, old, little or big, smart or lacking intelligence, healthy or infirmed. Jesus said it best---the Father notices when a bird falls, how much more does He care for you! Consider the Scripture's perspective found in Romans 9 as found in the Message translation.

"Hosea put it well: I'll call nobodies and make them somebodies; I'll call the unloved and make them beloved. In the place where they yelled out, "You're nobody!" they're calling you "God's living children." Isaiah maintained this same emphasis: If each grain of sand on the seashore were numbered and the sum labeled "chosen of God," They'd be numbers still, not names; salvation comes by personal selection. God doesn't count us; he calls us by name. Arithmetic is not his focus. Romans 9:25-28

Something to consider when tempted to defend the "size" of our ministry-----.

The Pathology of enthusiastic Lies"

One only needs to compare advertising of products in the 50s and 60s to what we see coming through TV today to realize that we accept half truths and lies like never before. Whatever happened to "Truth in Advertising"? We can't blame the merchandisers any more then the consumers, them versus us. We all buy hype and propagate hype even after we find it to be empty.
It is similar in religious circles today, with the emphasis on marketing new churches, we find along with most church going people that the sales pitch is flawed and empty in content. Words like "Powerful", "Miracles", "deliverance", dramatic, exciting, relevant, dynamic all fill the brochures and advertising spots created by the new churches. The turnover, attrition and revolving doors testify to the reality that most churches fail to deliver what they promise. When certain characteristics are deemed "in", books conferences and "how-to" seminars are developed for small groups, house churches and even "simple church".
But we say they are so "passionate" it must be true! Agreed ,it takes passion to lie effectively and to trumpet vanity, but is this God? Are we not confusing anointing with enthusiasm? For anyone who has been in sales training you will recognize the talking point "To be enthusiastic you must ACT enthusiastic". Passion is neither good or bad, it's the source that is the concern. I know pastors (several) that in preparing for the Sunday pulpit, rise up and play volumes of upbeat Christian music to get in the mood, something that they never do otherwise. I know so called "apostles of the emergent Church that count numbers two and three times over in selling how successful simple church work is, especially in order to procure operating funds. The sad truth about the ensuing attrition and final dismissal of going to church by so many is found in the passage "Hope deferred makes the heart sick". Too many people are sick and tired of commercial religion.
Friends today have a vital responsibility to exercise in the new emerging church movement. One of several points to be made is in the area of our testimony of speaking the Truth. Early Friends realized that an important part of the message of Jesus was how we treat our fellow human beings. They felt that honest dealing with others meant more than just not telling lies. Friends feel that it is important not to mislead others, even if the words used are all technically truthful. Fair business practices were hugely affected by early Friends. The Quaker's insistence upon integrity was paramount in all areas of speech.
This modern way of lying in public is part and parcel to the work of the "spirit of this age", parented by the father of lies himself--Satan. As we continue to walk in continuous revelation of the Scripture today let's stay fixed upon the author and finisher of our faith---Jesus, of whom is THE TRUTH! Let's learn together how to "Speak the Truth in love" and thus speak and be a people of blessing. {More to follow when we address "The Truth about Simple Church life.)

"Making or Cloning?"

Of course I am talking about disciples in response to the great commission of Jesus. Word meanings change over the years and through translations and cultures. The term "disciple" is not immune from misunderstanding today. In general terms the more accurate way of expressing what Jesus is saying is for us to make "learners", in other words help people to experience the reconciliation between themselves and God that Christ sacrificed his life for. And then of course as Jesus said (says) "I must go so I can send the Teacher" The disciple in this context becomes the "learner" in God's classroom (planet earth), and the Teacher who guides us all is the Holy Spirit.
This a long way off the mark from where evangelical and orthodox Christianity as a culture and tradition has taken potential disciples. Whether it's a series of discipleship courses or confirmation/membership classes taught by men & women surely this is not what the first disciples learned as Christ breathed upon them and they were filled with His Spirit. In rediscovering/restoring the foundations of primitive pre Constantine body life in His Church this is the beginning point that is linked to the Promise that "which He has started in you He will complete". Today's approach to discipling is almost entirely through the head, never touching the heart. I have been guilty in my early years in making "converts" to my belief system, taught classes on how to be a disciple, essentially teaching that they should follow me as I follow Christ and model a collection of external behaviors like the rest of us. Drowning one's individual gifts and personality with mine, and other "great Saints of the faith". The results are minimal in the larger scope of things, that is we can overlay our own chariture upon someone and teach them to parrot our belief system and results will always be "clones" of ourselves. Not disciples or learners of Jesus. The Church suffers when we clone Baptist, Pentecostal and Quaker inquirers for we then lack the depth and breadth of diverse gifting and callings. The way out of this is once again to observe the way of making disciples Jesus used. Simple impartation and direction towards the holy spirit is the way of Christ. Can we do that---Absolutely!
Should we do it? No question! When do we begin? Now!

"Release your Simple Church"

Way too much of what is branded as simple church or the emergent church has become the clustering of church people who have dropped out or are misfits for one reason or another, gathered to nurse ("heal" is the normal term used) each others wounds, seemingly or at least presumed to be caused by some monster traditional church. I don't know how you define these clusters but they certainly aren't much like the simple church plantings Paul and the other disciples were engaged in. What is the life cycle of a biblical patterned simple church? Well there is preaching of the gospel to the lost, the poor and the needy, followed by gatherings for spiritual formation that lead to transformation. These happen as the caring undershepherds equip the little flocks for the work of the ministry, including building one another up. The process of "body life" occurs as all members particpate in the growth and development of one another. But----does it stop there? Of course not! Jesus modeled the small simple church cycle perfectly with the 12, and the cycle included graduation and release. The great commission followed, and each of the 12 went on to accomplish some wonderful and power filled days of carrying the gospel beyond just a small Jewish sect into the entire known world at that time.Here's the point----there comes a time in every simple gathering of the church where release is necessary. Most SCs I am aware of, with a few exceptions, stay together beyond what is healthy for them. And there will never be a worldwide multiplication of simple churches again unless we teach and release setting the proper expectations as such from the beginning. Are you part of such a group? Remember Paul spent as little as 2-4 weeks with pagan peoples in preaching the gospel and gathering new believers together before he left. What are we doing that makes US think we need to continue and continue on to feed and nurse one anther's psyches forever and ever. I am suggesting as an effective undershepherd we need to "kick them out" into the work of the ministry--an accurate translation of the greek for Mat 9:38 "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest."The great commission given to the early disciples says "go" not stay. It's safe to say that a simple church flock is ready for dispersion when it realizes that the entire group is a leader. The ultimate end for Simple Church leadership is to raise and release the entire body of ministers into the harvest to repeat the cycle. Not to sit, and wait on and pray for perfection amongst the saints. That happens positionally in Christ, but to be released is less demanding. To be full of the Holy Spirit and anointed to preach the good news, by word and deed that is the end game. Some imperfections and chinks in our armor will be healed as we are proactive in faith. We are too concerned for how we will look, how we can fit into existing establishment religion, and waste way to much energy trying to fulfil one another's expectations. There is a time to be released. And as an undershepherd it may be the single most important thing you do! These truly are the days of Elijah and we need to be proclaiming the day of the Lord that is approaching, quickly. Let's get moving folks, while the wind is a blowing.

"Branding" Simple Church

Well it's happened, just like with the "Jesus People", "Charismatic" and "House Church" movements, the enemy of our souls, and of whom is constantly at war with His Bride, has succeeded in appealing to our prideful lust and "need" to be recognized for what we are involved with in ministry.

To be a valid "simple church person" or leader the following certifications must occur;

Have a firm solid line relationship vertically with one of the new breed of self appointed "apostles". (Someone who has written an "Emergent Church" book.

Not be connected in any practical way with a denominational movement

Be able to recite the SC creed--see below.

To know the difference between a "Care group", a "house church" and a s"Simple Church.

Having read Wolfgang Simpson's and The Dale's books and magazines.

Attended at least one SC regional gathering.
To be single minded in thinking we are on THE Leading edge of what Gods is doing.

To feel empathy for those poor Christians who just don't get it.

I realized this spirit of pride is beginning to swallow up some leaders and meetings at a recent conference I attended. not unlike what has happened in the past. It was sealed for me in discussions with a vibrant and fruitful apostolic like SC planter in Washington State who has written a good book and how hard it was to get it published. First he needed to front cover the "Emergent" term (because it helps sales) and that he needed a Tier One writer like Brian McClaren to write the forward--(presumably because it boosts sales). What to do? Put on humility and guard our hearts as Paul warns, adopt the heart of a servant, follow Christ in extending grace in all directions, not just the lost or pagans. And above all reject the notion, refuse to be "branded" with any kind of label other then "servant". I have struggled over the years to adequately define what we are engaged in and have come to the conclusion--we are just "friends" of Jesus as we each apply ourselves to radical obedience, individually and relationally. The scripture records just one kind of ministry given to us, that being as verse 18 speaks, "reconciliation". Note the context; (CEV)

2Co 5:15 And Christ did die for all of us. He died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the one who died and was raised to life for us. 2Co 5:16 We are careful not to judge people by what they seem to be, though we once judged Christ in that way. 2Co 5:17 Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 2Co 5:18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others. 2Co 5:18 But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;" (ASV)
Can you see the gist of what God says through Paul? Let's be careful not to judge and let's comitt ourselves in word and deed to the spirit of reconciliation---on all fronts.

A proposed Creed for real simple church members (absurdium plustas)
"I believe in the one true simple church, an covenant to never gather in a church building, sing hymns or allow anyone to preach, I believe that God speaks only through the Message translation, I covenant with other SCs in never allowing ourselves to grow larger then the apostolic number of 12 persons, and to prove I am not bound by any traditional practices I covenant to always show up late or later for any attempt at starting a meeting on time. In addition I insist with my Simple brethren to not suffer teaching or preaching in our midst. Also in order to maintain spirituality I agree with the others not to invite or bring a pagan into our midst until they are mature enough to minister with the rest of us. And finally I walk with my brethren in agreement never to sanctify Sunday morning with a regular church meeting"

humbly yours,
Harold

"Sharing Life"

If their is one area that continues to hinder the growth of the Kingdom of God in men's hearts today that drives hordes away from the cross it is what has been called "witnessing" or "soul-winning". Devices such as the "sinner's prayer" and "altar calls to recieve Jesus" just are not part of the gospel or new covenant. People come to Christ (and other religions) today mostly in small steps in response to what they sense is real in a friend's life. It is usually a slow evolutionary process rather then a single crisis experience. (with a few exceptions). This being the case it would serve Christ well that people called by His name would emanate Christ's being "the friend of sinners", building bridges with those they have the most contact with (oikos).

But for our lives to have impact this way we need to adjust some practices;

1) Start befriending lost people (more time OUT of Church meetings and IN the world.

2) Developing an overflowing relationship with, and continuous filling of, the Holy Spirit.

3) As we "enter their world" (1Co9:22) learn to respect and honor each persons dignity.

4) Beware not to lay practices such as devotions, meeting attendance, tithing on anyone.

5) Become known as a person of "blessing" and fun to be around.

6) Learn what it means to "call forth all that is good right and true" in your new friends lives.

7) Be a faithfull friend that listens, plays, and laughs with those God loved that you meet.

Let's forsake proselytizing and embrace incarnational living amongst the hurting and lonely.
George Fox, a friend of the American Indian because he refgused to call them heathen and rather embraced "their fine nobility" as God's creation modeled and taught his approach to what we might call the normal Christian life here recorded in Setember 1663.

"Sing and rejoice [Zech 2:10], ye children of the day and of the light [1 Th 5:5]; for the Lord is at work in this thick night of darkness that may be felt [Exo 10:21f]. And truth doth flourish as the rose [Isa 35:1], and the lilies do grow among the thorns [Song 2:2], and the plants atop of the hills, and upon them the lambs do skip and play. And never heed the tempests nor the storms, floods nor rains, for the seed Christ is over all, and doth reign. And so be of good faith and valiant for the truth [Jer 9:3]: for the truth can live in the jails. And fear not the loss of the fleece, for it will grow again; and follow the lamb, if it be under the beast's horns, or under the beast's heels; for the lamb shall have the victory [Rev 17:14] over them all. And so all live in the seed Christ [Gal 3:16], your way [John 14:6], that never fell [1 Pet 2:22]; and you do see over all the ways of Adam's and Eve's sons and daughters in the fall. And in the seed Christ, your way, you have life and peace; and there you do see over all the ways of Adam in the fall, in which there is no peace. So in the seed Christ stand and dwell, in whom you have life and peace; the life that was with the Father before the world began."

And I might add "and let's pass this Peace to all we encounter.

"Tithing; Low-realm, Obsolete & Defunct?"

A dear friend and SC partner/veteran, Nate Krupp has sent me this work, by Matthew E. Narramore which is another in a series of wonderful new books made available for free, to help equip the Body of Christ these days, simply click on, and read it on line, download it or purchase it. It's at www.tekoapublishing.com/ Like most of what I publish and share on this blog this work has a prophetic edge that may offend or anger some readers, and that is not it's intent. If we don't get Christ teaching concerning the use of money right we won't get much else right either. For much of what is wrong with contemporary christianity finds it's root in the inordinate affection for money and the associated power and/or control that is attached to it. Here is some of his introduction;

By Matthew E. Narramore

The problem with tithing is not about money. It's the low spiritual mentality that the doctrine of tithing produces and reinforces in the Body of Christ.
For God to achieve his objective of bringing Christians to full stature in Christ, he must first change their mindset from a carnal, Old Covenant paradigm of being merely servants who are keeping laws and following principles to the New Covenant paradigm of being sons of God who live by the indwelling Christ himself.
This book examines all the arguments used to justify the practice of tithing and compares them to the finished work of Christ at the cross. It explains who we are in Christ and how we can be led by the Spirit in our giving.
Discover:
How the tithing doctrine contradicts the New Covenant and destroys the power of Christ's finished work on the cross.
What the Bible actually says about tithing before the Law and why the popular teaching that promotes tithing is wrong about the tithe that Abraham gave to Melchizedek.
The truth about tithing during the Law and how the confusion about tithes, offerings, and gifts contributes to the erroneous teaching that Christians should tithe.
What the Bible actually says about tithing after the Law and where the misunderstanding originates that causes people to think that tithing is God's plan for the church.
Answers to more than twenty of the most popular statements that are used to promote tithing—each statement scripturally analyzed and exposed as being contrary to the New Covenant.
God's glorious New Covenant paradigm for giving which is separate from and superior to any concept of tithing.

"A Radical but Simple Calling"

Two themes working in my heart this week;


On Guidance:

First is the sometimes hyperspiritual approach that religious people go through in determining the "will of the Lord" or "leading of the Spirit" in daily decisions to be made on the road of being a Christ follower. I've been finding that viewing people and things through the simple eyes of Jesus is a rather simple way to know what to do, what choices to make etc. etc. and there is a super natural rythym of His Grace that allows us to participate in this "dance" with Christ and His Creation . It is so simple we often miss it tripping over ours and one another's feet like a drunkard in a square dance. Hardly ever are decisions made with the same grace and ease that would define the dance. We tend to dispute, hold grudges, yield to the majority and secretly disagree with the community's consensus often hoping their innermost positions are verified with failure. You say "Christians don't do that" and I say like Popeye's girlfriend Olive, "Phooey, Phooey, Phooey" it happens every day in churchland. But, in Graceland where we find ourselves when their is different thoughts the obious response by the community is we just don't know--so what to do? Is this an excuse for passivity? Well as I reminded by a friend lately--perhaps in some situations like in the early church--we just need to "flip a coin" or draw straws. Sometimes that is the way of faith, to beleive when we don't know, that God does control the flipping coin. Consider "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Prov. 16:33), or "Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart." ~ Proverbs 18:18 For some that want to complicate and mystify the simplicity of a childlike walk with his father, these points are part of the organic whole of Proverbs and the Bible. You can't tip-toe through the scripture and dispensationalize or atomize the truth without it taking a different form in the end. The early church drew straws or flipped coins so to speak for who to choose to replace Judas with and in other situations as well. Pray yes, trust God--and move forward folks. Let's avoid the hard feelings, yield our thoughts or put them on hold until God gives us the missing piece, but please, no more spiritual seance like spookiness. In most situations doing the will of God is as easy as listening and watching how and what Jesus says and does as seen in scripture, and as His disciple just following Him in obedience. For instance concerning money, giving and worshipping God with the money He gives us. No other subject has been misused, abused and perverted as much as how we handle our finances. The "love of money" is the common denominator of this perversion, and many a soul has been shipwrecked upon the rocky shoals of greed. Amnd yet the simple teaching of Jesus on handling money overshafdows everything else He tells us! Get this area right and life eternal is yours--get it wrong and expect to find yourself in a stormy sea grasping on to rocks trying to get a foothold on land!

Next week we will explore this second area, "Greed"-and it's resultant carnality"
in depth, with it's implications for the redemptive community in action.

May God richly bless your lives,

love,
Harold & Wendy
haroldbehr@gmail.com
www.simplechurches.net

The "Conversational Church"

This past weekend Wendy & I were able to share in a retreat gathering of around 15-18 leaders of Simple Missional Communities, meeting in homes and other places, and we shared a most unique and wonderful series of conversations and music. We met primarily outdoors, in the shade in a spring formed"oasis" of birds, trees, frogs and pleasant breezes while listening to each share observations and inspiration from their hearts. Our theme seemingly consisted of various threads of how we are engaging culture as a sent people. It seemed that folks shared with ease, carefully worded thoughts that strengthened us all. Strategy was discussed, Scripture was shared, and beautiful acoustic picking and playing served as a backdrop at times. The food was great as we shared, prayed and mostly enjoyed God's Presence, Peace and Joy engulfing us all. It was sad to go, but as we did I think we wanted to continue the "conversation" amongst those gatherings we are serving as undershepherds. It was these conversations we see Jesus had with His disciples that drew many from the outside into the Kingdom.

Consider Mattherw 9:10
"Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew's house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them.
Mat 9:11 When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus' followers. "What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riff-raff?"
Mat 9:12 Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick?
Mat 9:13 Go figure out what this Scripture means: 'I'm after mercy, not religion.' I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders."

Iam sure if our meetings are not simply a house church image of Sunday Worship in the traditional sense, that outsiders will enjoy our conversations and enter into them and will hear the Message that will help them join the circle. But not so if we practice our gatherings full of religious gibberish and complicated songs and prayers that require insider knowledge to understand.

We need to be more open and inviting with our meetings, our lives and our prayer. All this instead of gathering for a hyperspiritual seance where we try and conjure up strange messages in foreign tongues that no one understands.

Consider Jesus again when he says in
Mat 5:13 "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Mat 5:14 "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.
Mat 5:15 If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand.
Mat 5:16 Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Mat 5:48 "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.

Would you join me in starting spiritual conversations, each sharing, each participating in language that is inviting and understandable and that reaches out to those outside God's Kingdom? To those who don't realize yet that they are being saved?

If we never sing another song or preach another sermon but rather share the light of His work within, share the hope and the future that results in the Peace that surpasses understanding we will find many attracted to this Gospel of the Kingdom!

Bland Spirituality

Summertime coffee drinks are soooo good!! Wendy had a new Starbucks frappacino" made with chocolate mint and I always drink a few heavy draws on the straw even though I'm lactose intolerant--so what, the extreme mint, extreme chocolate and always extreme Mocha is worth it! We like them double blended for the extreme cool---Once you have tasted real coffee with it's depth and breadth of flavors, brewed properly why would you ever want to settle for the same old restaurant coffee again? The same goes for genuine encounters with Christ's Spirit in worship gatherings, and the same could be said for the sense of genuine community at work ministering to Christ through needy face on the street, in prison or the neighborhood. One can never go back to bland religious activity again once having tasted the heavenly reality.
Today many are group and church hopping looking for something that satisfies and instead finding in most cases it's all the same "bland", lukewarm, average delivery. You know "average don't you? It's where the worst of the best meets up with the best of the worst. I guess the 50/50 mix of hymns and choruses fits that description. My wife Wendy gets frustrated when we settle in to a glorious hymn and sing verses 1 & 4 for time's sake, skipping most of the heart of the story the writer gives us. The same goes for 3 choruses sung three times liturgy. The Spirit of Life calls for more drama then this. Our hearts were designed for radical extremism in worship and living. Radical honesty radical application to the Truth, radical love, all in response to a radical outpouring of God's grace and forgiveness is priceless and received joyfully by the unchurched. Jesus spoke to his disgust with lives that are lived lukewarm in radical terms. (spits it out). Bar room conversations center on this around closing time as drunks speak to the hypocrisy and moral weakness they observe by the churchgoing public.We are challenged to "Taste and see, the Lord is good", once one tastes of the heavenly Kingdom it's at least as good as Starbucks Coffee, who would settle for anything less?
This all begs the question "What am I serving up?" these days. Lukewarm, burnt yet weak coffee? Stale bread? Yesterday's news? God forgive me when I have "settled" for the dull edged butter knife in place of the two edged sharp sword that cuts to the dividing of soul and spirit.
I believe we are so used to bland that when we draw upon our experiences and default to responding like we are conditioned to mediocrity we miss the mark. God offers us the ability the gifts the unction to be a prophetic people, eyes emblazoned with the Spirit of Elijah, seeing through the obvious into the not yet seen with the natural eye. I believe He wants us think radically with His mind, to love with His heart and even go to the extreme sacrifice empowered by His "dynamite", His explosive power. One Word obeyed, One Word spoken and expressed incarnationally through us will change the course of history.
The emergent Church Christ is building these days is nothing if not extreme in it's obedience and discipleship. Petty bible studies that study a few verses in the abstract as guided by a pre printed study guide are another example of lukewarm comittment to the Truth. Why not comitt to 30 chapters read in community a week and then being held accountable to one another in obedience to what has been learned. Many are doing this discovering a treasure trove of revealed truth as God breathes life into a radical discipleship. Nothing less will satisfy the palette of the unlooking world that's taste buds have become numb with commodity food, politics and religion. Let's ask God to fill us with this radical lifechanging, world shaping and yes most radical Holy Spirit! What say you? Do you think "balance" is a biblical concept? Do you think aquiecesing to normalcy is an asset to kingdom Living? What say you?

Harnessing the Power of the Wind!

This summer I intend to take sailing lessons, it's something I've wanted to do for years.I learned the hard way that sailing requires knowledge and hands on skill if you want to avoid terror, injury or - - get anywhere. When my daughter Lori was about 10 we rented a small sailboat and "took her sailing". We were on a small lake, and afterall I had 7 years of Navy shipboard experience, and grew up as a kid on the ocean with my parents. It couldn't be that hard, I thought. We pushed off and I hoisted the sail, easy enough, it filled up and away we went for about 5 minutes of bliss, the silent sound of the wind propelling on out towards the end of the lake. As we approached I thought well I'll just spin the rudder around and well---you might know the rest. I had our boat 90 degrees on it's side at times, Lori crying, me trying for an hour every concievable combination of sail and rudder and we just sat there. Fortunately the Coast Guard came and towed us in. She still has a post traumatic laugh at my expense on occasion.

Sailing through the Seas of people's lives is not unlike sailing a ship. For one thing, we need some help with the equipment God gives for navigating the shoals, rescuing those drowning and returning safely to port.

First and foremost harnessing the power of the wind require us to raise our sails in such a way aws to catch the wind. The rigging has to be right and tight. As we do this, with practice, we then have the propulsion, the power to steer the course that the Spirit of Discernment reveals for us. Many times I had the discernment without the power of the wind, and had to use the oars and after countless attempts at what proved to be futility was unable to help the one I wanted to. Other times I harnessed the wind and got blown away for lack of being able to set the proper course. The Holy Spirit, like the wind is an awesome power and not to be handled in a careless manner. I know, God will tow us back in if we get stranded or blown over. But wouldn't it be better to be mentored, coached, and discipled as to how to use of the equipment?

The poet Tagore said "The winds of Grace are blowing. But it is you that must raise your sails."

Let's be sure we know how to sail, navigate and return safely as we hoist our sails, and we'll avoid winding up on the rocks with those we are trying to lead to a God saved life, eh mate?

We're here to help-let us know! Meanwhile I will learn in class how to properly rig sails and operate a real sailboat this summer.

May God's Peace be your Compass,
Harold Behr

"When Storm Winds Blow"

It's for certain we will always face tribulation as individuals, leaders and fellowships. Jesus promised it "In this world you will have tribulation". This has been a problem for today's western Church that has altered the Truth in order to sell more "decisions" for a Santa Claus Jesus that promises health, prosperity and happiness. But it's a lie! The temptation to blame Satan for every accident, affliction or unfavorable condition is hyperspiritual foolishness. Yet that's what some traditional evangelical teaching concludes. The damnable heresy in this is that it has us looking for demons where they don't exist, personal sin that has been cleansed from our soul, and results in a fatalistic feeling of failure. As we are seeing new testament faith & practice emerge in our midst we need to hold for the clear & wholesome truth about tough circumstances and periods of our walk with Christ & one another.

1)Fact one---the entire creation experiences cycles of affliction and blessing, ease and disease, highs and lows, sadness and joy. Life here is cyclical, and the truth is whatever tribulation we face "It too will pass".

2)Fact two---Matthew 24:13 (MsgB) "Staying with it that's what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won't be sorry, and you'll be saved. " Perseverance through the trial is what God wants to be with & through us as we press on.

3)Fact three--Psalm 84:5-7 (KJV) "Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. [6] Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. [7] They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. " This the Promise you can hang your faith on when tough times come.

4)Fact four----Psalm 18:11-21 (MsgB) "Now he's wrapped himself in a trenchcoat of black-cloud darkness. [12] But his cloud-brightness bursts through, spraying hailstones and fireballs. [13] Then God thundered out of heaven; the High God gave a great shout, spraying hailstones and fireballs. [14] God shoots his arrows, pandemonium! He hurls his lightnings a rout! [15] The secret sources of ocean are exposed, the hidden depths of earth lie uncovered The moment you roar in protest, let loose your hurricane anger. [16] But me he caught reached all the way from sky to sea; he pulled me out Of that ocean of hate, [17] that enemy chaos, the void in which I was drowning. [18] They hit me when I was down, but God stuck by me. 19] He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved surprised to be loved! [20] God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. [21] Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted.

Here you have the truth, God is in the storm, wrapping himself in the black clouds, just over the horizon His presence displaces the low pressure area and the incoming high results in us standing in blue sky, fresh ozone charged air, able to say with the psalmist "Blessed people pass through". It's normality here on earth, and it's redemptive all the way--if we just keep on placing one foot in front of the other,not faltering , not looking for an escape clause, hanging our faith on the objective Promise s. After all it's a war we are in, not a vacation cruise.

May Christ empower you to turn your Baca Valley experiences into springs in the desert, wells you can be refreshed by. It's the realty of what we face, Jesus did, all early saints did as well until we meet our Master in heaven.

May the God of Strengh lead you on & through the adversity you face, and may you find His Grace suficient for the journey.

Chasing the "Apostolic", (will we ever learn?)

35 years ago a "movement" of house churches developed quick, went worldwide, and shared almost all of the same qualities that today's "movement" possesses. It was originally a grass roots start where many of the "Jesus People" movement gathered together for fellowship. There were a series of conferences usually led by what is now called the "Fort Lauderdale Five". These men were great platform speakers, all deeply Pentecostal and gifted. They saw themselves part of what is called Restoration Theology, wherein positionaly the church experiences rebirth of the Ephesians 4:11, and these in turn release others, commission others to plant new Churches. It became known as the "Shepherding Movement" and evolved into a hierarchial movement not unlike the catholic church. As it developed these regional conferences were held regularly with the strong Pentecostal element, and they became focal points for men (evolved into men in leadership only) to find their "covering", in other words who they were to be "under". These were high profile meetings, held worldwide, and initially gained a lot of press, first positive then very negative. National leaders such as Chuck Smith (Calvary Chapel) and others condemned it, mostly because of their heavy handed top down approach to running p